JOHN CARTER
Owner & Head Instructor Lexington
John Carter has 38 years experience in martial arts and self-defense training. He is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black-Belt, an Aikido Black-Belt, a Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Level 4 Instructor, a Certified Women Empowered® Instructor and is Certified to teach the Nationally Recognized Gracie Bullyproof® Program. He is also a GST (Gracie Survival Tactics® for Law Enforcement & Military) Certified Instructor and has completed Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor Courses with many Federal, State & Local Law Enforcement Professionals benefiting from his training. John has been teaching Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Aikido and Karate in Lexington, Irmo and Columbia since 1997 and has additional training in Boxing & Muay Thai. He is available for group lessons, private instruction and specialty seminars.
BRYAN WINFREE
Head Instructor Chapin
Bryan Winfree, Assistant Instructor also has over 38 years of experience in martial arts and self-defense training. He is a Certified 4th Degree Black-Belt in the art of Nihon Goshin Aikido and also has earned advanced black-belt ranks in Shotokai Karate, Isshinryu Karate, and Tae Kwon Do. Sensei Winfree has additional training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Chi-Na. He continues his training and education in Nihon Goshin Aikido and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Sensei John Carter’s guidance.
ANGIE CARTER
Angie assists in all the day to day operations of the academy. She is co-owner and her business insight as well as attention to student needs is invaluable. Although she often operates behind the scenes, she is instrumental in ensuring the success of class offerings, special events and academy programs.
Women Empowered® Assistant
Jami is a Certified Women Empowered Instructor and assists in our WE classes in Lexington. She was certified by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Course Creators in July of 2018 in Torrance, California. She brings the love of learning and positive energy to our self-defense programs.
JAMI JEFFCOAT
Co-Owner & Business Manager
Want to learn more about the amazing team behind Carter’s Academy of Self-Defense? Get in touch today.