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!