Starting Jiu Jitsu as an older female grappler was a daunting experience on so many levels. I had been a yoga practitioner for over 25 years when I started Jiu Jitsu, so this was most definitively a new path. I started my journey in 2016 and I can say, Jake Whitfield is a primary reason I never stopped. Jake immediately made me feel not just welcome, but included and respected. He has always been supportive, not in a cheerleader kind of way, but as a coach vested in my progress and my goals. His dedication to teaching and the practice of Jiu Jitsu is not just seen but felt in every class, and every exchange on the mat. Consider yourself fortunate if you have him as your coach and mentor.

Jake Whitfield loves Jiu Jitsu. His technical proficiency and his passion for teaching this art is inspiring. Jake has been the barometer by which I've measured my progress on this journey. His students are incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated and well rounded martial artist as an instructor.

I started training Jiu-Jitsu under Jake Whitfield in 2020 after my cousin invited me to try a class. As a non-athletic, 38-year-old mom of three, I was nervous walking in, but Jake was incredibly encouraging and always took the time to modify techniques so I could learn and feel confident in self-defense. Even though there were gyms closer to me, I happily drove 45 minutes to train with him because of the quality of instruction and the welcoming, family-oriented environment. Over the years, through surgeries and life events, Jake and his wife Megan have continued to support me and encourage my Jiu-Jitsu journey. I'm truly grateful for the impact they've had on my training and my life.

I earned my blue belt and purple belt under Jake Whitfield, and I can honestly say my foundation in Jiu Jitsu was built the right way because of him. He doesn’t just teach moves he teaches understanding. My ground fundamentals, pressure, positioning, and control all come from the structure he emphasizes. He’s technical, detail oriented, and expects you to think not just react. If you train with him, you’re going to build real fundamentals that hold up under pressure. I’m grateful for the time I spent learning under him.

Jake Whitfield was my first instructor in jiu jitsu. When I stepped onto the mat at his Goldsboro academy in 2019, I was twenty-nine years old, had never been in a fight and had never trained in any combat sports. In other words, I was perfectly unprepared to defend myself in the event of a physical altercation. From the very first class, it was clear that Jake was patient and cared deeply about his students' safety. His many years of professional experience as a fighter and instructor were evident in his ability not only to demonstrate technique, but to explain it in a way that was accessible to students at every skill level. He helped me grow by pushing my limits through tough training sessions, but always maintained a controlled, safe environment. The culture was warm and welcoming to students from all walks of life. He created a space where vulnerability was met with patience and respect, which matters enormously in a discipline that asks so much physically and mentally. I am proud to say that I earned my blue belt under his guidance, and thanks to him and the training environment he cultivated I walk with more confidence and self-awareness. And for that I am truly grateful.