What Makes Us Unique
At Carlson Gracie Nash County Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu, we are a part of an extensive world wide network of Carlson Gracie Jr's team that has been rooted in the USA since 1996. Here at Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu we believe in you! This is truly a gym for everyone, from beginners to professional fighters. We believe that everyone has their own journey, and we strive to cultivate a respectful, encouraging and uplifting environment for students of all ages. We believe in setting personal goals, be it getting in shape, learning self-defense or training for your next fight.
With over 36 years of BJJ experience between them, owners Mark Bryant, Timothy Smith and Glenn Connie have adopted a comprehensive curriculum from Day One that will allow students to track their own benchmarks, as they gain confidence and learn self-dicipline.
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Please contact us to schedule an appointment to see our facilities and have any questions answered about the art of Jiu Jitsu, MMA, scheduling or prices!
Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu is for Everyone!
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers a comprehensive approach to physical, mental, and emotional development, making it a valuable practice for people of all ages and fitness levels.
1. Effective Self-Defense Skills
BlackSheep Jiu Jitsu, equips practitioners with techniques to defend themselves in real-life situations, regardless of size or strength. It focuses on leverage, control, and submissions, making it effective against larger, stronger attackers.
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2. Improved Physical Fitness
Our training builds strength, endurance, flexibility, and coordination. The dynamic movements and techniques provide a full-body workout that enhances cardiovascular health and burns calories.
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3. Enhanced Confidence
Learning to protect yourself and mastering new techniques fosters self-confidence. Practitioners develop mental toughness, resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
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4. Stress Relief and Mental Clarity
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training is a great way to relieve stress. The focus and discipline required help clear your mind, improve concentration, and boost overall mental well-being.
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5. Community and Camaraderie
Training often involves a close-knit community of supportive individuals. Practitioners build lasting friendships, learn teamwork, and experience personal growth within a positive environment.
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OUR CORE VALUES
Community
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We aim to grow together and celebrate our collective achievements
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We aim to grow not only our own gym family, but also build and maintain connections throughout the BJJ community
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Confidence​
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With each lesson we strive to build each student's confidence as they progress not only on their martial arts journey but in different aspects within their life
Character
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We strive to both teach and hold ourselves to the highest of standards. We adhere to the foundations of character including trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and compassion
MEET OUR PROFESSORS
Professor Mark
2nd Degree Black Belt
Head instructor
Rocky Mount Location
Professor Mark began his martial arts training in 2006 and in 2011 began teaching grappling at CORE MMA. During this time, Professor Mark helped to assemble and train a successful MMA team with a 170 title win for Next Level Fight Club.
All the while, he continued his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training, competing in several BJJ tournaments and winning titles in both North Carolina and Virginia.
On November 4, 2017 Professor Mark obtained his rank of black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
In 2018, he became the head instructor of BJJ at Tap Out fitness in Raleigh, where he taught for just under a year, before transitioning to Pendergrass Academy of Martial Arts. In December of 2020, Professor Mark was awarded the first degree on his black belt. In March of 2024 he received his second degree.
Black Belt
Instructor
Rocky Mount Location
Professor Glenn
Professor Glenn began his martial arts journey at age 13, earning a green belt in Goju Shorin Karate. After returning to karate training in the mid-1990s, he expanded his striking background through Muay Thai training in 2016, further developing his understanding of stand-up technique and discipline.
In 2013, Glenn discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and never looked back. After training at several academies, he found his home at Black Sheep Jiu Jitsu. In March 2024, Professor Glenn was promoted to black belt during a Carlson Gracie Jr. seminar.
Known for his competitive mindset, Professor Glenn competed early in his BJJ career, earning a medal at every competition he entered. He brings a well-rounded martial arts background and a detail-driven coaching style to help students of all levels build confidence, skill, and consistency on the mats.
Professor Tim
1st Degree Black Belt
Head Instructor Loisuburg Loaction
Professor Tim has been training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for the past 10 years, achieving the rank of black belt this past year. He has also trained in boxing.
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Professor Tim competed early in his BJJ career, with several podium finishes. He has also taught BJJ classes periodically at several other gyms.
Not only does he have a passion for training BJJ but is passionate about teaching and self-defense. He has received both his level 1 and 2 Gracie Survival Tactics Certificates and was featured in the GST teaching video library. He also holds several other certifications he holds for teaching law enforcement officers throughout the region, most recently becoming a SOCP instructor.
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Professor Tim brings this training and experience into the gym as well, hosting self defense seminars and weaving those lessons into the regular curriculum.​
Sensei Chris
Instructor
Rocky Mount Location
Sensei Chris is a 5th degree Isshinryu Karate (Traditional Okinawan Karate) black belt and a 2 stripe blue belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has competed in the Isshinryu Hall of Fame Tournament and placed 4th over in the world and 3rd in weapons. In this tournament, he fought the number one fighters from Ukraine, Canada and Russia.
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Sensei Chris as since started coaching and states that his greatest accomplishments are coaching MMA fighters. He has coached those who have ranked #1 in the state and #20 in the Southeast Region at 170lbs, the #1 in the state at 135lbs and #2 in the state at 125lbs.
CONTACT US
Get in Touch!
1033 Suites A and B Carriage Trail, Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(On the corner of Carriage Trail and N Old Carriage Road)
252-567-1621
blacksheepjiujitsumma@gmail.com
