About Us
About Gracie Jiu Jitsu Goodlettsville
Gracie Jiu Jitsu Goodlettsville is a premier martial arts academy offering top-notch training in self-defense and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Led by experienced instructors, our academy is dedicated to helping students boost their confidence, fitness, and overall well-being. Join us for a transformative martial arts experience.
David Jackson - Owner & Head Instructor
David began training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2019 and quickly discovered a passion for helping others along their self-defense journey. He is certified by Ryron and Rener Gracie in all four core programs—Gracie Combatives®, Women Empowered®, Gracie Bullyproof®, and Master Cycle®—and has experience teaching students of all ages and backgrounds.
Before opening Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Goodlettsville, David served as an assistant instructor at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Fredericksburg. His teaching style is known for being patient, supportive, and focused on helping students grow both on and off the mat. With over a decade of experience as a youth pastor, David has a unique ability to connect with students, encourage confidence, and build a positive learning environment.
Now back in his hometown of Goodlettsville, TN, David is committed to providing high-quality instruction in a space where students feel safe, motivated, and empowered to reach their goals.
The Gracie Philosophy
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu® goes beyond the physical techniques of chokes, joint locks, throws, and strikes. It is a holistic approach to life. The Gracie family, led by Grand Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie, embody the principles of efficiency, patience, and control. These principles are not only applied on the mat but also guide their balanced and healthy lifestyles.
Rick Dunham - Assistant Instructor
Gracie Combatives®, Master Cycle® | Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Goodlettsville
Rick Dunnam is a brown belt and assistant instructor at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Goodlettsville. With 15 years of training experience, Rick enjoys sharing his knowledge to help others grow both on and off the mats.
His approachable style and passion for the art make him a supportive guide for students at any stage of their jiu-jitsu journey.
Kelli Green – Women’s Self-Defense Instructor
Women Empowered® | Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Goodlettsville
Kelli Green is a dedicated self-defense instructor with a deep passion for empowering women through practical, effective training. She teaches the Women Empowered® program at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Goodlettsville, where her mission is to help every woman feel stronger, safer, and more confident.
Kelli began her jiu-jitsu journey a year and a half ago and quickly discovered not just a powerful martial art, but a calling to teach. Her background includes three years serving on the mission field in Thailand, working closely with women who had been victims of trafficking. This experience ignited her lifelong commitment to helping women reclaim their power and safety.
Known for her encouraging, upbeat, and fun teaching style, Kelli believes learning self-defense should be both empowering and enjoyable. Her classes offer a supportive environment where women of all ages and experience levels can develop their strength, skills, and self-confidence.
For Kelli, self-defense is more than just physical—it’s about transformation, freedom, and knowing your worth.
Visit Us!
Our training facility is located at 440 Long Hollow Pike Suite F, Goodlettsville, TN 37072. Stop in or contact us below!
We can't wait to meet you!
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