Background Information

I was fortunate to have trained with the absolute best jiu-jitsu practitioners/coaches in the world.  My journey started with Romero "Jacare" Calvalcanti in Atlanta, Ga in 1997.  It was under Jacare and the leadership of the Alliance team that I developed a base and strategy for Jiu-jitsu practice and competition.  I evolved my training under the tutelage of my master Roberto Traven and I am honored to have been awarded my black belt from Master Traven in 2007.  Since, 2007 I have represented both team Roberto Traven and Alliance respectively.  Using the skill set that I have developed over the years from my training partners and coaches I decided to branch off and form my own academy.  Thus, in 2010 Smithbjj was born. 

Smithbjj serves the metro-Atlanta community.  One thing that Jiu-jitsu has given me, is the ability to strive for something bigger than myself.  This goal driven paradigm typically took the form of competition but morphed into academia as well.  My goal is to bring this passion and continue the tradition of helping others overcome and achieve their goals in life and in the sport of Jiu-jitsu.  I am honored and privileged to have coached and mentored champions on and off the mats! We are also part of the Checkmat team!

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