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.