About Our School
At GFTeam Tennessee we are a family, and our school is bound to become our students’ second home. We are a judgment-free zone, where mistakes are viewed as growth opportunities and your instructors and fellow students are your #1 supporters. You’ll learn a lot of impressive skills and gain many new abilities at GFTeam Tennessee, but the most important thing you’ll acquire during your time here? Our community.
GFTeam Instructors
Here at GFTeam Tennessee, our staff is the secret to our student success. Each instructor has a rich background in martial arts and is eager to train the next generation of martial artists. In addition to their technical expertise, our instructors are also excellent teachers who know how to create a supportive and challenging learning environment. They understand that every student is unique and tailor their approach to meet the needs of each individual.
Our instructors also prioritize safety, ensuring that all students learn and practice techniques in a safe and controlled manner. They are committed to helping our students build strong foundations in Jiu-Jitsu and are always available to answer questions and provide feedback. Meet the team below!
Owner & Head Instructor
David Morris
Coach David began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1995 in his hometown of Fort Wayne, IN. David moved to Memphis, TN in 2008 while at the rank of Purple Belt, and resumed training in 2011. David was awarded his Black Belt in January 2018 and opened GFTeam Tennessee in March of that year. Coach David prides himself on creating a professional and welcoming environment for students of all experience levels and providing a highly technical and innovative instructional experience that will lead students of all ages and experience levels to achieve their goals.
- 1st Degree Blackbelt under Denilson Pimenta
- 20 years experience
- Active competitor with the IBJJF and American Grappling Federation
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No Gi Instructor
Courtney Smith
Courtney Smith is GFTeam Tennessee’s No Gi instructor.
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Judo Black Belt 2021
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt 2022 under David Morris and Denilson Pimenta
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18 years experience
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Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Daniel Baumlein
Jiu-Jitsu Instructor I was first introduced to Jiu-Jitsu through MMA in 2008. In 2013, I started training Jiu-Jitsu regularly and have continued ever since. I’ve been teaching since 2020. My teaching philosophy encompasses a focus on concepts, systems, and details. These focuses are applied through both drilling and specific training. I like a choose-your-own-adventure approach to systems and or chains.
- Brown Belt under David Morris
- 10 yrs experience
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Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Conner Brown
I started training Jiu-Jitsu in 2011 as a teenager in high school. After a four year hiatus, I rediscovered my love for the grappling art in 2016 and have been hooked ever since. I enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of Jiu-Jitsu, which blends higher cognitive processes such as problem-solving with physical activity. My goal as a coach is to meet my students where they are at in their Jiu-Jitsu journey and help them achieve a higher level of technicality and fitness.
- Brown Belt under David Morris
- 8 Years Experience
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Jiu-Jitsu Instructor
Anwin Mathew
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Yoga for BJJ Instructor / Asst. Kid's Instructor
Sarah Blumkin
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Asst. Kid's Instructor
Conner Blumkin
Assistant Kid’s Instructor – Blue Belt 2022 under David Morris – 3 yrs experience
- Blue Belt 2022 under David Morris
- 3 yrs experience
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More About GFTeam Tennessee
Our Goals
GFTeam Tennessee students are equipped to take on the world with the personal growth they experience through our Jiu-Jitsu classes. Our training methods are technical and detail-oriented, but also adapted to individual needs and learning styles. By personalizing training we keep the learning environment enjoyable yet educational. BJJ training crafts more confident, disciplined individuals that are better prepared for school and work environments. If there’s one thing our students know it’s how to build their grappling skills through dedication and grit. We ensure our students understand commitment, problem-solving, and thoughtfulness when they join our Jiu-Jitsu academy.
What Our Students Are Saying
I trained here for several months and this is a really great gym with a family friendly vibe. Dave the instructor is really good about making sure you understand the techniques being taught and creating a learning environment where it’s encouraged to ask questions. Especially for people who are newer to jiu jitsu this is a fantastic place to start because you’ll get plenty of help from all the more experienced people at BJJ who help out with teaching here. Cannot recommend the GF team in Cordova enough!!
Alex D.
Student
I’ve been with this gym for about 4 years now. The coaches here have helped me learn respect and discipline along with jiu jitsu. The community here is also great. Everyone is friendly here and helps each other out. Overall it’s a great place to train at.
Caleb M.
Student
I am 8 months into my training journey and I love it at GFTeam Tennessee! Being a female, it's already intimidating starting Jiu-jitsu if you haven't trained in a while or if you're brand new, but GFTeam is such a welcoming gym and everyone is so friendly right from the start that it was easy to want to keep coming back week after week! The coaches are very knowledgeable and make sure you understand techniques being taught each class and are so encouraging to everyone! The training partners are also willing to help you along your training journey! If you're a female looking for a gym to train! Check them out! You won't be disappointed.
Chelsea M.
Student
GFTEAM TN is an exceptional example of what blending a good atmosphere and attention to detail can be. Dave Morris (instructor) is a talented, technical, and selfless Black Belt who remains a student of the game and gives himself 150% to his students and the community. If you’re looking for an exceptional and welcoming environment with instruction that has great attention to detail. Then this is the place for you and your family.
Russell W.
Student
This is a great place for a family to train! My son and I train together. Lots of individual attention and Dave and all of the instructors are incredibly patient with newer students, giving lots of individual instruction. They never have a problem showing you something again.
Zachary T.
Student
Great gym, environment, and atmosphere. Everyone was very welcoming. The rolls/sparring was awesome. I was in town for a couple of weeks on military leave and trained here while visiting. The techniques were awesome and very detailed. Got to talk with everyone for a while and got to know and meet new friends on the mats. Can’t wait to come back and train again. If you live in the area or are just visiting be sure to stop by and check them out.
T. B.
STudent