Rankin Jiu-Jitsu Academy
About Us
Rankin Jiu-Jitsu Academy helps students find a healthier lifestyle through Jiu-Jitsu.
We set an example for students to follow through exercise, eating right, and taking care of both body and mind. Martial arts training is not only self-defense education, but a method to improve mental wellbeing. Rankin Jiu-Jitsu Academy builds a solid foundation of Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals to ensure a successful future.
Rankin Jiu-Jitsu Academy
Instructors
Here at Rankin Jiu-Jitsu Academy, our staff is the secret to our student's success.
Each instructor has a rich background in Jiu-Jitsu and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. Head instructor Justin Donald has an impressive history that strengthens the quality of his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. As a military veteran, he served in the Air Force, Protective Services, and has conducted felony level investigations in the process. This combination of experiences makes Justin well-equipped to teach, with Law Enforcement Training and specific techniques for self-defense and anti-bullying. Meet the team below!
Owner & Head Instructor
Justin Donald
Instructor Justin Donald started training martial arts when he was seven years old. He began studying Taekwondo under Kevin Kimery and has continued learning martial arts ever since.
In July 2001, he joined the US Air Force and retired after 20 years of service as a Special Agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigation. In this position he was responsible for investigating felony level crimes with an Air Force nexus. He also worked in counterintelligence, personal protection, and fraudulent activities. During his time in the military, he was assigned as the personal security advisor to the top US General in Europe and Africa. He conducted many protective service operations throughout Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Throughout his military career, instructor Donald was able to study different martial arts with many high-level masters. Following his retirement from active duty in 2021, he became a fulltime martial arts instructor.
Instructor Donald has achieved the rank of 3rd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo, 1st degree Black Belt in Hapkido, and Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Instructor Donald has vast experience teaching children martial arts including time as an instructor for the King Tiger Taekwondo Association in Goldsboro North Carolina. He was the head instructor for the Tiny Tigers program which introduced children aged 3-5 to Taekwondo.
Next instructor Donald taught the art of Hapkido through the Chun Tu Kwan Hapkido association while stationed in Virginia. He also began his training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while stationed in Virginia under the Pedro Sauer Association.
His last assignment at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi allowed him to meet and train under Leonardo Delgado in D’iberville who is still his professor. Instructor Donald was a member of the staff and was the head instructor for the Tiny Tykes and Little Grapplers programs at the Leonardo Delgado Jiu-Jitsu Academy. These introductory programs introduced kids ages 3-6 to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Instructor Donald also used his experience as a Special Agent to conduct many Women’s Self Defense courses as well as anti-bullying courses by utilizing real word examples of what people face.
Instructor Donald continues his training with Master Kevin Kimery, Professor Leonardo Delgado and Master Thomas Locke. His passion is to share his love for the martial arts to all people and to help them achieve their goals whatever they may be. In 2023 Instructor Donald moved back to Rankin county to be closer to family and to help his father in his battle with Cancer. In an effort to continue helping people learn martial arts, he created Donald’s Defensive Arts LLC and opened Rankin Jiu-Jitsu Academy in order to provide top quality martial arts training to the people of Rankin County.
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Professor
Leonardo Delgado
Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and with over 20 years of experience, Professor Leonardo Delgado is a 3rd degree black belt. He holds World, Pan American, and National Championships among many other accomplishments. Professor Leonardo Delgado coached Justin, and is still his professor to this day.
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What Our Students Are Saying
Great school! Awesome instruction!
David C.
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Student
Coach Justin is an exceptional coach both for kids and adults, knowledgeable patient outstanding working ethic. His years of experience in martial arts definitely shows on his ability to coach.
Thais A.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Student
More About Our Team
In addition to their technical expertise, our instructors are also excellent teachers who know how to create a supportive and challenging learning environment.
They understand that every student is unique and tailor their approach to meet the needs of each individual.
Our instructors also prioritize safety, ensuring that all students learn and practice techniques in a safe and controlled manner.
They are committed to helping our students build strong foundations in Jiu-Jitsu, and are always available to answer questions and provide feedback.
The Rankin Jiu-Jitsu Academy offers one of the best kids Jiu Jitsu programs in the country and top-quality programs for individuals of all ages.
Rankin Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Pearl invites nearby communities including Pearl, Flowood, Brandon, Richland, and Jackson to learn Jiu-Jitsu. Join us in Brandon, MS for top-quality self-defense training.