About Us:
Nate Burnette is a 3rd degree black belt under World Champion Cassio Werneck and the founder/head instructor of Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy. “Senzo” the Japanese word meaning “ancestor” or “founder” is to show respect to the historical Japanese roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-Jitsu was originally developed for the Japanese Samurai to engage their enemy in hand to hand combat as a last line of defense, in the event they were unarmed. This combat art would eventually make it’s journey to Brazil and into the hands of the Gracie family. The Gracie family then revolutionized Jiu-Jitsu and set in motion a chain of events that would lead to the development of the world’s most effective ground fighting art, spreading across the globe.
Prior to opening up Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Nate was the head instructor of Synergy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in northern California for over a decade and brings with him over 25 years of BJJ and submission grappling experience. Nate has been an avid competitor throughout his career and medaled at the local, state, and world championships at the black belt masters level.
In addition to his BJJ experience, Nate is a 20+ year law enforcement veteran. Nate worked for a large metropolitan law enforcement agency in California and retired in 2022, so he could fulfill his dream of opening up his own academy.
During his career, Nate primarily worked in specialized units, but also developed and oversaw the defensive tactics program for his agency and was recognized as his agency’s use of force subject matter expert. With over 15 years of training and instructional experience, Nate has trained thousands of law enforcement professionals and has extensive knowledge in defensive tactics, firearms training, small unit team tactics, as well as a variety of other topics.
In the summer of 2021, Nate visited Greenville with his family and immediately fell in love with the beautiful area and amazing people. Nate and his family are excited to be a part of the local community and help grow the Jiu-Jitsu culture in the Upstate.
Nate’s passion is teaching all aspects of BJJ, self-defense and the grappling arts to his students. Nate’s satisfaction comes from always striving to be the best coach possible and pass on the knowledge, training and experience he has received onto his students, so that they may achieve their own personal goals.
