Our Coaches
Tyler Boone
Head Instructor & Marine Veteran
Tyler began practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) in 2010 and is a brown belt under Lucas Lepri. When he started, he was immediately drawn to the way jiu jitsu challenges both the mind and body. Having spent the previous 6 years in the Marines, he was yearning for something to to fulfill his continued desire to work hard, overcome, and learn new things.
Tyler isn’t a big competition junkie, but he loves the grind and hard work that comes from jiu jitsu. He gets immense energy from the camaraderie and community they’ve built at Crest as well as the opportunity to share the sport with others.
Tyler is a graduate of UNC Wilmington, is married with 3 kids (2 boys and 1 girl). In his spare time, his family enjoys being outside, especially at the beach, watching movies, and cooking awesome food.
Jeff Fritz
Assistant Instructor
Jeff is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner who lives in Hampstead, NC, with wife Andrea, daughter Abigail (17), and son Ian (15). Jeff is a two-stripe brown belt and was the Alliance, Wilmington, Head Kids’ Instructor for approximately six years. During that time Jeff was responsible for training multiple Kids World Champions and many NAGA Expert-level
Champions.
Jeff joined Crest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2018 where he began as Head Kids’ Instructor. Currently Jeff teaches fundamentals for Crest. Jeff was the Director of the New Hanover Juvenile Detention Center, where he worked for 30 years before retiring in May, 2021.
John Sickles
Lead Youth Instructor & Marine Veteran
John began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2006. He has been teaching BJJ to kids for about 12 years. He is a former Marine and Police Officer. He has 2 children and enjoys photography and Fortnite in his free time.
Marvin Borja
Assistant Instructor & Active Duty Marine
Marvin is a United States Service Member currently serving in the Marine Corps. He began trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu late 2018 to help his physical, mental and emotional well-being. Marv and his family enjoy outdoor activities and helping out their community.
David Reney
Assistant Instructor & Marine Veteran
David has been training martial arts from a young age. He joined the Marine Corps after high school and completed a tour in Afghanistan . During this time he became a MCMAP ( Marine Corps Martial Arts Program ) Instructor. After his military service, he found a love in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He enjoys training and sharing his knowledge and experience to help others in their own BJJ journey.
David Barrett
Assistant Instructor
David began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2019 and is a blue belt. He enjoys the constant mental and physical test jiu jitsu provides. David is originally from Wakefield, Virginia and is married with 5 children.
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