WE ARE A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS!

(no, none of us can take a serious photo!)

Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Meet our amazing staff of coaches! Each brings a special passion and focus to their coaching which makes Burton BJJ the best gym in Middle Georgia.

Head Coaches

Travis and Dana Burton

We are Travis and Dana Burton — and our story began on the mats. Travis started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2012, with Dana joining him in 2013.

Travis brings over 13 years of coaching experience, along with a professional background training associates in a large corporate environment, where he refined his communication and instructional skills. An active competitor, he believes in practicing what he teaches and is known for blending technical precision with his signature energy and personality on the mat.

Dana brings 12 years of BJJ coaching experience and a lifelong foundation of leadership, from serving as drum major in high school to holding management roles in the corporate world. She pairs strong technical knowledge with practical, functional application, helping students build skill with confidence and purpose.

In 2021, after welcoming their youngest child, they opened Burton BJJ with a shared vision: to create a gym rooted in excellence, integrity, and family. Together, they combine experience, dedication, and a fun, supportive atmosphere to build what they proudly believe is the premier Jiu Jitsu academy in Middle Georgia.

Assistant Coach

Stephen Eakin

My name is Stephen Eakin, and martial arts has been the foundation of my life for decades. I’m a professional fighter, coach, and jiu-jitsu black belt who has experienced this art from every side of the mat — as a competitor, a teacher, and a lifelong student.

At Burton BJJ, my focus is helping people grow through disciplined training and strong fundamentals. I believe jiu-jitsu is more than technique — it’s confidence built through effort, composure developed under pressure, and personal growth earned over time.

My goal is simple: help every student become more capable, more resilient, and more confident — on the mat and in life.

Assistant Coach

Bryan Gresham

With over ten years of dedicated training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, he brings both technical experience and real-world application to the mat. His background in law enforcement spans approximately six years, where he has developed strong skills in situational awareness, defensive tactics, and leadership under pressure.

He holds certifications in First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, and K9 handling, reflecting his commitment to safety, preparedness, and continuous professional development. In addition to his law enforcement career, he serves as a Military Police officer in the Army National Guard, further strengthening his discipline and tactical expertise. Currently working as a Deputy Sheriff, he applies principles of control, de-escalation, and composure that directly complement his coaching style.

His combined experience in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, military service, and public safety allows him to provide students with practical, detail-oriented instruction grounded in both sport and real-world effectiveness.

Assistant Coach

Natalie French

Natalie has been training Jiu Jitsu since March 2022 and coaching since July 2024. With over 20 years of experience supporting children with autism and their families, Natalie brings adaptability and heart to every class.

Through decades of hands-on experience and continued education, including attending conferences across several states, Natalie has developed creative, individualized ways of communicating.

Natalie encourages and challenges each child to do their best, celebrating effort, perseverance, and progress every step of the way.

Assistant Coach

Mark French

With a distinguished background in military service and leadership, Mark brings discipline, integrity, and mentorship to every class. A former United States Infantry Marine NCO and Air Force Security Forces NCO, he also served as a Ground Base Defense Instructor at the United States Air Force Academy, training both military and government civilian personnel.
His service includes two boots-on-the-ground tours in Iraq and military decorations spanning all four branches. Recognized for excellence, he earned the Airman Leadership School Distinguished Graduate Award, Civilian of the Year, and multiple Civilian of the Quarter honors.

Since beginning his Jiu Jitsu journey in 2023 and stepping into coaching in 2024, Mark has been passionate about instilling confidence, discipline, and resilience in young students. He creates a structured, supportive environment where children are challenged, encouraged, and inspired to grow both on and off the mats.

Assistant Coach

Heith Daniels

A four-time state qualifier and three-time regional champion, Heith consistently demonstrated excellence and dedication throughout his competitive career. As both an individual and team state champion, he played a pivotal role in achieving success at the highest level of competition. Heith's commitment to performance and teamwork set him apart as a leader on and off the mat. He also qualified for the NCWA National Championships, earning the opportunity to compete among the nation’s top collegiate athletes. This combination of individual achievement and team success reflects a deep understanding of discipline, perseverance, and high-level competition.