Sensi Christopher Schmidt

Third-Degree Judo Black Belt

Head Instructor - Judo

Christopher Schmitt holds a third-degree black belt in Kodokan Judo under Alfred Schmitt, who is a seventh-degree black belt. Sensei Chris started training in judo at age 13 and broadened his skills by studying wrestling, Aikido, Tai Chi, Yoshukai Karate, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Today, Christopher’s goal is to continue spreading Judo as a martial art and a way of life and to introduce this art to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners to enhance their martial arts skills and knowledge.

Christopher is a lifetime member of the United States Judo Association and The Kodokan Judo Institute – Tokyo, Japan.

MEET OUR TEAM

Jiu-Jitsu Columbus:

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.

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 Dexter Rivers

Second-Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt

Assistant Adult & Kids' BJJ Instructor

Dexter Rivers is a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Jason Keaton and serves as an Assistant Instructor at Jiu-Jitsu Columbus. He works closely with both our Kids’ Program and Adult BJJ classes and is the Primary Instructor for our No-Gi program. Dexter brings a calm, disciplined teaching style and a strong technical foundation, helping students of all ages build confidence, skill, and consistency on the mats.

Coach Robert "Rob" Peterson

Head Coach - Wrestling

Coach Peterson has been instructing wrestling at Columbus Jiu-Jitsu since July 2022, bringing 46 years of experience as a wrestler and coach. His coaching background includes serving as Varsity Volunteer Assistant at Smiths Station High School, Vice President of the West Point Wrestling Club’s Olympic Regional Training Center, and Officer Representative for the Army Wrestling Team. He also led the U.S. Military Academy Prep School wrestling program to Nationals twice.

Beyond wrestling, Coach Peterson coached the Army West Point Club Boxing Team to three National Collegiate Boxing Association Championships and has been an Army Combatives Level 4 Instructor since 2008, certifying over 1,700 Soldiers. He also spent a season with Indiana University’s Division 1 Wrestling Team while earning his Master’s in Kinesiology.

As an athlete, Coach Peterson has competed in wrestling at every level and style, including All-Army/WCAP, and was a USA Wrestling National Beach Champion and USA Grappling World Team Trials Qualifier. He holds a Brown Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, having trained with Alliance Jiu-Jitsu in Atlanta and Team Balance Relson Gracie under Dan Covel in New York.

A retired Soldier with 21 years of service, Coach Peterson now lives in Salem, AL with his family. Both of his sons achieved All-American status at the NHSCA National Tournament, and his son, Lance, currently wrestles at The Citadel.

Coach Jesse Nix

4-Stripe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt

Head Coach - Kids' BJJ Program

Coach Jesse Nix serves as the Head Coach for our Kids’ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program. As a BJJ Blue Belt, Jesse focuses on creating a safe, structured, and encouraging environment where children can learn strong fundamentals while developing confidence and character. His passion for working with kids and investing in their future makes him a cornerstone of our youth program.

Coach Johnny Winchester

Head Coach - Muay Thai Program

Johnny Winchester serves as our Head Muay Thai Coach and brings a rare combination of high-level technical knowledge and extensive fighting experience. Known for his attention to detail and authentic instruction, Johnny is one of the most sought-after Muay Thai coaches in the Columbus area. He is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt and is deeply committed to continuous self-improvement. Johnny’s passion lies not only in developing skilled martial artists, but in helping students become the best versions of themselves; physically, mentally, and personally.