Sign up for a week of free martial arts classes!

Make sure to take advantage of our special offer! You can sign up for free MMA, Wrestling, Muay Thai, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes for one week! There is no better way to get started in Waco, TX martial arts training than with a trial period, free of charge!

Our Martial Arts

Instructors

Our team at Martial Arts of Waco is truly special. They hold over 150 combined years of martial arts training experience, including 10 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts. But their expertise doesn’t stop in BJJ. We have plenty of seasoned experts in Muay Thai, Wrestling, MMA, and self-defense, forming one of the most complete Texas martial arts coaching teams. Check out their instructor bios to learn more about their experience and knowledge!

Martial Arts of Waco instructor Jerry Boroff.
Professor Jerry Boroff
Lead Instructor

Rank: Degree Black Belt under Carlos Machado

Experience: 30+ years

🥋 About Professor Jerry Boroff

🥋 Lineage & Background

Professor Jerry Boroff began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in Lubbock, Texas, training under Professor Clay Pittman, one of the early pioneers of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in West Texas. During his early development, he trained alongside other dedicated and high-level martial artists, building a strong foundation rooted in discipline, consistency, and technical precision.

As his training progressed, Professor Boroff continued to refine his skills under world-renowned master Carlos Machado, earning his black belt and becoming part of the highly respected Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lineage. This lineage is known worldwide for its emphasis on leverage, control, and efficient technique, and is directly connected to the roots of modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Throughout his career, Professor Boroff has also shared knowledge and mat time with experienced instructors such as Professor Joe Wolfstein and other respected martial artists, further expanding his depth of knowledge in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, and self-defense systems.

With over 30 years of experience, his background reflects a combination of traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu values, Texas-grown grit, and high-level technical development. His journey from Lubbock to becoming a black belt under Carlos Machado represents a lifetime commitment to the art and a standard of excellence that continues to influence every student and instructor within his lineage today.

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Professor Turner
Owner & Program Director

Rank: Black Belt under Carlos Machado

Experience: 20+ years

🥋 Martial Arts Background — Professor Darren Turner

Professor Darren Turner began his martial arts journey in the early 1990s, training in traditional karate and exploring multiple combat disciplines at a young age. This early foundation built his discipline, movement, and understanding of self-defense, which later carried into his grappling and striking systems.

He initially developed an interest in grappling through catch wrestling before transitioning into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2003. He began his formal Jiu-Jitsu training under Professor Jerry Wall at the Academy of Waco Martial Arts, where he developed a strong foundation in positional control, submissions, and structured training systems.

Throughout the early 2000s and beyond, Professor Turner continued to train consistently, refining his skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling, and mixed martial arts. By 2015, he had begun stepping into a more active instructional role, helping guide students and assist in structured classes while continuing to develop his own skillset.

From 2019 to 2022, Professor Turner served as an instructor teaching Army Combatives on Fort Hood. During this time, he worked with Army personnel and cadets, focusing on grappling, control, physical conditioning, discipline, and real-world application. This experience further strengthened his ability to teach in high-pressure environments and maintain a structured, results-driven training system.

Today, Professor Turner brings decades of experience to his students, with a focus on fundamentals, control, and practical application. His goal is to develop not only skilled martial artists, but disciplined, confident individuals who can perform under pressure both on and off the mat.


📈 Experience & Credentials

  • Martial Arts Experience: 30+ years
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training Since: 2003
  • Early Background: Traditional Karate (1990s), Catch Wrestling
  • Instructor Experience: Active coaching and instruction since 2015
  • Military Instruction: Army Combatives Instructor — Fort Hood (2019–2022)
  • Instructor at Storm MMA and Fitness
  • Owner of Martial arts of Waco

🥊 Disciplines Taught

  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gi and No-Gi)
  • Muay Thai and Kickboxing
  • Wrestling and Takedown Systems
  • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
  • Self-Defense and Combatives

🧠 Coaching Philosophy

Professor Turner’s coaching philosophy is built on structure, consistency, and long-term development:

  • Fundamentals before advanced techniques
  • Position and control before submission
  • Discipline, respect, and accountability
  • Scalable training for all levels
  • Real-world self-defense and competition application

His system is designed to help students improve skill, fitness, confidence, and mental toughness over time.


📍 Training in Central Texas

Professor Turner leads programs through Martial Arts of Waco, serving students in Waco, Hewitt, Woodway, and surrounding areas. His programs provide a clear path in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA for students focused on self-defense, competition, and personal development.

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Instructor

Rank: BJJ Black Belt

Experience: 10+ years

Professor with an emphasis on technical integration between striking, clinch, and ground. His classes focus on real-world fighting scenarios, cage control, and high-level grappling. Known for his intensity and attention to detail, he coaches both hobbyists and active fighters.

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Jiu-Jitsu Instructor

Rank: Black Belt

Experience: 10+ years

Professor is known for his clarity, patience, and deep technical understanding of Jiu-Jitsu. His instruction is systematic and concise, making him a favorite among analytical thinkers. Whether you’re a white belt learning your first guard pass or a competitor refining strategy, his instruction is laser-focused and accessible.

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Professor Soto
BJJ Fundamentals Coach

Rank: Black Belt

Experience: 10+ years

Professor Soto is a calm and centered instructor who helps students develop a rock-solid foundation. He specializes in fundamental techniques, pressure passing, and humility in practice. His classes are ideal for new students and those seeking to reinforce clean mechanics and positional awareness.

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Professor Little
Competition Coach & Rolling Leader

Rank: Black Belt

Experience: 10+ years

Professor Little brings grit, intensity, and physicality to our rolling culture. He’s a competition veteran who pushes students to test their limits while emphasizing control, accountability, and submission pressure. Known for his aggressive top game and drive, he’s a key figure in preparing students for tournaments and adversity.

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Professor Tucker
Movement & Catch-Wrestling Style Instructor

Rank: Black Belt under Professor Jerry Boroff

Experience: 10+ years

Professor Tucker is known for his dynamic and unorthodox movement style. Drawing from his wrestling base and catch-wrestling influences, he offers a unique blend of pressure, agility, and flow. His classes emphasize movement chains, scrambles, and creative attacks—ideal for students looking to break out of rigid patterns and embrace fluidity.

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Professor John
Strategy & Structure Coach

Rank: Black Belt under Professor Jerry Boroff

Experience: 10+ years

Professor John is a structural strategist—he helps students refine escapes, guard retention, and control positions. His methodical approach is ideal for students focused on technical efficiency, longevity, and intelligent grappling. Especially helpful for older students, returning athletes, and those seeking depth over flash.

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Our Class Schedule!

Go check out our Waco, TX martial arts class schedule!

We have programs running 7 days a week, with accommodating times for families and students. Take a look and find when to come on in for your training!

Level Up with the

Martial Arts of Waco Team

We pride ourselves on providing a wonderful home for Texas martial arts lessons for anyone interested. No matter your skill level, experience, or age, there is a spot in our family! Interested in hearing more? Then we encourage you to check out what the members of our community have to say about why Martial Arts of Waco is the Texas martial arts academy for you!

Words from our Community

We pride ourselves on providing a wonderful home for Texas martial arts lessons for anyone interested. No matter your skill level, experience, or age, there is a spot in our family! Interested in hearing more? Then we encourage you to check out what the members of our community have to say about why Martial Arts of Waco is the Texas martial arts academy for you!

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Contact Us!

We are proud to provide BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA training in Waco. We also welcome all those in China Spring, Hewitt, Woodway, and those interested in martial arts at Baylor University. You can find us between Home Depot and Barnes & Noble on Lake Air Drive!

254-723-8345
504 B Lake Air Drive Waco, TX 76710