Blackheart Jiu Jitsu

Blackheart Jiu Jitsu is part of Blackheart Martial Arts in Jacksonville, North Carolina, under the guidance of Head Coach Allen Bose. Bose is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under André Fernando Alves Terêncio and Chico Santiago, with a background that includes professional MMA and wrestling experience as well as a decade of service in the United States Marine Corps. Alongside him, instructors Mark Shawhan and John Prendiville bring extensive BJJ credentials and years of teaching, including training Marines worldwide, while Coach Anthony Vivas supports striking arts like Muay Thai and kickboxing, rounding out the martial arts offerings. The academy’s approach is grounded in a philosophy that martial arts serve as a tool to overcome personal challenges, whether physical or mental. This ethos shapes the training environment, emphasizing accountability, health, and fitness alongside technical development. Blackheart Jiu Jitsu is an officially registered IBJJF academy, and its curriculum integrates gi training with opportunities for no-gi practice, though the gi remains a core component. The school offers open mat sessions for adults, providing time for additional drilling and sparring outside formal classes. Located in the Branchwood Shopping Center, the facility is wheelchair accessible and supports a diverse group of students. The coaching staff’s varied backgrounds in military service, strength and conditioning, and competitive martial arts create a training space that balances rigorous instruction with practical fitness and personal growth. Blackheart Jiu Jitsu maintains a steady focus on developing skilled grapplers while fostering resilience and discipline through consistent practice.

Amenities