Brian Eubank is a dedicated martial artist and esteemed instructor, holding a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His training journey began in 2007 when he joined Team Hopkins in 2010. With over 30 years of experience as a cable lineman, Brian currently manages the Aerial Construction department while balancing his commitment to his family as a devoted husband and father of two.

As the head instructor of the 6am class, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his students. He has competed in numerous local tournaments and has traveled across the country to participate in seminars, further enhancing his expertise in Jiu-Jitsu. Known for his patience and positive demeanor, Brian is a source of inspiration and a supportive presence within the martial arts community. His dedication to teaching and mentoring others enriches the lives of his students both on and off the mat.

Hutch Adams is an esteemed instructor of our Self-Defense classes held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. With a vast knowledge base and extensive experience in self-defense and various related disciplines, Hutch is a valuable asset to our academy.

Known for his friendly demeanor and positive attitude, he embodies the qualities of an exceptional instructor. Students can expect a warm welcome whenever they visit the academy, as Hutch is always eager to engage and support them in their learning journey.

In addition to his self-defense expertise, Hutch is recognized as a firearms safety and combatives specialist, further enhancing his instructional capabilities. His patience and deep understanding of self-defense principles make him an outstanding mentor for students of all levels.

Travis Godbey began his journey in the combative arts at the age of six, initially training in wrestling throughout his middle school years. At 16, he expanded his expertise by practicing Shaolin martial arts, achieving the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt and earning the title of Sifu, which denotes his role as a teacher.

In 2007, Travis transitioned to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and in 2011, he joined Team Hopkins, where he has continued to develop his skills and knowledge of the art. Alongside his dedication to martial arts, Travis works as a Physician Assistant specializing in Neurosurgery in Pensacola. He is recognized on the mats as a team leader and enforcer, drawing upon his extensive background in combatives and firearms, which includes collaboration with local SWAT teams.

Travis’s diverse experience and commitment to both martial arts and medicine enrich his teaching approach, making him a valuable asset to our BJJ community.

Brad Fisher began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2014 under the guidance of David Fernandes at 9th Jiu-Jitsu. In 2021, he achieved the distinguished rank of 1st Degree Black Belt, becoming the first Black Belt promoted by Fernandes.

Brad is not only a dedicated practitioner but also a committed husband and father. He is well-regarded for his exceptional skills, particularly his expertise in wrist locks. Known for his confident and calm demeanor, Brad has made a significant impact at the academy, creating a welcoming environment for all students. His presence enhances the community, making every visit to the gym a positive experience.

Mr. William Vineyard has been a valued member of our team since 2012, serving as an instructor on Monday and Wednesday evenings. With over 20 years of experience in various forms of martial arts, he possesses a deep understanding of techniques and instructional methods. His expertise enables him to effectively teach and explain complex concepts to students of all levels.

Known for his friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge, Mr. Vineyard is dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment for all participants.

Mr. Pat, affectionately known as “Surfer Pat,” began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey with Team Hopkins in 2010. Motivated by the need to enhance his self-defense skills while visiting some of Hawaii’s more challenging surf spots, he dedicated himself to the art of BJJ.

Over the course of twelve years, Mr. Pat has developed into an expert in self-defense and grappling techniques. His presence in the water is well-recognized by the local surfing community, where he is known not just for his skills, but also for his approachable and friendly demeanor.

Colleagues and students alike admire Mr. Pat for his kindness, humility, and the genuine friendship he extends to everyone he meets. His positive attitude and dedication to teaching make him not only an exceptional martial artist but also an inspiring instructor.

Join Mr. Pat on the mat and experience the blend of skill, camaraderie, and support he brings to every class!

Lucas Westfall began his journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2008 at the age of 14. With years of dedicated practice and study, Lucas has earned the prestigious rank of Black Belt. His depth of knowledge in Jiu-Jitsu is remarkable, encompassing everything from fundamental self-defense techniques to advanced maneuvers.

As the head instructor of our daily lunch classes, Lucas brings a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching. His commitment to continuous learning ensures that he remains at the forefront of the discipline, consistently refining his skills and expanding his expertise.

Lucas is known for his comprehensive understanding of Jiu-Jitsu, often insights that both novices and seasoned practitioners can greatly benefit from. We highly encourage anyone interested in enhancing their Jiu-Jitsu experience to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from Lucas.

Cliff Vanalst began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in September 2011. Known for his humility and friendliness, he is a respected member of the martial arts community.

A devoted husband and father of two, Cliff also brings a competitive streak in jiu-jitsu, holding an amateur MMA record of 4 wins and 5 losses, including two title fights.

With over 12 years in culinary management, he recently returned to professional landscaping, applying his strong work ethic. Colleagues and students affectionately call him “Cliff Smash!” due to his powerful presence on the mats and dedication as an instructor and mentor.

Mr. Peter Lovetto began his jiu-jitsu training at our downtown location in March 2016 and has since become the head instructor for our homeschool classes. His passion for jiu-jitsu is evident in his commitment to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

While he may be somewhat elusive, he is frequently seen at our lunch classes and leads our Friday homeschool sessions. Peter’s dedication to the art of jiu-jitsu and his students is what drives him to excel in his role as an instructor.

Dr. Bradley Lord has been an integral member of Team Hopkins since 2016, bringing with him a wealth of martial arts experience that began in 1986 with Taekwondo. He is a distinguished practitioner, currently holding a 7th Degree Black Belt in Hapkido, showcasing his dedication to the art.

Beyond his martial arts accomplishments, Dr. Lord is deeply committed to making a positive impact in his community. He serves as the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization that provides essential services to families in need, demonstrating his passion for helping others.

As a devoted husband and father, Dr. Lord embodies the values of leadership, compassion, and resilience. His approach to teaching not only equips students with martial arts skills but also inspires them to lead fulfilling lives. Dr. Lord’s influence extends beyond the dojo, as he strives to uplift those around him, making the world a better place every day. His commitment to excellence in both martial arts and life exemplifies what it means to be a true black belt.

Officer Shawn Hankin has been dedicated to martial arts for over 30 years, beginning his journey as a corrections officer. In 2005, he focused his training on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, joining Team Hopkins in 2010. Throughout his career, Officer Hankin has served as a defensive tactics instructor for his law enforcement agency and the basic recruit academy, equipping officers with essential skills for various situations.

His extensive knowledge of law enforcement topics, policies, and practices enhances his teaching, making him an invaluable resource for students. Known for his detail-oriented and systematic approach, Officer Hankin excels in simplifying complex concepts, ensuring clarity and understanding for all his students. His commitment to training and instruction has profoundly impacted the BJJ community.

Zach Roberts began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2007 at the age of 14. His youthful appearance earned him the affectionate nickname “Man Boy,” a testament to his impressive maturity and skill. Over the years, Zach has maintained a consistent training regimen, and he is recognized for his remarkable technical abilities and knowledge of the art.

As an instructor at 9th Jiu-Jitsu, Zach is dedicated to sharing his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with his students. He is known for his exceptional guard game, particularly his proficiency in triangular chokes, making it wise for opponents to be cautious when engaging with him in this area.

Beyond his accomplishments on the mat, Zach is a kind and supportive individual, cherished by his students for his approachability and encouragement. He is a devoted husband and father, which further attests to his character. Zach’s commitment to both his family and the martial arts community makes him a valuable member of 9th Jiu-Jitsu, and anyone fortunate enough to train with him will undoubtedly benefit from his expertise and positive influence.

JR Butler began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in downtown in September 2012. He earned his purple belt in 2016 while living in Morocco, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the Tangier Fight Team. As the sole instructor from its inception until his relocation in 2018, he nurtured the growth of BJJ in the region.

Since returning to the United States in 2020, JR has focused his training primarily at 9th. In addition to his dedication to martial arts, he is a skilled electrical engineer and a committed family man, blessed with a wonderful wife and three sons. JR believes that life is great and strives to pass on his passion for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to his students.

Nic Anthony began his journey with Team Hopkins in 2016 and has since become a valued member of the community. As a dedicated electrician, Nic owns and operates North End Electrical Services, where he is known for his skilled craftsmanship and exceptional problem-solving abilities.

A family man, Nic is married with three children, and he balances his professional life with his commitment to personal and family values. In addition to being the assistant instructor for morning classes, he also takes on the role of a homeschool instructor, demonstrating his commitment to education and mentorship.

Nic’s work ethic is exemplary; he approaches every task—from his family commitments to his jiu-jitsu practice—with pride and professionalism. His dedication to high-quality work in all areas of his life sets a standard for those around him. He embodies the qualities of hard work and integrity, making him an invaluable asset to the Team Hopkins community.

Travis Lampert has a rich background in athletics, having participated in various organized sports throughout his childhood. His journey into grappling began in Orlando, Florida, where he competed in folk and freestyle wrestling during high school. In 2017, he began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Downtown, ultimately achieving his black belt in June 2025.

Travis prioritizes a comprehensive training approach, cultivating core competencies in both self-defense and sport jiu-jitsu. In addition to his martial arts background, Travis is a practicing attorney in Pensacola, Florida, specializing in employment law since 2013.

As an assistant instructor, Travis contributes to Tuesday and Thursday night classes and is recognized as a leg lock specialist within the academy. His dedication to both his profession and martial arts reflects his commitment to excellence in all aspects of his career.

Russel Lamotte began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2015 under the guidance of David Fernandes, which he eventually achieved the rank of Black Belt. In addition to his dedication to the sport, Russel serves as a local firefighter for the City of Pensacola, exemplifying his commitment to community service.

As a devoted husband and father, Russel balances his personal and professional life with grace. He actively teaches both adult and children’s classes at 9th Jiu-Jitsu, where his approachable demeanor and friendly nature make him a beloved instructor among students of all ages.

Known for his remarkable strength and size, Russel stands out not only as the most physically imposing member of Team Hopkins’ Black Belt cohort but also for his advanced technical skill, particularly in his intricate lapel game. His ability to combine technique with a supportive presence makes him an invaluable asset to the team and a great person to be around.

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