Bull City Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is committed to providing high level self defense and competition training to the Durham community. We believe in a diverse, welcoming, safe space for everyone. All bodies are welcome here.
Kids and Families Classes
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Adult Classes
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MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
Owners and head instructors are husband and wife team Kim Rice and Jason Mask
Kim Rice
Black Belt Head Instructor
Kim has been training jiu-jitsu since 2010 and received her black belt from Royce Gracie black belt Jason Culbreth, in June 2021. Kim is a world class competitor with several major titles including:
2x adult world champion
10x masters world champion
Abu Dhabi silver medalist.
Kim lives to compete but believes that jiu-jitsu is first and foremost a self defense system and is committed to sharing her knowledge with others who need it, especially to other women. When she is not training or teaching, she works as a pediatric speech language pathologist.
Jason Mask
Black Belt Instructor
Jason has been training jiu-jitsu since 2011 and is a black belt under Jason Culbreth. Jason competes regularly in the international federation, winning several titles including gold in the no gi Pan championships. He is a US Navy veteran and a career firefighter. Jason believes that jiu-jitsu is for everyone but is a must for emergency services personnel.
Derek Langston
Black Belt Instructor
Derek began his jiu-jitsu journey in MI before moving to NC, where he would receive his black belt from 4th degree black belt Kyle Saunders. Having trained in Karate, Boxing, Judo, and Krav Maga, he found his true passion in jiu-jitsu due to its practicality for smaller practitioners. Outside of the gym he works as a Physical Therapist.
Mike Depetrillo
Fundamentals Instructor
Mike is originally from upstate NY and has been training since 2012. He started his journey to learn the fundamental self defense jiu jitsu, but then also fell in love with the competition scene. He received his brown belt from Royce Gracie black belt, Mazi Heydary in May of 2021. When not training, Mike works as a scientist in Research Triangle Park.
Frannie Nilsen
Kids and Families Class Instructor
Frannie has been training jiu-jitsu since 2016 and is a purple belt under Jason Culbreth. Frannie is a children’s yoga instructor, a former Girl Scout, Girl Scout leader, and a life long athlete. She believes that jiu-jitsu can help kids gain confidence, control their emotions, and channel their energy in a positive, fun way.
Logan Perkins
Wrestling Coach and Kids Instructor
Logan has been training jiu-jitsu since 2017 and is a purple belt under Kim Rice. He is an IT professional, assistant wrestling coach at A.L Steinbeck, and an Air Force veteran. Logan believes that jiu-jitsu is meant for everyone and hopes that everyone gives it a try!
Have any questions?
“The Art of Jiu-Jitsu is worth more in every way than all of our athletics combined”
— U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt