Professor Nick Barrett
Title
Prof. Nick is an IBJJF Certified Black Belt under 4th Degree Black Belt, Prof. Mike Buckels. He is the Head Instructor and Co-Owner of Sanctify Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Experience
Nick has been actively training and competing in Jiu Jitsu since he was 8 years old. At age 13, he began assisting kids classes at his academy, and he was teaching his own classes and private lessons by the age of 15. At age 19, he was hired as a full time Program Director and a Lead Instructor at a top 5 academy (out of over 1000 worldwide) in the association. During this time, Nick became more well-rounded by gaining further skills in Kickboxing, Judo, and Wrestling. He then earned the title of Professor and received his Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 22 alongside his wife, Prof. Vivian, in January of 2024 after over 14 years of training, competing, and coaching.
Competition Pedigree
Growing up, Nick was one of the top young competitors in the Midwest. This is evidenced by an unbeaten streak of over 30 tournament matches between age 12 and 14, and going undefeated in all 11 Missouri State Championship divisions in his career.
As a juvenile and adult, Nick has accrued a competition record of 55 wins and 14 losses with a near 80% submission rate in his victories. This includes a 2-0 record with 2 submissions in Professional Jiu Jitsu matches. Nick is a 3x IBJJF Pan American Medalist and a 4x IBJJF Open Gold Medalist. As he grew older, competition became less of a priority as he discovered coaching as his true passion.
Personal Note
Since I was 14 years old, my dream has been to open an academy that provides top-tier Jiu Jitsu training for anyone who desires to experience its life-changing benefits. Over the years, with the consistent help of God, my family, my wife, my instructors, and my training partners, I have worked tirelessly to make this dream into a reality. My goal is to see as many people's lives changed through Jiu Jitsu by encouraging exercise, self-confidence, discipline, and community for all ages.
-Prof. Nick
Professor Vivian Barrett
Title
Prof. Vivian is an IBJJF Certified Black Belt under 4th Degree Black Belt, Prof. Mike Buckels. She is the Head Women's Instructor and Co-Owner of Sanctify Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Experience
Vivian has been actively training and competing in martial arts since she was 7 years old. Her first 5 years of training consisted of a combination of Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, and Kickboxing. She began to focus on Jiu Jitsu at the age of 12 but still remained well-rounded by continuing to learn Muay Thai, Kickboxing, Judo, and Wrestling. At age 13, she began assisting kids classes at the academy and was later hired as an instructor at the age of 15. She became the Head Women's Instructor at age 19, and alongside her husband, Prof. Nick, she earned the title of Professor and received her Black Belt at the age of 23 in January of 2024 after over 15 years of training, competing, and coaching.
Competition Pedigree
A fierce competitor, Prof. Vivian has an impressive resumé.
- 6x IBJJF Open Medalist
- 2x IBJJF Gold Medalist
- 2x AGF National Champion
- 2017 IBJJF World Champion
In an effort to improve her takedowns, she decided to try wrestling competitively in her senior year of high school. Having never trained or competed in organized Folkstyle Wrestling before, she ended the season with a 26-3 record and finished 3rd place in the State Championships.
Personal Note
Sanctification is the process we must go through to become better. This often happens by doing or experiencing difficult things. Jiu Jitsu is a commitment to hard work and discipline, yet it is one of the most rewarding things that you can do. Jiu Jitsu has shaped me into a confident, strong, and healthy woman. I have been blessed to be a part of a Jiu Jitsu community that was safe, full of joy, and cultivated deep friendships. This is what we want to recreate here in Lakeland.
Through the Jiu Jitsu community and by God's grace, I met my husband, Prof. Nick. He had a big dream to open an academy, and I have come alongside him with the same passion for seeing lives changed. I desire to create a safe and professional environment for all ages. A place that we can cast aside our worries and focus on the task in front of us in a truly enjoyable community of like-minded individuals. Finally, I want to create an environment where all people can learn a practical skill and experience new-found discipline, confidence, and belonging!
-Prof. Vivian
863-338-9011
3035 Lakeland Highlands Rd Lakeland, FL 33803
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