Monroe Jiu Jitsu is led by Todd and Lindsey Williams, a husband-and-wife team committed to helping people build confidence, learn practical self-defense, and improve their lives through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Todd Williams is a Monroe native, two-time U.S. Olympian, and fourth-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under legendary Coral Belt Luiz Palhares. After a successful professional running career that included competing in the 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, Todd turned his competitive drive toward Jiu Jitsu and self-defense.

Lindsey Williams is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu purple belt who began training in 2013, initially learning self-defense from Todd. Today, she plays an important role at Monroe Jiu Jitsu, teaching the Women’s Program and Kids Classes and helping create a welcoming environment for students of all ages and experience levels.

Together, Todd and Lindsey have conducted more than 600 self-defense workshops across the United States through RunSafer, Todd’s self-defense and safety program originally created for runners, walkers, and active individuals.

At Monroe Jiu Jitsu, Todd and Lindsey bring their experience, passion, and years of teaching together with one goal: to create a safe, welcoming, high-level academy where kids and adults can learn Jiu Jitsu, develop real-world self-defense skills, build confidence, and become better versions of themselves.