Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Burnette
Hi Nathan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Nate Burnette, I am a 3rd degree black belt under World Champion Cassio Werneck and the founder/head instructor of Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Greenville, SC. “Senzo” is the Japanese word meaning “ancestor” or “founder” to show respect to the historical Japanese roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Prior to opening up Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy, I was the head instructor of Synergy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Northern California for over a decade. I have over 25 years of BJJ experience (13 years as a black belt) and specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No-Gi submission grappling, wrestling & self-defense. I also have prior training/experience in boxing/muay thai and MMA submission grappling. I have been an avid competitor throughout my career and medaled in the local, state, and world championships at the black belt Masters level. In addition to competition, I have traveled and trained BJJ from the West coast to the East coast, receiving invaluable knowledge along the way.
In addition to BJJ experience, I am a 20+ year law enforcement veteran. I worked for a large metropolitan law enforcement agency in California and retired in 2022, so that I could fulfill my dream of opening up my own academy.
During my career, I primarily worked in specialized units, such as, SWAT and fugitive apprehension, but also developed and oversaw the defensive tactics program for my department and was recognized as the agency’s use of force subject matter expert. With over 15 years of training and instructional experience, I have trained thousands of law enforcement professionals and have extensive knowledge in defensive tactics, firearms training, small unit team tactics, as well as a variety of other topics.
In the summer of 2021, I visited Greenville with my wife and immediately fell in love with the beautiful area and amazing people. Our family is excited to be a part of the local community and help grow the Jiu-Jitsu culture in the Upstate.
I have a passion for teaching all aspects of BJJ, self-defense and the grappling arts to my students. Satisfaction comes from always striving to be the best coach possible and being able to pass on the knowledge, training and experience I have received onto my students, so that they may achieve their own personal goals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Senzo Jiu-Jitsu’s first struggle started with finding an available location for lease. After almost two years of searching and multiple locations and offers fall through, we finally secured a spot in Greenville at the Cherrydale Point Shopping Center (3225 N. Pleasantburg Drive). After many setbacks, and relocating from CA without knowing anyone, we pushed forward and renovated our location on our own.
We opened our doors in September of 2024 and have been slowly growing our Academy. We are very grateful for our students and look forward to adding more classes and positively impacting peoples lives in our community.
Another obstacle we have come across is that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not as well known in South Carolina. On the west coast, the majority of the public is aware of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and its impact as the fastest growing martial art in the world. In South Carolina the public is less aware of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the Jiu-Jitsu community is smaller comparatively. As more people move into the area and locals learn of the benefits, Jiu-Jitsu will continue to grow in the Upstate and impact lives in a positive way.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am passionate about showing that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone and can benefit anyone regardless of their age, sex, athletic ability, physical disability or background. Jiu-Jitsu is not just the most effective martial art, but so much more. Jiu-Jitsu brings people together in a positive community; helps with stress, depression & anxiety, improves health and fitness, flexibility and mobility, provides confidence, self-discipline and determination and provides an entire community for travel, competition and friendships.
What sets me apart from many Jiu-Jitsu schools is my law enforcement experience. During my 20+ year career, I worked numerous specialized assignments including SWAT, fugitive apprehension, dignitary protection and oversaw and developed the Defensive Tactics Program for the largest law enforcement agency in Northern California. In addition to utilizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques numerous times throughout my career, I have taught thousands of law enforcement officers and civilians defensive tactics in addition to other skills. I also provide defensive tactics training and instruction to law enforcement agencies and assist them with their defensive tactics programs.
I am excited for the future of BJJ in the Upstate and have created a safe and encouraging environment for our students. I am proud of our newly renovated modern facility and offer a free trail class for anyone interesting in learning more by signing up at www.senzobjj.com.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://senzobjj.com/
- Instagram: @senzojiujitsuacademy
- Facebook: senzojiujitsuacademy
