About Us
Great Jiu-Jitsu should be
challenging, rewarding, and accessible to everyone.
Our accomplished coaching team has competed and succeeded at the highest levels of the sport, bringing real experience and knowledge to every class. We make training practical and easy to understand, helping students build skill, confidence, fitness, and a genuine love for Jiu-Jitsu. Whether you want to compete, get in shape, learn self-defense, or simply try something new, your training is tailored to your goals. We meet you where you are, help you grow, and create an environment where progress and fun go hand in hand. More than a place to train, Simpleman Martial Arts is a community where you can challenge yourself, build connections, and feel at home.
Stay Connected
Join the conversation, shop the gear, and keep up to date with Simpleman Martial Arts!
Simpleman Martial Arts
Youtube Channel
Take a look behind the scenes with us on our Youtube page. We have plenty of informative videos from our podcast, fun short clips, and more. Check it out and join the fun on and off the mat!
Listen In On the Latest on
Apple Podcasts
Are you interested in learning more about Jiu-Jitsu and Simpleman Martial Arts? If so, you can check out our podcast to learn more about us. Listen to the team break down fun topics, talk to interesting guests, and see what they are like off the mat. Give it a listen today!
Get the Gear at
Simpleman by BreakPoint
We’re excited to bring you high-quality gear and apparel — built for performance, comfort, and everyday wear, on and off the mats.
All academy orders are custom-made specifically for you. Because of this, they cannot be exchanged or returned unless the item arrives damaged.
Get the official gear and hit the mat in style!
Get Ready to Get on the Mat
Weekly Class Schedule
Find your class time and join us on the mat today!
Start With a FREE Trial Class!
Join us for a FREE trial in one of our Monday, Wednesday, or Friday Jiu-Jitsu classes. Come in and see what we have to offer! Trial excludes our Pro Training program.
Meet the Team
Simpleman Martial Arts Instructors
The team at Simpleman Martial Arts has been together for years, training and competing side-by-side to build an elite group of coaches who instruct students of all levels. Their experience and passion for the world of Jiu-Jitsu are second to none. You can meet our team below and see how they’ve come together to bring simple Jiu-Jitsu to Austin!
Nick “Nicky Rod” Rodriguez
Instructor & Athlete
Nicky Rodriguez, widely known in the grappling world as “The Black Belt Slayer,” is one of the most respected heavyweight athletes in modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a founding member of Simple Man Martial Arts.
Coming from a strong wrestling background, Nicky’s rise in professional grappling was nothing short of remarkable. Competing as a blue belt, he earned the nickname The Black Belt Slayer after defeating multiple world-class black belts on some of the biggest stages in the sport. His mix of athleticism, technical intelligence, and composure under pressure quickly established him as a top competitor and a leader in the new era of submission grappling.
Nicky is a two-time ADCC Silver Medalist (2019, 2022) and a two-time ADCC North American Trials Champion, achievements that reflect years of disciplined training and world-class consistency. In 2024, he captured the Craig Jones Invitational (CJI) Heavyweight Title, further solidifying his place among the elite in professional grappling.
At Simple Man Martial Arts, Nicky brings the same intensity and structure that define his competition career to every class he teaches. His instruction focuses on positional control, movement efficiency, and pressure-based systems that allow students to dominate through technique, not strength.
Known for his humility, work ethic, and attention to detail, Nicky embodies the core of the Simple Man philosophy: simplicity, clarity, and mastery through consistent effort.
Whether you are new to Jiu Jitsu or an experienced competitor, training under Nicky provides insight into the mindset and mechanics that have made him one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Nicky Ryan
Instructor & Athlete
Nicky Ryan is one of the most technically refined grapplers of his generation and a founding member of what is now Simple Man Martial Arts. Known for his precision, composure, and deep understanding of positional strategy, Nicky has built his reputation not only through world-class competition but through his ability to teach complex techniques with clarity and control.
Beginning his training at a young age, Nicky quickly developed a reputation for his attention to detail and disciplined approach to learning. Over the years, he has competed against and trained with many of the best grapplers in the world, helping shape the evolution of modern no-gi Jiu Jitsu.
At Simple Man Martial Arts, Nicky leads by example. His teaching emphasizes intelligent training, technical efficiency, and patience, the same principles that define the Simple Man philosophy. He breaks down Jiu Jitsu into logical, understandable systems that work for practitioners at every level.
Nicky’s approach reflects the academy’s mission: make world-class Jiu Jitsu accessible to everyone, from hobbyists to professional athletes.
His instruction is methodical, detail-oriented, and grounded in real application. Students training under Nicky gain insight into how to think about Jiu Jitsu, not just how to perform it.
Ethan Crelinsten
Instructor & Athlete
Ethan Crelinsten is a world-class grappler, competitor, and coach recognized for his sharp technical understanding, adaptability, and composure under pressure. A founding member of Simple Man Martial Arts, Ethan brings a blend of elite competition experience and analytical instruction that reflects the academy’s focus on clarity, structure, and growth for all levels.
Originally from Canada, Ethan developed under world-renowned coaches and established himself early as one of the most intelligent and versatile athletes in submission grappling. He has competed on the sport’s biggest stages, including ADCC, EBI, Polaris, and Who’s Number One, earning respect for his ability to solve problems in real time and innovate from any position.
In 2025, Ethan played a key role in his team’s victory at the Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2) in Las Vegas, where the squad, now known as Simple Man Martial Arts, captured the million-dollar team title by defeating some of the strongest competitors in the world. His performance in that event demonstrated the technical discipline, composure, and teamwork that define both his career and his teaching philosophy.
At Simple Man Martial Arts, Ethan’s classes focus on clarity and problem-solving. He teaches students how to identify patterns, understand leverage, and make effective decisions under pressure. Every concept he shares is built on real experience, refined through years of competition at the highest level.
Ethan represents what Simple Man stands for, intelligent training, consistent effort, and the pursuit of mastery through simplicity. His instruction gives every student, from dedicated hobbyists to aspiring professionals, the tools to think, move, and perform like a modern grappler.
Damien Anderson
Instructor & Athlete
Damien Anderson is a world-class Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, competitor, and coach whose teaching combines elite technical understanding with clear, structured communication. A respected instructor at Simple Man Martial Arts, Damien’s methods emphasize discipline, precision, and the steady development of practical, effective Jiu Jitsu for adults of all levels.
Known for his ability to make complex concepts simple, Damien has competed internationally on major platforms including Who’s Number One, Polaris, and Fight To Win, earning recognition for both his performance and professionalism. His approach to instruction focuses on efficiency, control, and problem-solving, helping students learn how to think, adapt, and apply techniques intelligently under pressure.
In 2025, Damien served in a key coaching role at Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2) in Las Vegas, where the team that would become Simple Man Martial Arts earned the million-dollar team title. His preparation, strategy, and mentorship were instrumental in guiding the team to victory, showcasing his deep understanding of competition strategy and team dynamics.
Beyond grappling, Damien is also pursuing a professional career in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
He currently holds an undefeated professional record of 4–0, with wins achieved through both submissions and striking finishes under the Fury Fighting Championship banner. His success in MMA reflects his ability to apply high-level grappling fundamentals in a complete combat setting.
At Simple Man Martial Arts, Damien continues to balance his professional competition career with a passion for teaching. His classes integrate lessons learned from both Jiu Jitsu and MMA, offering students insight into how grappling principles translate into all forms of combat and self-defense.
Damien embodies the core of the Simple Man philosophy: focus on what matters, train with clarity, and pursue excellence through consistent effort. His presence on the mats helps every student, from beginner to professional, grow with structure and purpose.
Anthony Salvatore
Instructor & Athlete
Anthony Salvatore “Sal” is a lifelong martial artist and the Fundamentals instructor at Simple Man Martial Arts. With over eight years of dedicated jiu-jitsu experience, he has trained, competed, and coached at some of the highest levels in the sport. Sal’s journey began in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served for five years and gained extensive experience in logistics, leadership, and high-pressure operations. His roles included coordinating mission-critical movements and supporting counter-narcotics and anti-terrorism operations in the Middle East. The discipline and composure he developed there directly shape his teaching style on the mats. After leaving the military, Sal moved to Austin, Texas to pursue jiu-jitsu full-time. While working security at Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership, he trained as a semi-professional athlete and eventually became an instructor at B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, one of the most respected academies in the world. His time at B-Team refined both his technical understanding and his ability to coach athletes of all levels.
Outside the academy, Sal co-founded Pronoia, a jiu-jitsu apparel brand built around positivity and the belief that the world is conspiring in your favor. He is naturally curious, easy to connect with, and approaches learning without ego. Values shaped by thousands of hours spent on the mats. Whether a student is completely new to jiu-jitsu or a seasoned practitioner, Sal is committed to delivering world-class instruction in a welcoming, disciplined, and growth-oriented environment. His teaching emphasizes strategy, calmness under pressure, and the belief that jiu-jitsu can make every part of your life better.
Liam Crelinsten
Instructor & Athlete
Liam Crelinsten is a competitive grappler and coach recognized for his disciplined approach to training, strong fundamentals, and commitment to consistent improvement. As a two-time Canadian ADCC Open Champion, Liam brings proven competitive experience and a practical understanding of what it takes to perform under pressure.
Originally developing through the Canadian grappling scene, Liam established himself as a focused and driven athlete with a game built on efficiency, control, and repeatable decision-making. His success at the ADCC Open level reflects not only physical preparation but a clear grasp of positional awareness and competition strategy.
As a coach, Liam emphasizes structure, fundamentals, and intelligent progression. His instruction focuses on helping students understand why techniques work, how to apply them against resistance, and how to build confidence in live situations. Whether working with newer students or competitive athletes, Liam prioritizes clarity, consistency, and long-term development.
Liam represents a modern approach to grappling—disciplined training, thoughtful preparation, and steady growth. His coaching is designed to give students the tools to improve efficiently, compete with confidence, and develop a strong technical foundation that holds up at every level.
Level Up with the
Simpleman Team
Simpleman Martial Arts is all about making Jiu-Jitsu clear and simple.
Our community is centered around changing lives through training that everyone can understand.
Students of all levels can join us with a FREE trial and start a special journey on and off the mat!
Our Academy Schedule
There are plenty of options for your training—explore our schedule to find the best time for you and the family to get to work on the mat!
FAQs
If you have been searching for adult martial arts in Austin, TX, you have probably noticed a pattern: adults want results, but we also want training that fits real life. Busy workdays, tight schedules, a body that might feel a little stiff, and a brain that does not always power down when we want it to. That is exactly why martial arts has become such a strong fit in Austin’s wellness culture.
Here is the good news: you do not need a background in fighting, sports, or even fitness to start. We build our adult program for beginners. Our job is to meet you where you are and guide you forward.
Martial arts is not just about learning techniques. For most adults, it starts with something more practical: feeling better in your own body and more capable in your own space. The most common motivations we hear match broader trends: improved fitness is a top driver around 52 percent, stress reduction about 45 percent, self-defense around 38 percent, and social connection about 30 percent.
Another factor is age. Many adult students are 25 to 45, but we also see a growing number of people over 50 who want functional, lower-impact training. We adjust how we teach based on your goals and your current level, not on what a highlight reel looks like.
When people picture martial arts in Austin at Simpleman, it is easy to imagine constant sparring or high-intensity drills. Real beginner training is more methodical. We focus on fundamentals first, because fundamentals are what keep you safe, help you progress, and make the training feel doable.
You can expect a blend of:
- Technical instruction, where we break skills down step by step
- Fitness that is built into the practice, not tacked on as punishment
- Partner drills that are controlled and coached, so you learn timing and distance safely
- Mindset work, including breathing, composure, and decision-making under pressure
- Real-world self-defense principles, such as awareness, boundaries, and simple responses
This is also where the “no boring workouts” idea matters. Adults stick with training when it is engaging. You are learning a skill, and that keeps your brain involved. Honestly, it is easier to push through a tough round when you are focused on getting better, not just getting tired.
A first class should not feel like being thrown into the deep end. We run beginner-friendly sessions where you learn the basics of stance, movement, and core techniques in a structured way. You will sweat, but you should not feel wrecked. The goal is progress, not survival.
Typically, your first session includes a warm-up that prepares joints and muscles, then a technical segment where we teach one or two key skills. After that, we drill those skills with guidance and plenty of resets. You will hear coaching cues constantly, because adults learn faster with clear feedback.
Expect a friendly atmosphere. Adult beginners often worry about looking uncoordinated. That fades quickly, because everyone starts somewhere. It is also normal to feel a little mental overload at first, like learning a new language. We keep it simple, repeat the essentials, and build from there.
Adults like clarity. So here is the honest version: you can feel better after one class, but real skill takes consistent practice. Most beginners notice changes in energy, mood, and confidence within a few weeks, especially if stress relief and fitness are your main goals.
Here is a practical progression we commonly see:
- Weeks 1 to 2: You learn basic movement, breathing, and foundational techniques, and your body starts adjusting.
- Weeks 3 to 6: Your coordination improves, your conditioning comes up, and you start reacting faster in drills.
- Months 2 to 3: Techniques feel more natural, you understand distance and timing better, and you handle more complexity.
- Month 4 and beyond: You refine, pressure-test safely, and build the kind of confidence that carries into daily life.
If you have not trained in years, your first “win” might simply be showing up twice in one week. That matters. Consistency is a skill too.
One of the biggest beginner concerns is intensity. Adult martial arts can be demanding, but it does not have to be reckless. We scale intensity using pacing, partner selection, drill complexity, and options for impact.
If you are coming in with a desk-job body, old injuries, or low cardio, we adjust. We would rather have you train safely for years than push too hard for a week and disappear. That is also why we emphasize good mechanics. Clean technique protects your joints and builds power efficiently.
We also keep the room respectful. Controlled contact and clear expectations matter. You should feel like you are training with teammates, not trying to survive a random workout class.
Many of us are busy and carry stress like it is part of the job description. Martial arts helps because it demands your attention. When you are learning a combination, drilling footwork, or practicing a self-defense response, your mind stops looping on everything else.
We also teach breathing and composure on purpose. That might sound subtle, but it is one of the most transferable skills you can develop. Staying calm while your heart rate is up is useful in training, at work, in traffic, and in tough conversations.
A lot of students tell us this is the first workout that consistently improves mood, not just fitness. That lines up with broader trends showing that many adult beginners prioritize stress relief and health over competition or belts.
Self-defense is a major reason people look for adult martial arts, and it is important to set expectations. Self-defense is not just a collection of moves. It is awareness, posture, distance management, verbal boundaries, and knowing when to leave.
We train scenarios in a way that supports safety and confidence. That includes:
- Recognizing risk early and choosing better options before things escalate
- Learning simple, high-percentage responses under pressure
- Building balance, base, and movement so you do not freeze or stumble
- Practicing controlled partner drills that develop timing and realism without chaos
We also respect that students come in with different comfort levels. Some people want a strong self-defense emphasis right away. Some want to ease in. We can do both, and we will not force you into anything that feels unsafe or inappropriate.
You do not need fancy gear to start adult martial arts. Comfort and safety are the priorities.
Wear athletic clothes you can move in. Bring water. Show up a little early so you can breathe, settle in, and get oriented without rushing. If you have old injuries or concerns, tell us before class. That quick conversation helps us coach you better.
Also, do not worry about being “out of shape.” Training is how you get in shape. The first step is simply walking in and letting us guide the process.
Martial arts is not just a phase or a short challenge. It can become a steady anchor. Adults stay with training because it keeps evolving. As you improve, the work stays interesting. There is always another layer: cleaner movement, better timing, more control, stronger conditioning, calmer mindset.
You also get community without the weirdness. You train with people who show up for similar reasons: health, confidence, stress relief, and the satisfaction of learning something real. Over time, that shared effort adds up. It is one of the most underrated parts of martial arts, especially for remote workers or adults new to the city.
Contact Us!
Come join us for elite Jiu-Jitsu training in Austin at Simpleman Martial Arts. You can find us in South Austin in the same parking lot as Gold’s Gym Austin South Central and Blazer Tag Adventure Center!