The Trench Jiu-Jitsu

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About The Trench

Based in Northeast Tacoma, Washington – The Trench Jiu-Jitsu was officially founded in 2024 by Professor David Veloria and is rated one of the best martial arts schools in the NE Tacoma-area.

Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone

We offer jiu-jitsu classes perfect for kids, teens, and adults – no matter your experience level!

Since opening in late 2024, we’ve been dedicated to changing the lives of people one person at a time, through jiu-jitsu, education, and coaching. We strive to provide a safe, comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members in the NE Tacoma-area and beyond. We take pride in creating an environment for individuals to achieve, develop, and succeed in their personal goals.

We strongly believe that jiu-jitsu can be for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or experience level. Throughout all of our programs, students will not only learn the necessary skills to protect themselves, we stand behind our realistic and practical approach, confident it will enable every member to achieve greatness and live their best life.

Our Jiu-Jitsu Classes

  • Self-Defense
  • Physical Fitness
  • Self-Discipline
  • Anti-Bullying Techniques
  • Self-Confidence
Check Out Our Weekly Schedule

"Little Sharks" Kids Class

For ages 5-10, our little sharks class teaches grappling skills that build real-world self-defense. Fun group games & activities build positive social skills. Practicing & training to advance in belts builds focus, drive, and discipline. These NE Tacoma kids jiu-jitsu classes won't just get your child fit & strong - they'll grow tools for success in life.

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"Junior Sharks" Teens Class

"I can't believe the transformation." After just a few of our Junior Sharks jiu-jitsu classes, you'll see the difference in your child. Respect, confidence, social skills, fitness and focus start growing right away. Amazing instructors give your teen a trustworthy ally to their growth and success.

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Adults Gi and No-Gi Classes

Most fights end up on the ground. To protect yourself, there's no martial art more powerful than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Our adult jiu-jitsu classes teach you grappling skills that even work against much larger opponents. Make friends, get fit, and grow your confidence as you master these adult BJJ classes.

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Women-Only Class

Our Women Only jiu-jitsu classes are designed to help you build real self-defense skills, boost confidence, and improve fitness - all in a safe, supportive environment. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your technique, you'll train alongside like-minded women who inspire and uplift each other every step of the way.

Our Code of Conduct

Meet Our Professors & Coaches

Professor David Veloria is the head instructor of The Trench Jiu-Jitsu and has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 18 years. He is dedicated and accomplished in BJJ and known for his welcoming teaching style and positive outlook on how jiu-jitsu helps build community on and off the mats. He is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Rodrigo Lopez and Carlos Sievert of Gracie Barra NW. Professor David has extensive knowledge of Basic, Advanced, and Competitive Jiu-Jitsu. He would like to share his knowledge and contribute to creating a supporting environment for students of all levels. His passion for the gentle art shines through in his commitment to helping students build skills, confidence, and community, making him a respected figure in the regional BJJ scene. Whether rolling with competitors or guiding beginners, Professor David embodies the core values of discipline, respect and perseverance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Professor David

3rd Degree Black Belt

Professor David Veloria is the head instructor of The Trench Jiu-Jitsu and has been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 18 years. He is dedicated and accomplished in BJJ and known for his welcoming teaching style and positive outlook on how jiu-jitsu helps build community on and off the mats. He is a 3rd Degree Black Belt under Rodrigo Lopez and Carlos Sievert of Gracie Barra NW. Professor David has extensive knowledge of Basic, Advanced, and Competitive Jiu-Jitsu. He would like to share his knowledge and contribute to creating a supporting environment for students of all levels. His passion for the gentle art shines through in his commitment to helping students build skills, confidence, and community, making him a respected figure in the regional BJJ scene. Whether rolling with competitors or guiding beginners, Professor David embodies the core values of discipline, respect and perseverance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Professor Tom

1st Degree Black Belt

Professor Nate Santos is a 1st Degree Black Belt who began his jiu-jitsu journey in 2006 on the island of Guam and has been training for 19+ years. He is a dedicated instructor at the Trench Jiu-Jitsu and enjoys teaching fundamentals while inspiring students to build strong mental resilience, self empowerment, and encourages a healthy lifestyle for the long run.

Professor Nate looks up to Marcelo Garcia, an established jiu-jitsu athlete, and draws inspiration from his style, specifically how he executes the basics and fundamentals of jiu-jitsu at the elite level.

Professor Nate

1st Degree Black Belt

Professor Nate Santos is a 1st Degree Black Belt who began his jiu-jitsu journey in 2006 on the island of Guam and has been training for 19+ years. He is a dedicated instructor at the Trench Jiu-Jitsu and enjoys teaching fundamentals while inspiring students to build strong mental resilience, self empowerment, and encourages a healthy lifestyle for the long run.

Professor Nate looks up to Marcelo Garcia, an established jiu-jitsu athlete, and draws inspiration from his style, specifically how he executes the basics and fundamentals of jiu-jitsu at the elite level.

Professor John

1st Degree Black Belt

Professor Sherry

Black Belt

Professor Ray started training in early 2010 with his introduction to BJJ through a private session with Professor David. His initial interest in the art was to get into physical shape, but he later found it helped with his mental wellness. He started coaching kid's classes at Blue Belt and strives to be inspired and reciprocate so others can reap the many benefits of jiu-jitsu. He was awarded his Brown Belt by Professor David and is the 1st Trench Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, awarded in October 2024.

Outside of jiu-jitsu, Professor Ray is an avid fisherman and has been a longtime volunteer with Veteran kayak fishing organization, Heroes on the Water.

Professor Ray

Black Belt

Professor Ray started training in early 2010 with his introduction to BJJ through a private session with Professor David. His initial interest in the art was to get into physical shape, but he later found it helped with his mental wellness. He started coaching kid's classes at Blue Belt and strives to be inspired and reciprocate so others can reap the many benefits of jiu-jitsu. He was awarded his Brown Belt by Professor David and is the 1st Trench Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, awarded in October 2024.

Outside of jiu-jitsu, Professor Ray is an avid fisherman and has been a longtime volunteer with Veteran kayak fishing organization, Heroes on the Water.

Coach Kayla

Purple Belt

Coach Tyler

Purple Belt

Coach Tavid has been doing jiu-jitsu since she was 14 years old and earned her Blue Belt at 16. She trained through high school and is excited to be back on the mats helping out at her family's gym. Learning jiu-jitsu at a young age taught her a lot - she loves helping with the kid's classes and watching them grow, just like she did when she first started.

Coach Tavid

Blue Belt

Coach Tavid has been doing jiu-jitsu since she was 14 years old and earned her Blue Belt at 16. She trained through high school and is excited to be back on the mats helping out at her family's gym. Learning jiu-jitsu at a young age taught her a lot - she loves helping with the kid's classes and watching them grow, just like she did when she first started.