INSTRUCTORS
Coach Jamie Rodriguez
Owner & Instructor – Heritage Jiu Jitsu
B.S. in Education
Kids Program Specialist
Women’s Empowerment Advocate
Coach Jamie Rodriguez is the owner and an assistant instructor at Heritage Jiu Jitsu, where she blends professional teaching expertise, personal resilience, and a deep passion for martial arts. With a Bachelor of Science in Education—specializing in Spanish Education and a minor in Piano—Jamie brings a structured, thoughtful, and engaging approach to every class she teaches.
She has been actively training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for over 5 years and has spent nearly that entire time serving as an assistant instructor in the kids’ program. Jamie currently holds a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu and is a natural athlete. Her ability to connect with young students, adapt to individual learning styles, and create a positive and structured training environment has made her an indispensable part of Heritage Jiu Jitsu’s youth development system.
As both a coach and business owner, Jamie’s leadership is defined by her warmth, determination, and commitment to community. She stepped into ownership with a bold vision: to cultivate a school where all students—especially children and women—feel safe, supported, and empowered. Her classes are rooted in clear instruction, emotional intelligence, and strong values that transcend the mat.
Whether she’s helping a child build confidence, mentoring a new student, or guiding a parent through their first experience with martial arts, Coach Jamie leads with professionalism, grace, and an unwavering belief in the life-changing power of Jiu-Jitsu.
PROF JEREMY LAVIANO
HEAD Instructor – Heritage Jiu Jitsu
2nd DEGREE JIU JITSU BLACK BELT
B.S. Exercise physiology
20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
Head Instructor | Founder, Heritage Jiu Jitsu
Wake Weekly’s “Best of the Best” Martial Arts Instructor – 2024
Professor Jeremy Laviano is the Head Instructor and original founder of Heritage Jiu Jitsu. A 2nd-degree black belt with over two decades of experience as a competitor and coach, he brings an exceptional blend of technical expertise, scientific knowledge, and real-world coaching experience to every class he leads.
Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Health Science, with a focus in kinesiology and biomechanics. His career spans the full spectrum of human performance—from coaching professional MMA fighters and high-level athletes, to training law enforcement, military personnel, and collegiate/youth athletes. He bridges the worlds of martial arts and elite strength and conditioning, holding certifications from organizations such as USA Weightlifting and Starting Strength, and has studied under some of the most respected coaches in the industry. His approach is rooted in evidence-based principles that prioritize long-term development and injury prevention.
With over 10 years of experience teaching children, Professor Jeremy is especially passionate about creating engaging, safe, and purposeful environments for young students to build discipline, confidence, and resilience. He’s known for his ability to inspire students of all ages and skill levels through a dynamic teaching style that integrates cutting-edge educational science.
Although not known for his bedside manner, Professor Jeremy has earned a reputation as “salty but fair”—a coach who tells it like it is, pulls no punches, and pushes his students to rise to their potential. He’s not for the sensitive-hearted seeking immediate gratification, but those who stick around quickly come to value his sharp eye, blunt honesty, and dry, sarcastic wit that somehow makes even hard truths go down with a smirk.
Rather than simply repeating the methods passed down to him, Professor Jeremy is committed to innovation. His classes incorporate modern motor learning theories, ecological dynamics, and game-based learning strategies—emphasizing exploration, interaction, and problem-solving over rote memorization.
At Heritage Jiu Jitsu, Jeremy leads with humility, professionalism, and an unshakable belief in every student’s potential—on and off the mat.
