Instructors
Learn from Top Instructors
HEAD COACHES
4th | | | | Degree Blackbelt
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Sean "The Strangler" Spangler, a dedicated practitioner and instructor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, began his martial arts journey as a wrestler at NC State University from 1987 to 1992. Despite a setback due to a ruptured disk and back surgery in 1992, Spangler's passion for grappling arts led him to Las Vegas in 1995, where he transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the guidance of legendary mentors John Lewis, Andre Pederneiras, Marc Laimon, and Robert Drysdale. Through unwavering dedication and consistent training, Spangler earned his black belt from Robert Drysdale in 2009.
Driven by a desire to share his knowledge and experience with the BJJ and grappling community, Professor Spangler opened an academy in Cary, NC in 2014. As the academy grew, it relocated to a larger facility in Apex, NC. Embracing Robert Drysdale's philosophy of "simple and efficient" jiu-jitsu, Professor Spangler and his instructors foster an environment where students can develop at their own pace, learning memorable and effective techniques.
Today, Professor Spangler finds purpose in nurturing the skills and techniques of young children and beginners in the Jiu-Jitsu community. He takes pride in creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment that encourages personal growth and honors the values of discipline, self-mastery, camaraderie, and perseverance that the sport instills.
Blackbelt
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David Wolf is a passionate and dedicated first-degree black belt jiu-jitsu instructor at our academy. With a strong foundation in wrestling from his formative years in Florida, David's journey in martial arts has been one of resilience and determination. His remarkable success in wrestling not only honed his physical skills but also propelled him to state-level competitions, showcasing his talent and tenacity. David's introduction to jiu-jitsu came in 2009 while assistant coaching High School Wrestling in Tampa, where he trained diligently under Ryan Deichert, eventually earning his blue belt.
Under the tutelage of his mentor and head coach, Sean Spangler, David's jiu-jitsu journey flourished in Apex, North Carolina. After seven years of unwavering commitment and hard work, he achieved the prestigious rank of black belt in 2022, marking a significant milestone in his martial arts career. As an instructor, David is committed to sharing his passion for jiu-jitsu with both children and adult students at our academy. He imparts the art's principles while nurturing the growth and development of his students, helping them build resilience and problem-solving skills that extend beyond the mats. For David, jiu-jitsu serves as a powerful metaphor and training ground for life's challenges, empowering practitioners to face adversity with confidence and determination.
Blackbelt
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Conrad Faust, a seasoned martial and coach, embarked on his combat sports journey at the tender age of 12 when he began learning Tae Kwon Do. As a teenager, he discovered his love for grappling through wrestling, which he pursued throughout his high school years. At 16, after his sophomore wrestling season, Conrad's life took a transformative turn when he encountered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and started attending classes in a YMCA racquetball court under the tutelage of Justin Morris (eventually Third Heaven Martial Arts in Beaver Dam, WI). From that moment on, BJJ became an unwavering passion in his life, and he continued to train while participating in other high school sports, including wrestling.
Throughout his career and personal life, Conrad's dedication to BJJ remained steadfast. He trained at various academies, starting in Wisconsin, then moving to Indiana for college, and eventually settling in North Carolina, which he now calls home. His commitment to the sport even led him to train in Germany and Switzerland during his time living overseas, where he competed in numerous tournaments across Europe. Through his travels, Conrad has refined his skills and absorbed diverse techniques and styles from a wide range of training partners and instructors. As a competitor, he excelled in both wrestling and BJJ, making a name for himself in the martial arts community and contributing to the development of many local area BJJ black belts. Now, Conrad's focus has shifted to teaching, as he aims to nurture a love for BJJ in his own children and students, showcasing his unwavering passion, fortitude, and drive for the gentle art.
ASSISTANT COACHES
Brown Belt
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Jeremy, a native of rural Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh, has been a dedicated practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) for over a decade. His passion for the sport began in 2008 while still living in Pennsylvania, but it truly flourished when he relocated to North Carolina in 2011. Alongside his commitment to BJJ, Jeremy has spent the past ten years building aircraft engines at GE Aviation, showcasing his ability to balance his professional career with his love for martial arts.
Under the guidance of Sean, Jeremy earned his brown belt in 2018, a testament to his years of hard work and dedication to the art of BJJ. In 2022, he took on the role of coach at Jujitsu Performance Academy, where he shares his knowledge and experience with students eager to learn. He doesn’t always wake up before the sun at 5 am, but when he does, you’ll find him at the academy on Tuesdays & Thursdays. For Jeremy, Jujitsu is more than just a hobby; it is a lifelong passion that he intends to pursue both as a practitioner and as a teacher.
Brown Belt
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Jock Carter is a dedicated and experienced mixed martial artist who has found his true passion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). As a brown belt at Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy, Jock brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role as an assistant coach. With a background in various martial arts disciplines, Jock made the decision to focus BJJ in his 40s, embracing the art's technical intricacies and the personal growth it fosters.
As an assistant coach, Jock emphasizes the importance of longevity, efficiency, and flow in his teaching approach. Having trained well into his 50s, he understands the value of practicing BJJ in a manner that preserves the body while still allowing for continuous improvement. Jock's motto, "Train smart, save your body, and teach the next generation to be better than you are," encapsulates his commitment to not only his own journey but also to the growth and success of his students. His patient and thoughtful instruction style ensures that each student at Jiu Jitsu Performance Academy receives the guidance they need to progress safely and effectively in their BJJ journey.
Brown Belt
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John Blair is a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and assistant coach at our BJJ academy. With years of experience on the mats, John has earned his brown belt through hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the art of Jiu-Jitsu. His journey began in his late 20s when he first stepped into a Jiu-Jitsu class and discovered his true passion. Despite the challenges and setbacks he encountered along the way, John's determination and resilience have been instrumental in his growth as a martial artist.
As an assistant coach, John brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to every class he teaches. His patient and supportive teaching style creates a welcoming environment for students of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Off the mats, John is a devoted husband and father who leads by example. His kind heart and willingness to help others make him an invaluable member of our Jiu-Jitsu community. John's infectious passion for the sport inspires his fellow practitioners to push themselves to new heights and embrace the transformative power of Jiu-Jitsu.
Purple Belt
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Robbie is a skilled Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner with six years of experience in the art. At his size he is one of the largest grapplers in captivity. Prior to his time in BJJ, he spent five years training in Krav Maga, gaining valuable knowledge and experience in self-defense techniques. His dedication to martial arts training has led him to develop a strong passion for BJJ.
As a BJJ practitioner, he understands the importance of technique and leverage in the art. He has spent countless hours drilling techniques, sparring with partners, and competing in tournaments to refine his skills. Through his training, he has gained a deep appreciation for the art’s focus on ground fighting and submission holds, and he continues to challenge himself to improve his abilities.
Overall, his commitment to martial arts training and his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have made him a skilled and dedicated practitioner. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the mat, and his dedication to the art serves as an inspiration to others in the BJJ community.
Purple Belt
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Coach Jason brings over a decade of experience in no-gi jiu jitsu, having honed his skills in New York City under the guidance of Professor Renè Dreifuss, the creator of the Rat Guard. With a fervent dedication to teaching functional self-defense, Coach Jason has crafted our fundamentals curriculum to emphasize the art of jiu jitsu as a way for smaller opponents to prevail over larger ones.
Specializing in the fine points of escaping inferior positions, Jason enriches his lessons with strategic insights into tactical placements and effective striking points, equipping his students for realistic confrontations. His approach not only focuses on technique but also on instilling a sense of confidence and preparedness in his students, making the training applicable to everyday safety.
With a flair for transforming the average individual into a formidable force, Jason takes pride in his ability to turn moms, dads, and teenagers into what he likes to call a 'lethal platoon'. His training sessions are interspersed with a healthy dose of dad jokes, a trait that, while possibly embarrassing to his family, adds a lighthearted touch to rigorous sessions.
You can trust Jason to turn your family into a lethal platoon that no one will mess with. He’s been doing it with his own family for years, and while they might grumble about his methods, your family will surely appreciate his commitment and results.
Purple Belt
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Rob Gelozin is a dedicated Jiu-jitsu practitioner with a passion for the art and a commitment to personal growth. With 6 years of experience in Jiu-jitsu, Rob has honed his skills on the mats and tested his abilities in numerous tournaments and competitions. His love for the sport drives him to continually push his limits and strive for excellence in his own practice.
In addition to his Jiu-jitsu journey, Rob brings a wealth of experience from his background in wrestling. Having competed for 8 years during his youth and high school years in Connecticut, he has developed a strong foundation in grappling and a deep understanding of body mechanics. As a purple belt in Jiu-jitsu, Rob has achieved a high level of technical proficiency, which he continues to refine through consistent training and dedication. His unique blend of wrestling experience and Jiu-jitsu expertise allows him to bring a well-rounded approach to his teaching, ensuring that his students receive comprehensive instruction in both disciplines.
Purple Belt
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Matthew, a passionate purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, embodies the true essence of the martial art both on and off the mats. As coach of the Mighty Raptor’s kids classes at the academy, he brings an infectious enthusiasm and dedication to his teaching, inspiring young students to embrace the journey of self-discovery and personal growth through Jiu Jitsu. His commitment to the art extends beyond his own achievements, as he takes great pride in nurturing the next generation of practitioners.
On the mats, Matthew consistently demonstrates his love for Jiu Jitsu by eagerly testing his skills against his teammates, always seeking to learn, adapt, and evolve. This spirit of continuous improvement and self-challenge is a testament to his character and is reflected in his approach to life outside the academy. Matthew's message is clear and resonates through his teaching: embrace the journey, celebrate each small victory, and most importantly, never lose sight of the joy that comes with the practice of Jiu Jitsu.
Purple Belt
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Tyler Blanchard is a highly accomplished grappling coach with an unwavering dedication to helping students of all ages and skill levels excel on the mat. His passion for the sport began in childhood, where he discovered his love for wrestling. Tyler continued to pursue this passion throughout his college years at NC State, where he further developed his skills and expertise. With over 15 years of experience coaching wrestling, Tyler has worked with a diverse range of students, from preschoolers to adults, helping each individual achieve their unique goals and reach their full potential.
As his love for grappling grew, Tyler found himself drawn to the world of Jiu-Jitsu. He successfully adapted his strong wrestling foundation to this new discipline, showcasing his versatility and ability to excel in multiple grappling arts. Tyler's deep understanding of both wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu, combined with his passion for teaching and nurturing talent, makes him an exceptional coach. Whether you are a beginner looking to take your first steps on the mat or an experienced grappler seeking to refine your techniques, Tyler Blanchard has the knowledge, skills, and dedication to help you succeed in your grappling journey.
