Island Jiu-Jitsu Atlantic

Professor Bill Moore began his martial arts journey on the wrestling mat at the age of 12 in 1991, developing a lifelong respect for discipline, hard work, and the personal growth that comes through competition and training. His path eventually led him to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through Modern Army Combatives in 2008, where he first experienced the depth and effectiveness of grappling as a complete martial art.

In 2009, Bill began formal Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training under Professor William Carpenter, while also competing in both amateur and professional MMA—experiences that helped shape his practical, pressure-tested approach to teaching. As military life moved him around the country, he continued refining his craft, training under respected instructors such as Professor Rafa Santos in Florida and later Professor Jason Vigil in Hawaii. In 2020, after years of dedicated training and mentorship, Bill earned his black belt from Professor Vigil.

That same year, Bill and his family relocated to North Carolina. What began as informal training sessions in his garage with friends quickly grew into structured kids and adult programs built around community, trust, and personal development. Those early classes became the foundation for what is now IJJ Atlantic—a place where learning Jiu-Jitsu means more than just techniques; it means building confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships.

Outside the academy, Bill served 29.5 years in the United States Air Force, where leadership, service, and mentorship became core values that continue to shape his coaching philosophy today. He and his wife, Holly Moore, who serves as IJJ Atlantic’s Program Coordinator, have been married since 1999 and have built the academy together as a family-centered community.

Professor Bill’s vision for Jiu-Jitsu is simple: help every member discover the martial artist within themselves—regardless of age, size, background, or experience level. He believes in creating a safe, respectful training environment where students can grow at their own pace, supported by positive motivation rather than intimidation.

At IJJ Atlantic, you’ll find an atmosphere inspired by the spirit of aloha—welcoming, humble, and drama-free. The goal isn’t just to produce skilled grapplers, but to help people become stronger, more confident versions of themselves both on and off the mat.

Jeremy’s martial arts journey started in 2009 when he was introduced to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu through the Modern Army Combatives Program. It didn’t take long for the art to grab hold of him. Shortly after, he deployed overseas, where he kept training and even had the chance to put his skills to the test in real-world situations downrange—an experience that deepened his respect for the discipline.

When he returned stateside, Jeremy stayed on the combatives path for three more years before a PCS move took him to Minot, ND. By 2015, he had fully committed to training Jiu-Jitsu and hasn’t stopped since.

Coaching found Jeremy in 2017, and he’s been hooked ever since. He first started teaching in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, then brought the mats to life again in Korea in 2021. In 2022, he landed in North Carolina and did something no one else had done—he built the only Air Force Jiu-Jitsu team on Fort Bragg. It was there that he crossed paths with the Island Jiu-Jitsu team and found a home affiliating under Professor William Moore.

If you’ve trained with Jeremy, you know his style—laid back, approachable, and always encouraging, but don’t let the calm demeanor fool you. He knows how to build competitors. Every team he has coached has shown up and shown out in competition, with his students consistently bringing home gold. While he leans more toward No Gi, he always makes sure to weave in the gi because he believes in a well-rounded game.

At the end of the day, Jiu-Jitsu isn’t just something Jeremy does—it’s a part of who he is. It stands right alongside the people who matter most to him: his wife of 22 years and his two children. For Jeremy, the mats are where “character, community, and confidence” are built, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Shawn is a dedicated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Island Jiu-Jitsu Atlantic whose passion for teaching is rooted in family, consistency, and personal growth through the art.

A husband and father of four, Shawn’s Jiu-Jitsu journey began in 2008 while stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. After a year of training overseas, he continued his development in Tampa, Florida (2009–2011), where he trained under Ryan Deichert, a black belt under Phil Migliarese, and earned his blue belt.

Like many practitioners, life and responsibilities led to time away from the mats, but his love for Jiu-Jitsu never faded. In 2021, Shawn returned to training alongside his daughter, believing that he should lead by example and share the experience with his family. His renewed commitment led him to train under Professor Taniel at Nature Jiu-Jitsu, where he was promoted to purple belt in 2022.

In March 2025, Shawn earned his brown belt under Professor Bill Moore and stepped into a larger teaching role, discovering a deep passion for helping others grow through Jiu-Jitsu—especially youth students. His teaching emphasizes discipline, humility, confidence, and resilience both on and off the mats.

At IJJ Atlantic, Shawn is known for his supportive coaching style, strong technical foundation, and dedication to helping every student progress at their own pace. He believes Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport—it’s a lifelong journey that builds character, community, and confidence.

As co-owner and spouse of Professor Moore married for 27yrs. Side by side, we work together to bring aloha to the community and our students. We encourage everyone to be their best selves and teach useable skills while maintaining a non- judgmental environment.