Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy
A Family-Based Greenville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Gym
Located in Greenville, SC, we proudly serve students from Traveler’s Rest, Taylors, Easley, Five Forks, Simpsonville, and the greater Upstate community. At Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we’ve created a positive, family-friendly environment where everyone feels welcome.
For adults, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers an incredible way to relieve stress, improve fitness, and build lasting friendships. For kids, it develops focus, discipline, confidence, and perseverance — skills that carry far beyond the mats.
We believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the missing piece in many people’s lives, offering growth for the mind, body, and spirit. No matter your age, experience level, or background, you’ll find a place to learn, grow, and thrive here at Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
Sign up for a FREE BJJ class!
Get started at Senzo with a free Jiu-Jitsu class!
It’s a great opportunity to get going and see what BJJ lessons can do for you or your kids!
Learn more about
Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Our School
At Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we believe Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. Our mission is to serve each student on their journey — whether that means improving fitness, mastering techniques, or testing themselves in competition. With a carefully designed curriculum, we provide clear structure and proven results for anyone willing to put in the effort on the mats.
But Senzo Jiu-Jitsu is more than just training. We’ve built a supportive, tight-knit community where students encourage one another and grow together. The name “Senzo” means ancestry, and we embrace that spirit by creating a culture that honors respect, connection, and long-term growth. From regular classes to special events, we foster bonds that extend well beyond the academy.
Whether you’re from Greenville, Traveler’s Rest, Taylors, Easley, Five Forks, Simpsonville, or anywhere in the Upstate, you’ll find a welcoming home at Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy — a place to challenge yourself, build confidence, and become part of something lasting.
History
Since opening in September 2024, Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy has quickly grown into a home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Greenville and the surrounding communities of Traveler’s Rest, Taylors, Easley, Five Forks, and Simpsonville. From day one, our vision has been simple — to create a welcoming environment where anyone can step onto the mats and feel supported in their Jiu-Jitsu journey.
That commitment has fueled rapid growth. In less than a year, we’ve expanded our kids’ program twice and added both Gi and No-Gi classes for children and adults. These milestones reflect not only our passion for Jiu-Jitsu but also the trust our students and families place in us.
The name Senzo means “ancestry,” and it captures the heart of our philosophy. We honor the Japanese roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while carrying forward the lineage of our owner and head instructor, Professor Nate Burnette, a fourth-degree black belt.
Before founding Senzo, Professor Nate served more than 20 years in law enforcement and spent over a decade as the head instructor of Synergy Jiu-Jitsu in California. Throughout his career, he trained thousands of students and officers in Jiu-Jitsu, defensive tactics, and firearms. That blend of martial arts mastery and real-world experience now shapes Senzo Jiu-Jitsu into more than a school — it’s a place where students of all ages and backgrounds can learn, grow, and reach their highest potential.
Discover the benefits at Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy stands apart as more than just a gym. Our strong lineage, student-focused mentality, and unique class offerings make us the premier destination for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Greenville and the surrounding areas of Traveler’s Rest, Taylors, Easley, Five Forks, and Simpsonville.
At Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we place a strong emphasis on maintaining a positive and uplifting atmosphere. From our instructors to our students, every class is designed to encourage growth, highlight individual strengths, and inspire everyone to reach their full potential.
We take pride in keeping our academy clean, safe, and well-maintained. Our students train in a professional environment with quality equipment, giving them the confidence that their health and safety always come first.
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu curriculum is carefully structured to deliver real results. Whether your goal is self-defense, competition, fitness, or personal growth, our programs are designed to meet individual needs and provide a clear path for long-term success.
Owner and head instructor, Professor Nate Burnette, brings a unique perspective to his instruction shaped by more than 20 years of law enforcement experience and over a decade competing at the black belt level. His experience enhances training, blending practical self-defense with competition proven Jiu-Jitsu techniques, giving students skills they can trust both on and off the mats.
Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, we also offer advanced training programs through Senzo Training and Tactics Group. Led by Nate Burnette, this division provides specialized instruction for both civilians and first responder professionals. Training includes defensive tactics, firearms skills (from basic to advanced), vehicle operations, CQB and other specialized disciplines designed to enhance safety, confidence, and real-world preparedness. This is a unique opportunity not available anywhere else in the area.
Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a place where families can grow together. Parents and children alike benefit from our high-energy, supportive atmosphere, creating shared experiences that strengthen bonds and build lasting memories.
The Senzo Jiu-Jitsu class schedule!
Take a look at our academy schedule. Find the right time Monday-Saturday for you and/or your kids to get on the mats and begin your journeys!
Take a look inside our Greenville Jiu-Jitsu Academy and
see our students in action!
Words from our Community
At Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy, we’re proud to serve not only Greenville but also the surrounding communities of Traveler’s Rest, Taylors, Easley, Five Forks, and Simpsonville. Our doors are open to anyone ready for a life-changing journey in a supportive, family-friendly environment. Don’t just take our word for it — hear from our students and families about what makes Senzo a true home for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“Prof. Nate is one of the best high level Black Belts I have ever trained under. He is also a great teacher because he can explain things in a way that everyone can understand.”
“Professor Nate is one of the most knowledgable and technical Jiu-Jitsu coaches in the game. Looking forward to learning and growing with this team!”
“The biggest quality I see is that it’s very welcoming to everyone, including newcomers. If you are thinking of starting your jiu jitsu journey, I highly recommend Senzo.”
“Senzo Jiu-Jitsu academy offers an incredibly clean facility, and incredible instruction. I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning the most effective martial art.”
“If you’re considering Jiu-Jitsu for yourself or your family, I highly recommend trying the free trial class. Senzo is the real deal.”
Sign up for a FREE BJJ class!
Get started at Senzo with a free Jiu-Jitsu class!
It’s a great opportunity to get going and see what BJJ lessons can do for you or your kids!
Contact Us!
Whether you’re brand new to martial arts or an experienced competitor, Senzo Jiu-Jitsu Academy provides top-quality instruction for every level. Starting Jiu-Jitsu is simple with our Foundations Course, designed to help beginners feel confident and comfortable from day one.
We proudly serve Greenville and nearby communities including Traveler’s Rest, Taylors, Easley, Five Forks, and Simpsonville. You’ll find us conveniently located at the Cherrydale Point Shopping Center, right beside the Regal Theater—come visit and see what makes Senzo different!