Our Instructor

Larry Shealy - 4th Degree Black Belt

Professor Larry Shealy is a dedicated martial artist and the lead instructor at Hendo BJJ. With a journey that began in November 1994 at a Rickson Gracie Seminar in Jacksonville, FL, Larry has devoted his life to mastering and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He is a 4th degree Rigan Machado black belt and a certified Rigan Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor.

Larry's teaching extends beyond the traditional scope of BJJ. He has shared his knowledge with the military, including the Marines, Army, and Navy, as well as local police and the S.W.A.T. team in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Alongside his wife Gail, he has trained hundreds of women in self-defense tactics, empowering them to take control of their safety and well-being.

After successfully running a BJJ Academy in Neptune Beach, FL since 2001, Larry moved with his family to Hendersonville, North Carolina in the fall of 2019. He is now the owner and main instructor at Hendo BJJ, which opened in December 2021.

Larry is a taskmaster on safety and proper jiu-jitsu technique, known for his passion for training and his love for his students. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing from Florida State University and an MBA from Jacksonville University in Management/Marketing. Despite a successful career in medical device sales and sales management, Larry's true passion lies in serving the Lord and helping others through the Art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.our text here...

Our Certified Coaches

At Hendo BJJ, our coaches are the heart of our academy. They are not just students of Jiu-Jitsu but passionate educators dedicated to helping each student reach their full potential.

Each of our coaches brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the mat. They are continuously learning and evolving as martial artists and teachers to provide the best possible training for our students. They understand that every student is unique, and they are adept at tailoring their instruction to meet individual needs and goals.

But beyond their technical ability, our coaches are known for their ability to inspire and motivate. They foster a positive and supportive training environment where students feel valued, challenged, and empowered. They are committed to helping students improve their BJJ skills and build confidence, discipline, and resilience that will serve them in all areas of life.

Coach Jeff Harris

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Coach Brandon Apodaca

Brandon started his BJJ journey in September 2021, quickly valuing it for fitness, mental relief, and camaraderie. With over 20 years as a bail agent, Brandon's role highlighted the need for effective self-defense and restraint skills—skills that BJJ enhances, making it crucial for his profession. The birth of his son, River, fueled his commitment to martial arts.

An experienced fly fishing guide and instructor, Brandon excels in teaching, particularly to children, leveraging his patience and emphasis on positive feedback. Teaching BJJ has been a gratifying extension of his coaching skills, profoundly impacting his students, including River. He champions BJJ for its role in building confidence and discipline, and encourages families to explore the benefits at Hendo BJJ.

Coach Randy Beaver

Randy has been a proud Hendersonville resident and family man for 15 years, with both of his children training at Hendo BJJ. His martial arts background spans 8 years in Kyokushin, providing a solid foundation for his BJJ training and teaching.

Besides his roles as a licensed General Contractor and Home Inspector, Randy is deeply involved in his community as a Sunday school teacher and Elks Lodge member. With previous experiences coaching basketball and soccer, he brings a passion for teaching and personal development to our gym. Randy is dedicated to inspiring his students and continues to enrich his life through the benefits of BJJ.

 

Coach T.J. Erway

T.J. brings over 25 years of martial arts expertise to Hendo BJJ, holding a 4th degree black belt in Aikido and a brown belt in Japanese Jujutsu (similar to Judo). As a U.S. Coast Guard veteran, T.J. combines discipline and precision in his coaching.

Alongside his martial arts career, he owns a marketing education company and is the founder of a marketing software platform. A recent addition to the area since 2021, T.J. is a married father of four grown children. His extensive experience and diverse skills make him a cornerstone of our training team, dedicated to laying a strong foundation for our students in BJJ fundamentals.

Coach Glen Gillette

Glen Gillette started his BJJ journey in 2022 with his son, Archer, their first class together was a gift for his 7th birthday. Glen has worked in emergency services for nearly 25 years as a firefighter, paramedic, fire and EMS instructor, and now a fire investigator. Glen enjoys coaching his son and the other children. His interactive coaching style not only teaches jiu-jitsu techniques but instills confidence to face life’s challenges all while ensuring the kids have fun. As a parent and a coach he wants every kid to leave class knowing how to better defend themselves and to walk out the door with a big smile on their face.

Parent Helpers

At Hendo BJJ, we believe in the power of family and community. That's why we're proud to have a team of dedicated parent coaches who bring a unique perspective to our academy. These individuals are not just experienced martial artists; they're parents who understand the challenges and rewards of introducing children to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. They are committed to creating a safe, fun, and supportive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Our parent coaches are a testament to our belief that Jiu-Jitsu is more than a martial art; it's a family affair.

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