INSTRUCTORS

HOUSTON COTTRELL

Owner/Head Instructor

Houston is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Ryron and Rener Gracie. He has over fourteen years of experience in jiu-jitsu and over twenty years in martial arts. Houston opened Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Madison in 2014 at the age of sixteen. It was the first Gracie University Certified Training Center in Mississippi. Houston thoroughly enjoys teaching and sharing the mats with people with a dedication that self- defense is for everyone.

Houston is a 2018 graduate of Liberty University with a degree in National Security and Intelligence. Off the mats Houston is active in his church, BNI, and serves as an ambassador for the Gluckstadt Business Alliance. Named top 10 under forty in two different cities, Houston strives to not only teach others the art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, but also to serve as a mentor in the community.

JENNIFER WALDRUP

Instructor

Jennifer is a 2003 graduate of Delta State University with a Masters in Education in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. She began training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2015 and quickly fell in love with the art. After receiving her Pink Belt in 2016, Jennifer followed her passion and attended the Women Empowered Certification program to become an Assistant Women Empowered Instructor. In July 2018 she traveled back to California to become an Instructor in Gracie Combatives and Bullyproof. Jennifer is a Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu-jitsu.

When she is not on the mat, Jennifer is busy raising her twin teenage boys and helping with different organizations in the area.

MICHELE COTTRELL

Instructor

Michele is a 1998 graduate of Mississippi College School of Law. She began training Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2014. After earning her Blue Belt in 2015, she traveled to California and completed the Instructor Certification Program. Michele loves teaching classes and specializes in the Women Empowered Program.