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MEET OUR TEAM

JIU-JITSU COLUMBUS:
MEET OUR TEAM

At Jiu-Jitsu Columbus, our team is more than just a group of instructors; we’re a mission-driven family of leaders, mentors, and martial artists who genuinely care about the people we serve. Our strength doesn’t only come from our years on the mats but also from the values that guide us: discipline, humility, respect, and unwavering growth.

We are proud to be a veteran-led academy that welcomes military members, their families, and local community members with equal commitment. Our instructors bring decades of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, competition, self-defense, and military leadership, but more importantly, they are passionate about helping others become their best selves.

We believe in leading with calm focus, subtle humor, and a strong work ethic shaped by both combat and competition. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of training behind you, our team is here to support your journey through expert instruction, structured guidance, and a culture of mutual respect.

Each member of our team is dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming, and challenging environment where students of all ages and backgrounds can succeed.

jiu jitsu columbus
Professor Brandon Dimick | jiu jitsu columbus

Professor Brandon Dimick

Second-Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt 
Owner & Head Instructor

Brandon Dimick is the owner and head instructor of Jiu-Jitsu Columbus. A second-degree black belt under Professor Jason Keaton, Brandon has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for nearly 20 years and has over 28 years of service in the U.S. Army.

 

Professor Brandon’s journey in martial arts began in MMA, where he finished his amateur career undefeated and earned the title of 155lb Kentucky Fighting Challenge Champion. He has competed in numerous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and Army Combatives events throughout his career. But beyond competition, Professor Brandon’s deepest passion lies in helping others unlock their full potential through the discipline, structure, and self-awareness that martial arts provide.

 

Jiu-Jitsu Columbus is a reflection of that mission. Professor Brandon is committed to creating a space where military members, veterans, their families, and the greater Columbus community can train together, support one another, and grow, both on and off the mats. He leads with quiet intensity, dry humor, and the kind of discipline that only 28 years in uniform can provide.

Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or returning after years away, Brandon believes in meeting people where they are and helping them become the best version of themselves.

Professor Jason Keaton

Fifth-Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Jason Keaton is a fifth-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the renowned Master Renato Tavares, proudly holding the distinction of being Master Tavares's first American black belt. Jason’s martial arts journey began early: he started wrestling at the age of four at the Kentucky School for the Blind. He officially began training in martial arts at fourteen under Master Dan Shipp and Grandmaster Henry Cook in the Seven Winds Flying Fist system in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

Over the years, Jason expanded his repertoire by delving into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which quickly became his passion. Alongside BJJ, he trained in boxing, kickboxing, and continued to refine his wrestling abilities. He has competed in various disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts, judo, sambo, wrestling, and even amateur boxing and kickboxing.

 

Today, Jason's main passion is helping others unlock their full potential through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—not just on the mat, but also in their personal and professional lives.

Jason Keaton | jiu jitsu columbus
Johnny Winchester | jiu jitsu columbus
Johnny Winchester

BJJ Blue Belt

Head Muay Thai Coach

Dexter Rivers | jiu jitsu columbus
Dexter Rivers

2nd Degree Black Belt

Assistant Instructor

Christopher Schmitt | jiu jitsu columbus
Christopher Schmitt

Third Degree Black Belt - Judo

Sensei

jiu jitsu columbus
Leon Shaw

1st Degree Black Belt

Assistant Instructor

jiu jitsu columbus | Rob Peterson
Rob Peterson

Head Wrestling Coach

Jesse Nix | jiu jitsu columbus
Jesse Nix

Coach

Zane Taliaferro | jiu jitsu columbus
Zane Taliaferro

Coach

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