Mazi Heydary

Mazi Heydary is a lifelong student of martial arts. Mazi has been training in various martial arts, including Okinawan Kempo Karate and Tae Kwon Do since 1975. Since 1996 he has been developing his understanding of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He began his Jiu Jitsu training under Greg Thompson, Team R.O.C. founder and the first Royce Gracie Black Belt in North Carolina. After decades of dedication, Mazi earned his Black Belt from Ultimate Fighting Championship Hall of Fame member Royce Gracie in 2011. He currently is a third degree black belt.

In addition to being the head instructor at the Chapel Hill Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy and owner of Train for Life, Mazi also heads the University of North Carolina’s Jiu-Jitsu Club.

Mazi brings a rare passion for martial arts into his teaching methods. With his technical proficiency and detail-centric instruction, demonstrated through his “lead by example” approach, Mazi can push his students to achievements they never thought possible.

Tim Hufford

Tim Hufford has been involved in the fitness industry and martial arts for more than 25 years. As a United States Marine, Tim developed a strong sense of self-discipline and motivation. He believes that the path to improvement starts and ends with structure and accountability. His multi-phase approach to training focuses on developing stability, mobility, strength, and explosive power.

In training Jiu Jitsu, Tim takes this structured and multi-phase approach to create complete, well-rounded athletes and practitioners. He strives to create a system that breeds measurable results based on specific goals and milestones.  Tim is a black belt, youth jiu jitsu instructor, lead coach of the MMA team, and head of the Chapel Hill Gracie Jiu Jitsu strength and conditioning program. He has been training with Mazi since 2010 and is known for his tireless dedication to the school and the improvement of its students.

Jake Whitfield

Also a lifelong martial artist, Jake Whitfield has trained in wrestling, karate, kickboxing, and judo. He began his study of jiu jitsu in 2000. A pro mma fighter since 2005, Jake showcased his unique blend of skills and deep jiu jitsu knowledge for almost two decades in the cage. In 2012 he earned his black belt from Royce Gracie and currently holds the rank of 2nd degree black belt.

Jake brings an immense knowledge base and an intimate understanding of jiu jitsu to his classes. He teaches students from the start that the fundamentals will get you through tough times and advanced fundamentals will last you a lifetime. His systematic approach to jiu jitsu constantly builds upon these fundamentals bringing students to deep levels of understanding that can be applied to ever increasing rungs of the jiu jitsu ladder.