Professor James Burchfield is a Gracie Barra First Degree Black Belt Instructor in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studying under Prof Flavio Almeida, CEO of Gracie Barra. Professor Burchfield began teaching martial arts in 1984 and his original location has been in continuous operation at the same location ever since. Professor Burchfield began studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1994 and is currently the only Gracie Barra certified black belt instructor in the state of MI. He has trained with many of the world’s top practitioners including, but not limited to:
Flavio Almeida: CEO Gracie Barra, 3 Time World Champion
Romulo Barral: 5 Time World Champion
Braulio Estima: 3rd Degree Black Belt, 5 Time BJJ World Champion
Samuel Braga: Black Belt, 6 Time World Champion
Lucas Leite: 2007 BJJ World Champion, 2 Time No-Gi World Champion
Luis Heredia: 5th Degree Black Belt, 5 Time Pan-Am Champion
Igor Yakimov: 2 Time Russian Sambo Champion
Saulo Ribiero: 5 Time BJJ World Champion, 2 Time ADCC Champion
Xande Ribiero: 4 Time BJJ World Champion, 2 Time ADCC Champion
Rickson Gracie: 11-0 Professional MMA Record
In addition to his background in BJJ, he is also a black belt in Hsing-I Kung Fu and a certified instructor in various styles of Filipino stick fighting.
Along with his background in striking styles of martial arts, he travels to Thailand 1-2 times per year to train at professional Muay Thai gyms to bring back the most accurate and up to date techniques from the heartland of the style. So if you are interested in the most authentic styles of BJJ and Muay Thai, look no further than Gracie Barra Burton and Novi academies.
Greg Fernandes
Coach Greg Fernandes started his martial arts career in 1993 while in college in VA after years of wrestling in high school under the tutelage of Olympic wrestler Alray Johnson. Studying Hsing-I Kung Fu in college, he became a student of Professor Burchfield when he moved to MI in 1994, and has been a student and instructor ever since, studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai kickboxing, Hsing-I, Tai-Chi, Filipino stick fighting, and Ashtanga Yoga. Greg has also had the opportunity to study with many of the world champions that have conducted seminars at Gracie Barra academies, including Saulo and Xande Ribiero, Igor Yakimov, Luis Heredia, and Romulo Barral. Before opening Gracie Barra Novi with Professor Burchfield, Greg taught Tai-Chi Chuan and Ashtanga Yoga through the continuing education program at The Ohio State University while obtaining his Master’s degree in engineering. While attending OSU, he had the opportunity to train with the foremost Ashtanga Yoga teachers in the world: David Swenson and Tim Miller. Not only does Coach Greg Fernandes bring a wealth of knowledge from his martial arts and fitness background, but he brings a wealth of business and leadership experience to the team from his 10 years of experience in the MI Junior Chamber. Through his leadership experience running a local chapter of almost 100 members, Greg was recognized with numerous local, state and national awards.
Reviews
Jim and everyone who trains here make you feel welcome and are very professional. I have trained BJJ and MMA off and on since 2000 at a lot of other schools.These guys are awesome. Everyone helps each other and for me I don't have to worry about yankers and crankers. They role hard but don't try kill you on the mat. I will not train anywhere else.
Ryan Winningham
The staff and members are great, I am very new to the sport but that doesn't matter everyone is willing to help you get better. Anyone who is interested in Jiu Jitsu should come and check this place out!
Matthew Zissler
I've been a Gracie Barra Novi student for almost 6 months now and very happy with my experience. I appreciate the structured curriculum as well as the personal experience and knowledge of the instructors. The students have been pleasant and friendly from day one and help to make the school's atmosphere welcoming and enjoyable. Everyone is respectful, eager to learn and excited to be training together no matter what belt rank.
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