Carolina Family Jiu Jitsu

Carolina Family Jiu Jitsu is led by Professors Joey and Janae Dean, both advanced practitioners under the Jean Jacques Machado association. Joey Dean began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2013 after a lifetime in martial arts, earning his black belt under David Werner, a 3rd degree black belt in the Machado lineage. Alongside BJJ, Joey holds a black belt in Judo and has extensive experience in wrestling, boxing, and Muay Thai. Janae Dean, a brown belt under the same instructor, is an IBJJF Master World Champion and lifelong competitor. They opened the academy in early 2023 to bring the Machado style and its values to Rock Hill, South Carolina. Training at Carolina Family Jiu Jitsu follows a structured curriculum designed to build a strong foundation, especially for beginners, with a focus on injury prevention and safe progression. Classes cover both Gi and No-Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for kids starting at age six, teens, and adults. The academy offers fundamentals and drilling sessions, advanced rolling for experienced students, and open mat times for additional practice. The program also includes Muay Thai instruction, reflecting Joey’s broader martial arts background. The school emphasizes mental resilience, discipline, and character development alongside physical skills. The facility is wheelchair accessible and supports a range of training needs from casual hobbyists to tournament competitors. Carolina Family Jiu Jitsu maintains a SafeSport certification, ensuring awareness and prevention of misconduct within the academy. This focus on safety and education complements their technical instruction and contributes to the environment where students challenge themselves and support one another’s growth.

Amenities