If you’ve ever been flattened under someone’s side control and thought “there has to be a better way,” good news: there is. On Saturday, November 21, 2026, 4th degree black belt Professor Jesse Briggs is bringing his butterfly guard game to 5 Minds Martial Arts in Huntsville, Alabama.
Who is Professor Jesse Briggs?
Jesse Briggs is a 4th degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under Grand Master Rigan Machado and Master Erik Paulson, and the owner and head coach of Briggs Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in El Paso, Texas. He earned his first BJJ black belt from Daniel Gracie in 2014 and his 2nd degree in 2018.
His resume goes well beyond the gi:
- Former member of the Ricardo Almeida and Renzo Gracie MMA teams
- Training partner for the NY Pitbulls
- USKBA Light Heavyweight Combat in the Cage amateur title contender
- Coaching credentials in Combat Submission Wrestling (CSW) and Savate-Thai Kickboxing (STX) under Erik Paulson
- Guro rank in Pekiti Tirsia Kali, an instructor rank in Capoeira, and Judo credentials
Translation: he’s spent years on the mat, in the cage, and in front of students of every level. He knows how to make technique make sense.
What you’ll learn at the butterfly guard seminar
Butterfly guard is one of the most useful open guards in jiu-jitsu. It works in the gi and no-gi, it sets up sweeps from a seated position, and it gives smaller grapplers a real way to move bigger partners. Professor Briggs will cover:
- Butterfly guard sweeps and how to set them up
- Connections and grips that keep your partner from flattening you
- The small details that turn a sweep that almost works into one that does
- Fundamental BJJ positions that tie your whole game together, so butterfly guard fits into what you already know
Who should come?
Everyone. Seriously. If you’re a white belt, you’ll walk away with a guard you can actually use in your next roll. If you’ve been training for years, you’ll pick up details from someone who’s been refining this stuff at a high level for a long time. Members and visitors from other Huntsville-area and North Alabama gyms are all welcome.
FAQ
Do I need to be an experienced grappler to attend? No. The seminar is open to all levels, from first-month white belts to black belts.
How much does the Huntsville BJJ seminar cost? $75 for non-members and $50 for 5 Minds Martial Arts members.
What should I bring? Your gi & no-gi gear (just in case), a water bottle, and a training partner if you’ve got one.
Save your spot
Seminar spots are limited, and mat space goes fast. Reserve yours by clicking the button below or stop by the front desk. Bring your gi, your questions, and your training partners. We’ll see you on the mats!