Instructors
Learn from Top Instructors
Instructors
4th Degree Black Belt
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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.
1st Degree Black Belt
1st Degree Black Belt
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Conrad Faust, a seasoned martial artist and coach, embarked on his combat sports journey at the 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). He began attending classes at a YMCA racquetball court under the tutelage of Justin Morris, who would later establish Third Heaven Martial Arts in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. From that moment on, BJJ became Conrad's enduring passion, which he continued to pursue alongside his other high school sports.
Throughout his career and personal life, Conrad's dedication to BJJ never wavered. His journey took him from Wisconsin to Indiana for college, and eventually to North Carolina, which he now calls home. During a period living overseas, he trained extensively in Germany and Switzerland, competing in numerous tournaments across Europe. Through these diverse training experiences, Conrad refined his skills and absorbed techniques from a wide range of instructors and training partners. As a competitor, he excelled in both wrestling and BJJ, earning recognition in the martial arts community. In North Carolina, he has contributed to the development of many local BJJ practitioners who have achieved black belt status. Today, Conrad focuses on teaching, aiming to nurture a love for BJJ in his own children and students, sharing the passion and dedication that have defined his journey in the gentle art.
Black 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 black 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.
ASSISTANT COACHES
Purple Belt
Brown Belt
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Andrew (Aj) started off his martial art journey in Muay Thai around 2010. At the time, he would train under an affiliate of Sityodtong Boston until receiving his Black prajoiud in 2017 and has been consistently training in muay thai since at different academies. Additionally recieving his brown belt in 2023 in Bjj, his passion for teaching journey started around three years ago in both Muay thai and Bjj. Aditionally to Muay Thai and Bjj, Aj has a background in Tae Kwon Do and Judo with some MMA experience.
Purple Belt
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.
Purple Belt
STAFF
