About Us

When you’re looking for the best black belt self-defense training in South Carolina, look no further than Lexington Jiu Jitsu. We provide adult Jiu Jitsu training 6 days a week!

Gracie Jiu Jitsu, which got its start in 1914 with the Gracie family in Brazil, emphasizes safety and self-defense over sport in this unique, power-building, leverage-based martial art. At Lexington Jiu Jitsu, our goal is to provide the best and most comprehensive Gracie Jiu Jitsu self-defense programs in the Lexington and Columbia areas. In our high-energy classes, you’ll find an environment that is friendly, positive, and welcoming. We want our students to learn the art of Jiu Jitsu while having fun and building their physical fitness and their confidence. Our goal is to empower you with the skills and techniques you can apply in real-world situations. What you learn in our Black Belt Academy will give you the ability to defend yourself against any aggressor regardless of size, strength, or athleticism.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide a comprehensive self-defense plan that goes beyond competition and sportsmanship. We aim for it to go into the real world where your life and safety may be on the line. Additionally, our programs will prepare you for the actuality of an attack and give you the skills you need for successful self-defense. We will train you to physically stop an attack, gain control over the aggressor, and render them defenseless. We will also prepare you mentally to keep your wits about you and apply your skills. Because of this, you will walk away safely from any incident.

Our goal is to empower our clients with the right self-defense plan for their personal safety and specific lifestyle needs. With this in mind, using proper angles and timing, you’ll gain the strength and proficiency in the techniques unique to this form of martial arts. We’ll focus on dominant positions to gain control and moves that render your opponent defenseless. As well as grip and positioning to give you the upper hand when your safety is at risk. As a result, you’ll learn the strength and abilities of your own body while building your physical fitness and your confidence. You’ll work with like-minded people, master new techniques, and have fun while learning to defend yourself from potential threats.

OUR GUARANTEE

We guarantee professional instruction, safe training, and success. We can ensure you will be prepared for street self-defense. This will be a result of many things, These include real-life functional strength, cardio fitness, enhanced flexibility, and increased self-confidence, with our fun, enjoyable training sessions with like-minded individuals.

Instead of feeling fearful of a potential incident, take control of your own safety. Contact the team at Lexington Jiu Jitsu and find out why our self-defense programs can help you feel confident and secure no matter where you go. Try out our free 3 class pass to get started!

 

Our Staff

RACHEL FREEMAN, Gracie Purple Belt 3 stripes

RACHEL FREEMAN, Gracie Purple Belt 3 stripes

My name is Rachel Freeman. At the recommendation of a good friend of mine, I tried out jiu jitsu; I was hooked after the very first class. In addition to learning sound self-defense techniques, it keeps me mentally and physically active and serves as a therapeutic outlet for dealing with life’s everyday stresses. Jiu jitsu promotes self-confidence, balance, and overall wellness in my life. Outside of jiu jitsu, I am a physical therapist assistant (PTA) and an adjunct instructor for the PTA program at Midlands Technical College. I enjoy reading, listening to music, and tap dancing. Most importantly, I have two sons that light up my life and push me to be a better person every day.

TED SOCHA, Gracie Brown Belt 3 stripes

TED SOCHA, Gracie Brown Belt 3 stripes

Ted is a very kind and friendly person. He has had a long professional career in government service with extensive experience in conflict resolution and has taught thousands of students related skills worldwide. As an instructor he is passionate about realistic training of effective “no-fail” techniques. He began studying at Lexington Jiu-jitsu in 2016. He is particularly excited to teach jiu-jitsu as it provides the best foundation for personal awareness, safety and threat mitigation. What he likes best at Lexington JJ is the community of students and instructors who are all striving towards technical perfection in a very safe, smart and friendly manner. This is world class instruction right here in Lexington. “

CHRIS MONAGHAN, Gracie Brown Belt 3 stripes

CHRIS MONAGHAN, Gracie Brown Belt 3 stripes

Chris started BJJ at Lexington Jiu Jitsu in 2014 and has been an instructor since 2018. Outside the academy, Chris has been an instructor in various fields, government and private, since 2009. He is an ardent believer in results-based approach to training. As the world changes, so should the training. Chris has received all his Gracie Jiu Jitsu rank at Lexington Jiu Jitsu and in fact received his brown belt from Jeb Brown in 2020. Chris is the real deal. If you’re looking for the right answers to the right problems, join Chris in one of his classes. You won’t be disappointed!

MATT McCORMACK, Gracie Black Belt

MATT McCORMACK, Gracie Black Belt

Matt McCormack is a natural born teacher who has a passion for his wife, daughter, two sons, extended family, friends and teaching Jiu Jitsu. At one point in time, Matt taught high school mathematics, coached several sports teams all while achieving a master’s degree. Being a man of higher education Matt has pursued a career serving our community as an administrator at Lexington One Schools. Matt joined Lexington Jiu Jitsu in 2012 with his brother Mike so they could have a ‘brother time’ activity to enjoy. With years of experience, Matt has fount himself back into the classroom but this time the Jiu Jitsu classroom. Matt has been teaching for Lexington Jiu Jitsu since he was a Purple belt and has developed into one of our top instructors. You’ll be able to join Matt in a class we call Fundamentals 2 on a weekly basis. Matt spends his free time with family and friends enjoying life. He also cuts down lots of trees and enjoys counting numbers. Sometimes he’ll count as high as he can because he’s good with numbers.

MIKE McCORMACK, Gracie Black Belt

MIKE McCORMACK, Gracie Black Belt

Mike McCormack (Gracie Jiu Jitsu Brown belt) began his tenure at Lexington jujitsu with his brother Matt in 2012. Born under the sign, Leo, Mike is brave and a natural born leader. He spends his days in the employee of a large health insurance company designing and maintaining their data center and in his free time Mike enjoys the company of his wife and their two teenage (pray for him) daughters. Always seeking lifelong endeavors that are impossible to master Mike is an avid bass fisherman (purple belt) and a golfer (blue belt). Mike would also like people to know that he is very humble which is what makes him so incredible.

MIKE WIRTH, Gracie Black Belt

MIKE WIRTH, Gracie Black Belt

Dr. Michael Wirth is a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, as well as a Core Faculty Member of the Cancer Prevention and Control Program. He received his BS in biology from Wingate University in 2007, his MSPH in epidemiology from the University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, in 2009 and his PhD in epidemiology from the University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, in 2012. Dr. Mike aka “Wirthless” began training with a Pedro Sauer/Mickey Swafford purple belt (Nathan Hale) in 2008. In 2011, Mike joined Jeb in his garage where he was officially put on the belt rank system. In 2012, Mike earned his blue belt and was one of only 2 people trusted to teach classes at Lexington Jiu Jitsu at that time. Mike has a true passion for helping new students as well as advanced students master the jiu jitsu craft. He is without any doubt one of the smartest humans training Jiu Jitsu today. To this day Mike continues to teach full time for Lexington jujitsu and is one of our top instructors. Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and son and visiting family and friends in his home state of Pennsylvania. Being an athlete, his entire life Mike also enjoys all kinds of sport and competition.

CRAIG FREDETTE, Gracie Black Belt

CRAIG FREDETTE, Gracie Black Belt

We’d like to introduce one of Lexington’s finest instructors of Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Gracie Black Belt Craig Fredette. Craig began his Jiu Jitsu training with Pedro Valente Black Belt Jack Walker of Columbia Self Defense in 2007 and in fact received his first 2 belts (Blue & Purple belts) from Pedro Valente personally. Thereafter, as of 2011, Craig has been training with Jeb & Lexington Jiu Jitsu where he received his Brown & Black Belts from Mickey Swafford, a Pedro Sauer Black Belt. Craig’s near 15 years of training and teaching is a real asset to the growth of Lexington Jiu Jitsu students and his passion for helping all level of students learn this effective, real-life skill is evident in his weekly approach to training and teaching. Be sure to join one of Craigs classes to enjoy the benefit he offers. Craig has two daughters and a wife of 20 plus years and is a professional UPS employee haven worked for the company over 15 years. In his free time, Craig enjoys watching all sorts of sports in his man cave with friends and family while eating some of the best smoked & grilled cuisine around. Many have enjoyed the various meats and side dishes that Craig has mastered in his outdoor kitchen. Craig also enjoys get-a-ways to the mountains and the beach as often as possible.

JEB BROWN, Gracie Black belt 1 stripe

JEB BROWN, Gracie Black belt 1 stripe

2006 white belt | 2009 Blue Belt | 2011 Purple Belt | 2015 Brown Belt | 2018 Black Belt | 2021 1st degree Black Belt Jeb Brown is the owner and head instructor of Lexington Jiu Jitsu. He began training Jiu Jitsu in Alabama in 2006 before moving to Chattanooga, TN in 2008 to train with Pedro Sauer Black Belt, Mickey Swafford. Today, as a Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt, Jeb’s passion for teaching has manifested at Lexington Jiu Jitsu into over 50 adult students and 10 Approved Gracie Jiu Jitsu Instructors. During that time, Jeb has created a proprietary system he calls ‘Instructor Development Program’ which he uses to enhance student experience. Jeb’s goal is to teach students to be the best, most technically sound Jiu Jitsu practitioner possible, so a short-term hobby can be a lifelong fitness & friendship experience. He would like to welcome you with open arms to Lexington Jiu Jitsu. Jeb has two daughters and a wife of 20+ years and likes to ‘staycation’ with them. He also enjoys other hobbies such as smoking meat, firearms training, weight & cardio training, pickleball, swimming and beach trips with friends and family. Jeb’s favorite desert is Blue Belt ice cream which he has been eating since a little boy living in Texas. Jeb was raised in Artesia, New Mexico and has lived in Alabama, Tennessee and now South Carolina.

GRACIE JIU-JITSU HISTORY

MITSUYO MAEDA

MITSUYO MAEDA

CARLOS GRACIE

CARLOS GRACIE

HÉLIO GRACIE

HÉLIO GRACIE

RICKSON GRACIE

RICKSON GRACIE

PEDRO SAUER

PEDRO SAUER

EDDIE CAMDEN

EDDIE CAMDEN

MICKEY SWAFFORD

MICKEY SWAFFORD

JEB BROWN

JEB BROWN

YOU

You

Hands down the best academy in the Columbia area. Well-trained instructors, solid teaching, comfortable & welcoming atmosphere. LJJ is one-of-a-kind, offering a complete self-defense curriculum that applies to both the street and the mat. Jeb has created something special and you really won't find better! Stop thinking about it and just go in and try a class!

Alex Monaghan

It changed my life in the best possible way and it has given me confidence!

Johnny Lawrence

Excellent place to train! Friendly, knowledgeable, & professional instructors that make training fun. Great group of people to learn Jiu-Jitsu with. Classes are available 7 days a week. That schedule is Le-Jit. Best school around, no doubt!

Wallace M

Love the atmosphere at this academy. Lineage is legit and the curriculum is excellent. Comfortable for students of all ages and ability levels. I can't recommend Lexington Jiu-Jitsu enough for anyone interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or self-defense. This is the absolute best academy in the midlands for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Dan Trefzger

Not only does this academy offer top-notch instruction, Jeb provides a safe learning environment that allows his students to train for the long haul and with a lot of high-level training partners that'll push you as hard as you want to be pushed. I started at Lexington Jiu-Jitsu as a white belt, am now a purple belt, and am 100% positive I'll still be training here in the future as a black belt.

Johnny Woods

When you visit a new martial arts class for the first time, you never really know what you're going to find. I'll tell you what I found at Lexington Jiu-Jitsu: I found a great class full of great people to train with, led by great instructors who walk through class during drills and give individual instruction to help you learn technique properly.

Ryan Ricker

Excellent teaching in a supportive environment! I've been going for two years and I love having the opportunity to train with such a great team of men and women. The focus is always on personal improvement and solid technique. As a life-long couch potato, I didn't think martial arts was something I could ever learn, let alone enjoy, but Lexington Jiu Jitsu changed my mind! It has been a Le-Jit experience!

Emily Rose
pedro sauer