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 Jimmy Gibson
BJJ Instructor
Biography Coming Soon!
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 Jeff Wright
No-Gi BJJ Instructor
Kickboxing 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. Jeff has trained Muay Thai through several reputable individuals, but has most recently honed his skills under Shawn Major, a protege of UFC Veteran and former One Championship Heavyweight Champion Brandon Vera. 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
Lead Kids' 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. In 2016, as the initial sponsee of the Ronin Foundation, he was introduced 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 brown 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.
Zachary Barnes
Assistant 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.
Jeff Cummings
Assistant 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 2019. 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 rank of purple belt in 2021. Jeff was promoted to his current rank of brown belt in 2023.
Andy Shelly
Assistant Kids' BJJ Instructor
Assistant Wrestling Instructor
Biography Coming Soon!
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 Kids' 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 blue belt from Professor Enrique Watson in June 2023, 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.
Brittany Bell
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.
April Clark
Yoga Instructor
Biography Coming Soon!
Jayde-Marie Lee
CXFIT
Biography Coming Soon!
Rebecca Barnes
Operations Consultant
Rebecca, a former high school athlete and collegiate volleyball player, discovered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through her husband’s and daughter’s participation in the sport. Motivated by family and her competitive nature, she embraced the sport's challenges. She has been known to actively participate in multiple disciplines offered at the gym. In March 2023, she decided to become an independent contractor and has served as an Operations Consultant since. This has allowed to her to balance her professional life with her newfound passion.