Empowering Cartersville, Changing Lives

Some people seem born to motivate others. They are so full of life and drive, that they can’t help but spread their influence throughout their community.

Currently residing in his hometown of Barnesville, Chip Coffey often spends more than 200 miles per day in the car commuting back and forth to his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu studio, Coffey BJJ and Fitness, located in Cartersville’s historic district. It's a place he created specifically to share his passion and skill for martial arts.  

“I’m looking for a place to live here in Cartersville,” said Coffey, who has made a name for himself in the competitive world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“Cartersville is a perfect fit for me. I love the small town feel and the transition to Cartersville has been awesome. I’ve met a lot of people I now consider friends.”

Coffey started practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu back in 1999 at the age of 17.

“BJJ is different from other martial arts in many ways. For starters, 95 percent of fights and altercations end up on the ground and that’s BJJ's primary focus,” said Coffey. “It’s considered one of the most realistic martial arts in the world by many, and even our military’s Special Forces programs implement BJJ into their training.“

While traveling to serve his country in the military, Coffey always managed to find time to practice and stay in motion, a dedication that has led to a long list of awards and accomplishments which have earned him a respected name among those who practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

“Another point that separates BJJ from other styles is its realistic promotion process. BJJ feels that no one under the age 18 can receive a black belt in the art,” said Coffey.

“With all due respect to other styles, BJJ practitioners feel it is very unrealistic for a child to hold such a high-ranked belt. The individual has to be at least the age of 16 to even start the adult belt ranking system. On average it takes up to 10 years to receive your black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.” 

Coffey considers being the seventh American to earn a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to be one of his greatest accomplishment so far and he's passionate about sharing the life-changing benefits of the sport with anyone who cares to learn.

After hosting classes at his studio for only 13 months, his students brought home 22 medals from a recent competition.

“Keeping people motivated is all about the atmosphere of the gym where they train, and the passion of the person teaching the class. My classes are formal, with discipline and structure, but also fun,” said Coffey.

Coffey's philosophy appears to be working, as membership within his studio continues to rise and members themselves can't stop raving about their experiences.

“People need to get involved in this program, whether it be kickboxing, or the other areas of martial arts they instruct,” said Coffey BJJ and Fitness member, Chelsea Todd.

“Everyone motivates one another and holds one another accountable for training. I have formed friendships there, and because of that I get to the gym more. For those with children, I have seen firsthand how their kids' classes teach kids about respect, teamwork, discipline and a great attitude towards physical fitness.”

Coffey wants the people of Cartersville to look at his gym as a place to get away from daily issues and have a place to not only get in shape and learn what he believes to be the best martial art on the planet, but also meet respectful, uplifting people in the process.

"I do my best to have a place where no matter the goal of a person, the gym will get them where they want to be," said Coffey. “I feel very blessed to be able to share this with so many people. Most of all, I thank God, my family and my Jiu-Jitsu professor Roberto Traven for helping me reach all of my goals.”