THE TEAM
Our top quality instructors and staff come from all walks of life and experiences. We are ready to assist you on your fitness journey.
Professor Enrique Watson
Owner & Lead Instructor
Enrique Watson is a living embodiment of resilience, expertise, and unwavering dedication in the realm of martial arts. With over three decades of experience, Enrique proudly holds a 2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the esteemed Sensei Yoshihiro Fujita and a 3rd-degree black belt in Pankration under Professor Jerry Roeder. His journey in martial arts stands as a testament to his lifelong pursuit of excellence.
Not only is Enrique the founder, owner, and lead instructor of CXBJJ Academy Training Center HQ, but he has also established the organizations of CXMMA International and CXBJJ Championships, with affiliate schools spread across Waynesville, Missouri; Las Vegas, Nevada; Jacksonville, North Carolina; Missouri City, Texas; Quantico, Virginia; Lima, Peru; and Iwakuni, Japan. Originally from Peru, Enrique’s family migrated to the United States when he was a child, seeking a better life. This pivotal decision instilled in Enrique a profound sense of duty to his adopted country, evident in his 14 years of service in the United States Marine Corps and his ongoing support for veterans' services and the local community.
While Enrique's passion and expertise are unmatched, it is his role as a mentor and instructor that truly defines his legacy. Through CXBJJ Academy, Enrique endeavors to impart not only technical prowess but also resilience, discipline, and a profound sense of community to his students, empowering them to excel both on and off the mats.
Among his numerous accolades are a Shooto Japan Championship, several Japan Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (JBJJF) Championships, and a remarkable career in mixed martial arts with Bellator MMA and various other prominent promotions.
Professor Eric Gonzalez
Co-Owner​
BJJ Instructor
Professor Eric is a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor that is known for his systematic teaching style and passion for guiding individuals to success on the mats. From an early age, Eric has been involved in wrestling and displayed a passion for combat sports. This desire has driven his complete immersion in jiu-jitsu since 2009, where he effortlessly integrates grappling techniques. Through relentless pursuit of jiu-jitsu knowledge, he’s developed a structured teaching style, simplifying complex techniques, for all skill levels, with an emphasis on leverage, positioning, and strategy. As jiu-jitsu is an ever-evolving art, Eric continues to refine his skills, staying abreast of advancements in technique and implementing them into his instruction as necessary. As a Marine for 26 years, he's dedicated to leadership development within students and peers alike. Committed to student success, he remains an invaluable asset to the jiu-jitsu community, eager to inspire and assist others both on and off the mats. Eric is a 1st degree black belt under Enrique Watson and is a Co-Owner of CXBJJ Training Academy HQ.
Professor Jimmy Gibson
Adult BJJ Instructor
Jimmy Gibson is the head instructor at CXBJJ Training Academy HQ affiliate CXBJJ Combat Club in Jacksonville, NC. His journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began as a search for an activity for his five kids. While initially skeptical of jiu-jitsu's effectiveness, his perspective changed during his first adult class when, at over 6 feet tall and nearly 300 pounds, he was soundly defeated by a 135 pound green belt kid. From that moment, Jimmy committed fully to BJJ, training relentlessly, transforming his health, and competing at the 2007 Pan Ams at 165 pounds. In September 2014, Jimmy earned his black belt under André “Negão” Terencio and Hannette Staack. He credits BJJ with saving his life, bringing his family closer together, and instilling lessons that extend beyond the mats.At CXBJJ, Jimmy shares his passion for BJJ with students of all ages, creating a welcoming space to learn and grow. His mission is to help others improve their lives, just as BJJ transformed his own.
Professor Jeff Wright
Adult No-Gi BJJ Instructor
Jeff, a native of North Carolina, embarked on his martial arts odyssey in childhood, beginning with the disciplines of karate, judo, and wrestling. His introduction to Jiu Jitsu didn’t come until the early 2000s through the Modern Army Combatives Program during, his tenure in the United States Army. Jeff attained his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, in May 2022, from Ronnie Major, a 4th degree black belt under jiu-jitsu pioneer, ADCC Hall of Fame grappler, and UFC Veteran Dean Lister. In addition to his innovative approach on the mat, Jeff is the visionary behind Grapple or Die, an apparel brand catering to fellow grapplers.
Elijah Butler
BJJ Instructor
Elijah hails from Angola, Indiana, where six years of wrestling in school laid his foundation. He then served four honorable years with the Marine Corps in Iwakuni, Japan. Elijah credits the Ronin Foundation, which ihe was the intial sponseem for introducing him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, aiding his battle against severe depression. Under Professor Enrique Watson at CXBJJ Iwakuni, Elijah began his jiu-jitsu journey and relocated with Professor Watson for the establishment of CXBJJ Swansboro, NC and CXBJJ Academy HQ in Hubert, NC. During this journey Elijah progressed from novice to black belt. Elijah often represents CXBJJ during his competitions on the professional level of jiu-jitsu, showcasing his unwavering bravery and the transformative power the “gentle art” has on the community.
Jeff Cummings
BJJ Instructor
Originally from West Chester, PA, Jeff began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training under the tutelage of Professor Kelly Grissom at KOA Martial Arts, a Master Leo Dalla Big Brothers affiliate, in 2017. It was here that he earned his blue belt, before executing orders to Eastern North Carolina. While balancing his duties as an active-duty Marine, Jeff began training at CXBJJ, under Professor Enrique Watson, where he furthered his skills and was promoted to the ranks of purple and brown belt. After years of dedication, training, and competing, Jeff was promoted to the rank of black belt in 2025.
Zachary Barnes
BJJ Instructor
Born and bred in Cincinnati, Ohio, Zack honed his grit through 8 years of wrestling before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he retired after two decades of service. Zack's martial arts journey began under Enrique Watson, where he attained his blue belt prior to executing an unaccompanied tour in Iwakuni, Japan. It was there he began training with Professor Watson’s mentor Sensei Yoshihiro Fujita (Fujita JJ) and fellow Fujita black belt in Sensei Shinji Morito (LEOS) and was subsequently promoted to the rank of purple belt. Upon completion of his tour, Zack returned to CXBJJ and, under the tutelage of Professor Enrique, has been awarded his brown belt and black belt.
Steve Smith
BJJ Fundamentals Instructor
Steve Smith, known as "El Blanco Diablo" and "The All-American," hails from the backwoods of Arkansas, where banjo tunes and mullets reign supreme. Raised wrestling raccoons and bailing hay, his tough upbringing made him a natural for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. After a brief stint in the Navy, “two shakes of a jackrabbit’s tail,” he earned his commission in the Marine Corps from the University of Kansas. Steve served his obligated service in the Corps as a pilot., after which he remained in the area and raised a family. His blend of military discipline and hillbilly grit quickly earned him a reputation for unorthodox techniques and uncanny escapes. Students say rolling with him feels like grappling with a tornado in a camouflage gi. El Blanco Diablo is a true legend on and off the mats.
Andy Shelly
Assistant BJJ Instructor
Assistant Wrestling Instructor
Andy Shelly, a retired Marine, found his passion for jiu-jitsu late his military career by joining CXBJJ and training the art with his wife and three children. His dedication and quick grasp of the sport soon made him a prominent figure at academy. Known for his disciplined yet approachable nature, Andy became deeply involved in the kids' classes, where he discovered a talent for teaching and mentoring young practitioners. His involvement in these classes led to his role as an assistant instructor for both regular and competition kids' classes, as well as wrestling. His commitment to fostering a supportive and challenging environment has made a lasting impact on many young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their jiu-jitsu goals.
Abby Shaffer
3-5 Year Old BJJ Instructor
Yoga Instructor
Abby Shaffer, originating from Amarillo, Texas, discovered her passions for yoga and jiu-jitsu in her late teens. Introduced to yoga at 19, she embraced its postures and philosophy. Later, attending a women's kickboxing class at The Grind MMA Academy, she was drawn to jiu-jitsu, and started training in 2020. By 2021's end, she had earned her blue belt from Professor Austin Riggin. Seeking deeper knowledge, she traveled to Costa Rica in 2022 in order to receive her 200hr Yoga Teaching Certification. Making the decision to relocate to North Carolina in 2023, she began training under Enrique Watson at CXBJJ, where she has earned her purple belt. Abby now imparts the benefits of yoga and jiu-jitsu, by teaching morning yoga and 3-5 year old kids jiu-jitsu, and sharing her love for these transformative practices.
Justin Bolton
Head Wrestling Instructor
Assistant BJJ Instructor
Justin, born and raised in Sacramento, began wrestling at 5, excelling in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco Roman, with multiple state tournament placements. After a decade in the U.S. Army, he's now a Deputy Sheriff in Onslow County. Starting Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at CXBJJ in 2022, he aimed to involve his sons, leading to a unforeseen family passion for jiu-jitsu within his family. Justin earned his purple belt from Professor Enrique Watson in December 2024, his grappling style deeply rooted in wrestling. In 2024 a CXBJJ wrestling program was established, and based upon his long history of competitive wrestling, Justin was assigned as the head coach. His focus is to enhance the teams overall grappling skills while augmenting local school’s wrestling programs in their off-season.
Alex Garcia
Kids' Kickboxing Instructor
Alex is a native of Southern California that began his Muay Thai training in Temecula in 2009, It was here that he showed his natural striking abilities and passion for the striking art. This passion carried him through a stint in the Marine Corps, where he received orders to North Carolina in 2015. Upon his arrival in the area he immediately continued to train and coach Muay Thai in the local area. This led Alex winning the 2022 World Kickboxing Association National Championship in both Kickboxing and Muay Thai. Alex's striking prowess has led to him assisting in the MMA training for Professor Enrique and Elijah. This led to his recruitment as the head of the Adult Kickboxing program at CXBJJ in June 2024. Alex's passion for martial arts and his experience and leadership continue to inspire and develop fighters at all levels.
Brittany Bell
Kids' Kickboxing Instructor
Hailing from the North Carolina Coast, Brittany has been involved in sports since the age of 7 when she began playing softball. The competitive nature of the game and the physical and mental fortitude required quickly caused her to fall in love with it. This led to a 13-year devotion to the sport, where she honed her skills, rising to become High School Team Captain and a key member of a prestigious travel team, earning her place in the State Games. In 2019, she ventured into kickboxing at CXBJJ under Enrique Watson's guidance, mastering striking mechanics and combinations with ease. By 2021, Brittany's dedication and talent led her to train the Kid’s Kickboxing class, where her innate ability to motivate and connect with children shone. This skill, honed through motherhood, adds depth to her coaching, infusing each session with inspiration and relatability, leaving a lasting impact on young minds.
Jayde-Marie Lee
CXFIT Instructor
Jayde discovered her passion for weightlifting at 12, turning a casual interest into a lifelong commitment. Even after marrying and starting a family, her love for fitness never wavered. She became a competitive CrossFit athlete, thriving in its supportive community. After her second child, she suffered a herniated disk and was told she'd never lift again. Refusing to accept this, she took charge of her rehab, recovered, and transitioned into powerlifting. In 2023, she began teaching beginner weightlifting at CXBJJ, focusing on full-body lifting and core strength. Currently, she's pursuing her NASM certification, furthering her education in biomechanics and injury prevention to help others train safely and effectively while building strength and confidence. If you have questions about her qualifications, just ask to see her quads!