Here at USA Jiu Jitsu, new schools are joining with us all the time. And today, we welcome Donnie Tinsley of Coastal Combat Circuit and the Tae Kwon Do Institute of Self Defense!

Donnie Tinsley and Team Sprawl and Brawl

Donnie is a 3rd Dan Black Belt in TKD and a Blue Belt in Jiu Jitsu under Morrison Butler. Donnie has been studying martial arts for over 15 years. He started practicing TKD in high school with his parents as a family hobby. Donnie really got into martial arts because, although team work is important, once he’s in the ring, it’s on him, win or lose. Donnie got into Jiu Jitsu after sparring with a wrestler and realized how critical ground technique was when he lost.

Now he operates at the Tae Kwon Do Institute of Self Defense, which has locations in Elizabeth City and Hertford, NC. The Tae Kwon Do Institute is the longest running Martial Arts School in Northeastern NC. With over 20 years teaching experience in the Martial Arts, they offer programs in TKD, submission wrestling, Thai boxing, and MMA to people of all ages. He has about 55 students under his wing.

Donnie is also the co-founder of Team Sprawl and Brawl, the first amateur MMA team to bring Championship recognition to North Carolina. Team Sprawl and Brawl was founded in Elizabeth City June of 2000 by Donnie Tinsley & Mike Kellar. The team has members that practice at both Elizabeth City & Hertford locations. Donnie welcomes all people to join their team.

And as if he isn’t busy enough, Donnie is the owner of Coastal Combat Circuit, which is his organization to host tournaments all over the NE North Carolina area. While just by itself it’s great that someone is bringing MMA and no-gi tournaments to this area, Donnie also contributes a percentage of ALL profits to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation from all of his events. The CF Foundation puts the largest percentage of its donations to research of all other CF charities. Donnie has two students with CF and feels this is a great way to help people with the condition.

Donnie joined USAJJ because of the sense of community and support. There are not many choices in his area for martial arts, especially Jiu Jitsu, and as a member of our rapidly growing Jiu Jitsu organization, he and his students now have more options for learning and competing. He also thinks that our goal of getting Jiu Jitsu in the Olympics is a great idea.

So once again, Donnie, welcome to USA Jiu Jitsu!