Our
Instructors
At Studio 8 BJJ we are a family, and our school is bound to become our students’ second home. We are a judgment-free zone, where mistakes are viewed as growth opportunities and your instructors and fellow students are your #1 supporters. You’ll learn a lot of impressive skills and gain many new abilities at Studio 8 BJJ, but the most important thing you’ll acquire during your time here? Our community.
Studio 8 BJJ
Instructors
Here at Studio 8 BJJ, our staff is the secret to our student success. Each instructor has a rich background in martial arts and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Meet the team below!
Owner and Head Instructor
Professor Brandon
Brandon Culbreth is the owner of Studio 8 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy, a Jean Jacques Machado affiliate. He is a 20-year US Navy veteran and began his martial arts career during his service. Brandon holds a Black Belt in Judo (2008) and a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (2019). He has competed in MMA in Japan and the United States holding the 185lb Championship under the Combat Night banner. He has been training under Jean Jacques Machado since 2017. He credits Jean Jacques and the gentle art of Jiu Jitsu for helping him improve his quality of life. Brandon enjoys studying Jiu Jitsu from all practitioners and is passionate about bringing different styles to Studio 8 thru his instructors and hosting seminars.
Read More
Professor Renod
Renod Gonzalez brings over 12 years of mat experience. He earned his black belt under Rodrigo Mendes in 2021. Renod enjoys teaching and has been instructing for 9 years. He focuses on both technical mastery and mindset growth. Students not only learn techniques but gain practical understanding of how to apply them effectively. Renod is the lead Instructor at Studio 8 Mayport.
Read More
Professor Tito
Tito Cordova has over 20 years of combined experience in Karate, Muay Thai, Submission Art Wrestling and Jiu Jitsu. He trained under ten-time IBJJF world champion Bruno Malfacine for eight years, during which he was promoted to purple and brown belt while serving as Bruno’s assistant instructor. He then trained under Pedro Torres, a Fabio Gurgel black belt, and was promoted to black belt in 2019. Tito enjoys competing and instructing. In 2024, he and his wife relocated to Jacksonville. We benefit from Tito’s vast experience as he trains and teaches at Studio 8.
Read More
Coach Parker
Parker Barriball has been training since 2017 under Professor Brandon Culbreth. He received his brown belt in June 2023. He is the primary morning class instructor, where there is always technical instruction with free coffee. He believes that “when you start your day on the mats, the rest of the day is easy.”
Read More
Coach Andre
Andre Gibson is the lead Youth Coach. Andre is native of Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of wrestling experience. He started Jiu Jitsu in 2019 and was promoted to Purple Belt in 2025. Andre enjoys competing in both local and IBJJF events. He is a US Navy Veteran that specialized in medicine and patient care. His unique combination of wrestling experience and healthcare makes him an excellent youth coach.
Read More
Coach Daniel
Daniel Lacerda is a lead Youth Coach. He wrestled in high school and started Jiu Jitsu in 2013. Under the guidance of Professor Alex Faria, he was promoted to Purple Belt in 2019. Since joining Studio 8, Daniel has been sharing his experience and knowledge.
Read More
Morning Coach
Coach Scott
Scott Wellington is a morning Coach, gym advocate and WeDefy Ambassador. He started training in 2022. He is a true jiu-jitsu addict that attends seminars and visits other schools to deepen his understanding of the art. He is passionate about our gym culture and enjoys helping others begin and learn jiu-jitsu. He was promoted to Purple belt in 2025.
Read More