About

Jeremy Watkins, Owner and Head Instructor

A seasoned martial artist with three decades of experience, Jeremy Watkins is a second-degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu and brown belt in Judo.

A Coach's Legacy

While Jeremy’s competitive roots include national titles in Taekwondo and world-class rankings in breaking, his true legacy is defined by his impact on the mats as an elite Jiu-Jitsu coach. He has cultivated a reputation for technical excellence, mentoring a new generation of high-level grapplers. His guidance has produced multiple World Champions and a distinguished lineage of elite black belts who dominate the competition scene.

Passion for Mentorship

Beyond the podiums and medals, Jeremy’s greatest drive is sharing the art of Jiu-Jitsu. With a commitment to technical precision and strategic growth, he empowers his students to surpass their own potential, building champions in sport and in life.

Renée Watkins, Business Administrator & Manager

A dedicated martial artist and educator, Renée Watkins is a Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt with over 15 years of martial arts experience in training, teaching, and competition. While she has a deep history on the mats, her true passion lies in cultivating the community within our walls.

Dedicated to Academy Excellence 

Renée’s vision for growth is the driving force behind our success. She is deeply committed to seeing the school thrive, setting high standards for operations to ensure the academy remains a premier destination for martial arts excellence.

Laylah Watkins, Women's Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

A rising star in the martial arts world specializing in competitive Nogi Grappling! 

A Jiu-Jitsu Phenom

Laylah is a black belt and a full-time competitor in Jiu-Jitsu, where she has achieved remarkable success. Her impressive resume includes:

• IBJJF American National Champion (2025)

• IBJJF Nogi World Champion (2023)

• Midwest Finishers 125 & 135lbs Champion

• ADCC Las Vegas World's Open Champion

• AJP London Grand Slam Bronze Medalist

• 4x International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Pan Kids Champion

• 3x IBJJF Kids International Champion

• Multiple other championship titles

A Force to Be Reckoned With

Laylah's dedication to training and her competitive spirit have made her one of the most dominant light-weight teenage girls in the world. Her relentless pursuit of excellence is an inspiration to all who know her.

Sharing Her Passion

Beyond her own competitive career, Laylah is committed to giving back to the martial arts community. She regularly assists in all  Jiu-Jitsu classes at the academy and runs our Women's Jiu-Jitsu Program.

Fred Gilbert, Judo Instructor

A seasoned martial artist with over three decades of experience, Fred Gilbert is a second degree black belt in Judo and a first degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu. His impressive resume includes:

•  Judo National Champion (2016)

• Ranked #1 in Judo in his age group for three consecutive years (2016-2018)

• Bronze medalist at the 2016 World Police and Fire Games

• Bronze medalist at the 2018 Nationals tournament

• Silver medalist at the World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 2018

• Bronze medalist at the World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship in 2023

A Legacy of Service

In addition to his martial arts accomplishments, Fred is a retired Fort Worth Police Officer with 30 years of service. He was awarded the Medal of Valor in 1990 for his bravery and dedication to duty.

A Dedicated Mentor

Fred is a tremendous asset to Watkins Wrecking Crew, where he has gone above and beyond to support our team, students, and families. His passion for teaching and his commitment to helping others make him a beloved figure in the academy.

Be sure to catch him in our all of our Judo classes!

Hannah Watkins, Assistant Judo Instructor

Hannah Watkins, a breakout star in the martial arts world, is capturing attention with her exceptional skill, determination, and passion.

A Judo & Jiu-Jitsu Virtuoso

Hannah is a full-time competitor, a purple belt in Judo, and a green belt in  Jiu-Jitsu. As a competitor she has achieved remarkable success. Her impressive resume includes:

• ADCC Youth World Championship Silver Medalist

• 3x ADCC Open Advanced Division Champion

• F2W Kids Nogi Champion

• 5x International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Pan Kids Champion

• 5x IBJJF Kids International Champion

• USA Judo President's Cup Gold Medalist

• USA Judo Youth National Championship Silver Medalist

Sharing Her Passion

Hannah is dedicated to serving the martial arts community, even beyond her own competitive pursuits.  She regularly assists in and often even runs and teaches our Tiny Judokas classes.