Hi,

I'm Coach Jei, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and founder of Gentle Human BJJ in Des Moines, Washington. As a multi-disciplinary artist and martial arts instructor, I explore the intersections of spirituality, science, philosophy, human movement, and self-expression. Through my teaching on the mat, writing, music, and visual art, I help others discover deeper insights about themselves by drawing from diverse sources of knowledge, wisdom, and experience.

My martial arts journey began with a television, a Blockbuster video card, and a VCR. Watching movies like TMNT, Surf Ninjas, Bloodsport, and anything with Bruce Lee sparked my passion for martial arts and the accompanying way of life.

Early Challenges and Perseverance

Growing up as an only child to a single mother in Atlanta, GA, I never knew what it was like to excel or experience victory in conventional terms. I wasn't the fastest, most coordinated, outgoing, or academically gifted. Although I showed some artistic promise as a child, there was always someone more talented. I attributed this to limited resources and the fact that I mostly flew under the radar.

Tryouts for various teams often ended in disappointment, with spots going to kids who already had experience or natural athletic gifts. However, these setbacks unveiled what I now recognize as my superpowers:

1. Unwavering Resilience: No matter how often I lost, I always returned with undiminished enthusiasm. Each setback only fueled my determination further.

2. Unshakeable Self-Belief: Despite external circumstances, I always felt intelligent, creative, and athletic on the inside. No one could convince me otherwise.

3. Profound Faith: I maintained an unyielding belief that my time would come.

These early struggles, while challenging, prepared me in unexpected ways for my future role as a coach. They gave me a unique ability to connect with and nurture students who, like me, have always felt a hidden potential within themselves but lacked the guidance to bring it out.

The Transformative Power of Technique

When people ask why I started jiu-jitsu, the full answer is more complex than a simple desire for self-defense or a new challenge. Jiu-jitsu was the first time someone sat down and taught me technique. After years of bouncing between sports where coaches expected pre-existing skills, jiu-jitsu offered a fresh start.

In jiu-jitsu, I found an environment where people were willing to teach me from the ground up. Each technique felt like a superpower being unlocked, revealing the potential I always knew I had. Most importantly, learning these techniques allowed me to express on the outside what I always knew was on the inside. It was as if jiu-jitsu provided the language for my body to speak what my mind had always known.

This experience shaped my vision for a different kind of academy, where everyone, regardless of their background or perceived limitations, could find the tools to externalize their inner potential.

Gentle Human BJJ: A New Approach

In 2012, as a blue belt, I saw the need for a new approach - one that focused on the underdog. Over the next decade, I embarked on a journey to develop what this actually looked like in practice, overcoming numerous hardships including injuries, living in the gym, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Gentle Human BJJ, we believe in the transformative power of jiu-jitsu. Our philosophy is built on the BE, DO, HAVE principle:

• BE: We shape your identity, helping you become the person who can achieve your goals.

• DO: We cultivate actions aligned with that identity.

• HAVE: We celebrate not just the results, but the endless possibilities you create.

Our Unique Teaching Methodology

Drawing from my own experiences and inner feelings as a child, I've developed a teaching methodology that views jiu-jitsu through three interconnected lenses:

1. Art: Nurturing creativity and self-expression through movement.

2. Academics: Engaging the mind through strategic thinking and problem-solving.

3. Athletics: Developing physical skills and body awareness.

This holistic approach allows us to engage the body, mind, and spirit, pushing you to grow in ways you never thought possible. It's designed to unlock and nurture the inner potential that I always felt as a kid, and that I believe exists in every student who walks through our doors.

For Children

We focus on building confidence, instilling discipline, and nurturing a growth mindset. We provide a safe space for kids to challenge themselves, overcome fears, and discover their true potential. Our goal is to help them become not just better athletes, but better individuals. Having felt overlooked and underestimated as a child myself, I'm particularly attuned to nurturing the hidden potential in young students who may not yet believe in themselves.

For Adults

Whether you're a former athlete looking to reignite your competitive spirit or someone new to martial arts seeking personal growth, we offer a path to rediscovery. We understand that many adults carry self-limiting beliefs or past traumas. Our program is designed to help you confront these barriers, push past them, and uncover your authentic self. My own journey from struggling youth to BJJ black belt allows me to connect with and guide adults who have always felt they had untapped potential but never had the right environment to explore it.

Our Culture

Our culture at Gentle Human BJJ is built on three pillars:

1. Faith in the transformative power of jiu-jitsu and in your own potential.

2. Trust in the process and in your training partners.

3. Competition as a tool for growth and self-discovery.

Through my years of training and teaching, I've learned that the true value of BJJ lies not just in self-defense techniques, but in its ability to transform us into the best versions of ourselves. At Gentle Human BJJ, we train with that goal in mind every day.

Whether you're a child taking your first steps on the mat or an adult seeking a new challenge, I'm here to guide you on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth. My own experiences have uniquely prepared me to recognize and nurture the potential in those who, like me, may have always felt different or overlooked. Together, we'll unlock your potential and help you become the gentle human you're meant to be.

Join us at Gentle Human BJJ, where every technique learned is a step towards unlocking your hidden potential, just as it was for me.