About our Instructors

Welcome to Empress Jiu Jitsu Club, where passion, dedication, and fun come together to create a vibrant and dynamic training environment!

**Vance "Bunny" Barksdale**

With 14 years of experience under his belt, Vance is a seasoned black belt instructor trained under Chris Stapleton. Hailing from Colorado, Vance brings a wealth of knowledge and a distinctive style to our club. Known as "Bunny" Vance is celebrated for his innovative techniques, including the Bunny Choke. His approach to Jiu Jitsu emphasizes the importance of drilling movements to perfect technique and achieve efficiency on the mats.

**Julia "Badger" Blackburn**

Julia is our dynamic purple belt instructor, trained under the guidance of Diego Sariva in Atlanta, Georgia. With four years of dedicated training, Julia has quickly established herself as a formidable competitor, regularly participating in IBJJF competitions. Known as "Badger," Julia believes that while competing is an essential aspect of growth, enjoying the journey and having fun with Jiu Jitsu is equally important. Julia’s classes are designed to be engaging and enjoyable, ensuring that students not only improve their skills but also develop a love for the sport.

Our Philosophy

At our Jiu Jitsu School, we believe that the journey of learning Jiu Jitsu should be as enjoyable as it is educational. Our instructors are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where students of all levels can thrive. Whether you’re here to perfect your technique, compete at the highest levels, or simply have a great time, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve your goals and enjoy every step of the process.

Join us on the mats and experience our blend of expertise, innovation, and fun. We look forward to welcoming you to our Jiu Jitsu family!