MONROE JIU JITSU
MONROE JIU JITSU INSTRUCTORS
TODD WILLIAMS
Todd Williams, owner of Monroe Jiu Jitsu, is a proud Monroe, Michigan native whose athletic journey began in distance running. A standout at Monroe High School, he was a state champion and All-American in 1987 before going on to represent the United States in the Olympics twice—first in Barcelona (1992) and again in Atlanta (1996).
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After retiring from professional running in 2002, Todd shifted his focus to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and self-defense training. Over eight years and more than 6,000 hours of dedicated practice, he earned his black belt and self-defense certifications under the legendary Coral Belt Luiz Palhares on January 22, 2011.
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Following this achievement, Todd launched RunSafer.com, a program designed to teach runners, joggers, and walkers how to stay safe while exercising. Together with his wife, Lindsey, he has led over 600 safety workshops across 35 states and has also worked with law enforcement and the National Guard.
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Todd has trained with some of the most respected figures in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, including world champions Marcelo Garcia, Bernardo Faria, Wellington “Megaton” Dias, Andre Galvao, Saulo & Xande Ribeiro, Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes, Helio “Soneca” Moreira, Lucas Lepri, Mikey Musumeci, Josh Hinger, and JT Torres.
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Now a fourth-degree black belt, Todd continues to compete and share his passion for Jiu Jitsu. His mission for Monroe Jiu Jitsu is to create a welcoming, high-level environment where students can transform their lives through martial arts.
MJJ Coaches
Lindsey and Todd
Nate Cole
MJJ Coaches
LINDSEY WILLIAMS
Lindsey is a purple belt. She began her jiu jitsu career learning self defense from Todd in 2013. Lindsey has helped Todd teach self defense through Runsafer (Todd's self defense program for runners). Todd and Lindsey have done over 600 self defense workshops all over the U.S.
Lindsey teaches the women's program and kids classes at MJJ.
JASON DENSON
Jason received his black belt under Todd Williams in January of 2023. He started jiu jitsu in 2004 at a Professor Caique school in Walled Lake. Jason trained for 5 years at various schools in Michigan. Then in 2018 Jason found Monroe Jiu Jitsu and continued his journey with jiu jitsu. He has competed at least once at every belt level but his main focus is expanding his understanding of jiu jitsu through mentoring and coaching.
MATTHEW MILLER
Matt received his black belt under Todd Williams in December of 2022. He started training jiu jitsu in 2003 under Michigan's first black belt, Ryan Forenzi. Matt earned his purple belt from Tyrone Gooden and continued to train through 2010 at West Martial Arts. After taking a break from jiu jitsu Matt picked his training back up when Monroe Jiu Jitsu opened in 2017. Matt's most enjoyable thing about jiu jitsu is the joy of seeing the profound changes it can have with people on and off the mats.
NATE COLE
Nate is a first degree black belt. He started training in 2009 under Tino Amaya. Nate earned his black belt under Chris Blanke from Toledo Jiu Jitsu Center. Nate has over 10 years experience on the mat competing and teaching. He joined Monroe Jiu Jitsu June of 2022 and will be available for privates as well as teaching our competition classes.