At Daniel Island Jiu Jitsu, we believe Jiu Jitsu is more than just learning submissions and techniques—it’s a way of life. The discipline, resilience, and respect developed on the mat extend into everyday life. Our mission is to help students of all ages grow in confidence and character through this powerful and transformative martial art.
We are incredibly proud of the quality, experience, and character of our instructors, both on and off the mat. Each coach brings a unique blend of technical skill, teaching passion, and personal integrity that helps shape the positive, hardworking culture at Daniel Island Jiu Jitsu. Whether you're brand new to the sport or a seasoned athlete, you'll always be in great hands here at DIJJ.
Tom Sheehan is a first-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Scott Devine. Together, Tom and Scott served as instructors for the United States Secret Service, where they developed the agency’s ground fighting program for agents and officers nationwide.
With over 25 years of combined service in the Secret Service and Federal Air Marshal Service, Tom has dedicated much of his career to teaching defensive tactics and firearms training to fellow agents. His battle-tested experience, passion for Jiu-Jitsu, and laid-back teaching style make him one of the most respected and approachable instructors on the mat.
Tom lives on Daniel Island with his wife and three children.
With two decades of grappling and combat sports experience, Josh Williams is a two-stripe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with a foundation in wrestling. He started his journey on the mat as a high school wrestler, later transitioning into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA in 2010. Since then, he’s competed extensively—both in Jiu-Jitsu tournaments and professional MMA bouts—testing his skills across multiple organizations.
Josh’s style is rooted in wrestling-based Jiu-Jitsu, emphasizing pressure, control, and takedowns. His teaching focuses on core concepts rather than isolated techniques, helping students adapt and apply what they learn across a wide range of positions, styles, and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a competitor, Josh brings real-world experience, clarity, and intensity to every class.
Travis began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Barra in Pelham, Alabama, in March of 2016. After suffering a painful basketball injury, he searched for a sport that offered the same physical intensity and competitive edge, but with a lower risk of injury, which led him to BJJ.
In January 2018, shortly after earning his blue belt, Travis relocated with his family to Northern Virginia for work. There, he quickly found a great fit at Battlefield Jiu-Jitsu and trained consistently for the next 18 months until another job-related move brought him to the Charleston area. After visiting a few local gyms, he immediately felt at home at Devine Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Tom Sheehan. One evening class and a few welcoming rolls with highly skilled teammates were all it took to know he had found the right place.
Over the past five years, Travis has earned both his purple and brown belts under Tom’s instruction. Looking ahead to 2026, he’ll be celebrating a decade in the art—a journey that continues to challenge and inspire him daily.
Travis is both proud and grateful to train and teach in a gym that offers both high-level instruction and a supportive, safe environment. Whether you're stepping on the mats for the first time or chasing advanced goals, he’s passionate about helping others grow through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Emily began her Jiu-Jitsu journey in May 2018 while building a workout routine at the UFC Gym in Baton Rouge. Initially drawn to boxing and kickboxing conditioning classes, she soon realized she wanted to learn real self-defense. That curiosity led her to the gym’s Jiu-Jitsu program.
During a summer internship in Texas, Emily trained at a Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu gym, where her passion for both arts deepened. Upon returning to Baton Rouge, she continued her Jiu-Jitsu training and added boxing to her regimen.
After graduating from LSU in May 2019, Emily moved to Charleston and began training exclusively in Jiu-Jitsu under Tom Sheehan. She has earned all of her belt promotions from Tom and was awarded her brown belt in November 2023.
Emily’s grappling style is pressure-heavy—steady, controlled, and focused on wearing down her opponent. Her goal is simple: control the pace, play the pressure, and when they give up their back… game over. Whether rolling or coaching, she brings intensity, focus, and a deep love for the art.
At Daniel Island Jiu Jitsu, respect, safety, and a strong team culture are at the core of everything we do. Please take a moment to review our key guidelines:
Hygiene & Cleanliness
Always wear a clean gi and shower before class.
Keep nails trimmed and hair tied back.
Stay home if you’re feeling sick.
Change clothes in the restrooms, not in open areas.
Equipment
Consult with your instructor if you're unsure about what gear to purchase.
Safety & Respect
Train with control. Tap early and give your partner time to tap.
Be aware of your surroundings—avoid collisions and stay on the mat.
Apologize if you accidentally hurt someone.
Train slowly and methodically; always take care of your training partner. They’re the most important person in the gym.
Mat Etiquette
No shoes on the mats. Wear flip-flops or slides off the mat and in the restroom.
Pay attention during instruction. Don’t interrupt or talk over the coach.
Drill the technique shown—repetition is how you learn.
Use respectful language—this is a family-friendly environment.
Attitude & Culture
Be welcoming to new students.
No bragging or celebrating submissions—stay humble.
Help others learn (if you’re qualified), and ask questions with curiosity.
Work hard, be consistent, and have fun.
Clean up after yourself.
Time & Focus
Arrive on time. If you’re late, check with your instructor before jumping in.
If you must keep your phone nearby, only check it during breaks.
BJJ is a journey. Stay positive, support your teammates, and commit to improving a little each day—on and off the mat.