Nathan Snukst

Nathan was originally trained by his mother in ju-jitsu starting at a very young age. He has trained in other martial art styles throughout his life but has always returned to ju-jitsu. He was recruited in his teens by the Gracie family to train and compete in jiu-jitsu. This eventually led him to begin instructing other students beginning in 1995. The students he has taught vary in professions and experiences, ranging from military soldiers to professional fighters to secretaries and nurses.

Ronin Ju-Jitsu was established in July 1999 when he decided to part from the Gracies and establish his own academy. Nathan has also trained with several great fighters and instructors in mixed martial arts and other forms of martial arts training.

Nathan also has an extensive career as a fighter. His professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) record stands at 13-0 and has fought hundreds of challenge matches representing ju-jitsu. He holds black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Aikido, Judo, and Kendo and has an amateur record of 31-0 in kickboxing.

Quotes from Nathan about teaching and his academy:
"Something you'll see that is different with my academy, is that I don't let ego get in the way of learning. I like to be different and creative. There is a formula that I follow when teaching that produces top-notch fighters. Each person learns differently and trains differently. I'm very good at helping each person find their own style while still representing my style and the academy."

"The only person allowed to have an bad attitude at the academy is me."

"My academy is more of a university than an academy. I show lots of different techniques and styles."

"I'm more concerned with where I am now and what I'm doing now, than past accomplishments."

Quotes from Nathan about students and training:
"In competitions, my fighters have a winning record. Even if my fighters lose, people watching the match are very impressed by my fighters."

"My fighters are known for being extremely technical."
"I can train anyone regardless of how coordinated or physically fit they are; as long as they have a good attitude and want to learn I can make them good."

"I expect all of my students to act as professionals."

"In the past, Ronin Ju-Jitsu students won fights training only 3 times a week, where as other places train every day. Now that students can train every day, watch out!"

"Not everyone gets along but everyone in my academy acts professionally and has mutual respect for one another."

"Our student body is extremely diverse, people you'd probably never meet or talk to you'll meet in our class and you'll be very surprised by the friends you make."