Meet Our Certified Instructors

Head Instructor Nicholas Walters is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Master Luiz Palhares. He started his martial arts training at age 7, initially focusing on stand-up disciplines such as Tae-Kwon-Do. A high school varsity wrestler as a sophomore participating in regional competitions every year, Nicholas began training in Okinawan Kempo Karate Kobudo at 19, quickly earning his Black Belt under Sensei Jorge Colon (5th degree Black Belt under Master Odo 10th degree Black Belt).

Nicholas began his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in late 2006 under Professor Jerry Moreno (3rd degree Black Belt under Luiz Palhares). While training under Professor Moreno, he became a leader in the academy and began competing at the international level. Nicholas has also proudly volunteered his time for local military personnel, leading seminars at the Martial Arts Instructor (MAI) course for the United States Marines at Camp Lejeune.

Nicholas was awarded his Black Belt by Luiz Palhares on April 27, 2013, and continues training with Master Palhares bi-annually. Since 2010, his main focus has been teaching Jiu-Jitsu to adults and children with an emphasis on fundamentals, self-defense, and skill mastery. He considers himself a student first, refining his technique with Black Belts across the East Coast while coaching Walters BJJ competitors at every level.