Meet Van Barnhill: Black Belt, Pastor, and Still a Student of Jiu Jitsu
Van Barnhill’s first Jiu Jitsu class left him with a question: “What is going on?” After tapping at least five times in five minutes, he wanted to learn more. Eleven years later, the black belt, Mount Pleasant pastor, husband, and father of two is still finding joy in learning. Meet a Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy teammate whose story connects humility, consistency, friendship, and fun. Whether you’re already training or considering your first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class, get to know Van—and discover why he keeps coming back. Explore Houzn and book a trial class at https://www.houznjiujitsu.academy/.
From Sidelines to the Mat: Trey Harrell on Family, Fitness, and Jiu Jitsu
Trey Harrell joined Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy after his son Ford started training in early 2025. As a Charleston auto accident attorney and community-focused leader behind “Trey Helps,” Trey knows consistency matters—but he’ll also tell you the hardest part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is simply stepping on the mat as a beginner. His mindset is simple: “your job as a white belt is just to survive,” and small wins add up. Now training alongside Ford and his daughter Lucy, Trey’s building fitness, confidence, and family momentum—one class at a time. Learn more at treyhelps.com.
Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Why an Air Force Pilot Chose Jiu Jitsu
JR is a career military pilot and Air Force Lieutenant Colonel who started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy about two years ago. What keeps him consistent isn’t chasing wins—it’s focusing on effort, staying calm in uncomfortable positions, and treating every opponent with respect. He believes failure is the first step to mastery and that Jiu Jitsu is much more than “learning how to fight.” JR’s also a family man, and his six-year-old son trains in our Young Warriors Program twice a week. If you’re in Mount Pleasant, SC, come try 1–2 classes at Houzn.
The Mat as a Mirror: How Tech CRO Michael Rentz Found Balance, Humility, and Community at Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy
What does a tech executive do to handle the pressure of running a global logistics software company? For Michael Rentz, CRO of Gnosis Freight, the answer is found on the mats at Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy in Mount Pleasant, SC. In this feature, we explore Michael's 8-year journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu—from his roots in New Jersey training under UFC-vetted lineage, to finding an ego-free training home at Houzn. Discover how Michael balances business, life, and community, and why he believes the mats are the ultimate mirror for personal growth. Ready to start your own journey? Try 1–2 beginner-friendly classes with us today!
From Tap-Out to Turnaround: John Good’s First Two Years at Houzn
John Good started at Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy two years ago as a complete beginner. As a bigger guy, he got humbled fast—smaller teammates tapped him quickly—and that early lesson helped him set ego aside and improve one day at a time. Along the way, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gave him more than fitness: weight loss, healthier habits, and a mindset shift toward what money can’t buy—work ethic, respect, confidence, and real friendships. Now a Blue Belt, John helps Professor Rafa with Kids No-Gi twice a week. Ready to feel it yourself? Book a trial class at HouznJiuJitsu.com . Real mats, real people, real change.
From Startup Grind to Mat Time: How This Busy Entrepreneur Stays Grounded Through Jiu Jitsu
Brandon co-founded Javvy Coffee, one of America's fastest-growing companies. He's a father of five kids under six. His schedule is intense—constant travel, endless decisions, real pressure. But he never misses training at Houzn Jiu Jitsu. Why? Because the mat is where he resets. Where work disappears. Where his community keeps him accountable and connected. Jiu Jitsu taught him that showing up for yourself, even when exhausted, builds the discipline that matters everywhere: in business, in fatherhood, in life. This is Brandon's story—how a busy man found clarity, strength, and presence on the mat. Follow @houznjiujitsu and book a trial class to see why locals love training with us.
From Fast Cars to Black Belts-in-Training: Natasha’s Next Gear
Natasha has chased speed since age 15, racing fast cars with focus and grit. Six months ago, she shifted gears into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy in Mount Pleasant, SC—and found a home away from home. With kind energy, great communication, and fast learning, she thrives on teammates who slow down to share the small details that make big differences. Jiu Jitsu now fuels her confidence at work and school. Curious about Jiu Jitsu for beginners or our Women’s Only Training? Follow @houznjiujitsu and book a trial class to see why locals love training with us.