Tyler turlington
Tyler Turlington is a founding member of Grappling Disciples Jiu-Jitsu and a Purple Belt with nine years of dedicated training on the mats. A resident of Onslow County, Tyler has been training alongside Coach Greg since the very beginning of his Jiu-Jitsu journey, growing through every evolution of the academy and its mission. His loyalty, brotherhood, and commitment to the message of faith, discipline, and high-level proficiency make him a true cornerstone of the academy’s foundation.
In addition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tyler brings a diverse martial arts background that includes Wrestling, MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program), Krav Maga, Boxing, and Kali Eskrima. This well-rounded experience shapes his technical approach and warrior mindset, allowing him to blend pressure, control, and submission-focused grappling into his game. His favorite techniques include D’Arce chokes, head and arm attacks, Kesa-Gatame, toe holds, and leg locks.
To Tyler, Jiu-Jitsu is more than a sport—it is the continuation of a journey forged in some of the world’s most challenging environments. He views the mats as a place of self-discovery where spirit is tested, character is refined, and truth is revealed through struggle. For him, Jiu-Jitsu is the discipline of the warrior soul finding peace through proficiency.
Known for his steady presence and willingness to listen, Tyler is always open to supporting teammates both on and off the mats. His focus at the academy is to continue growing as a practitioner while contributing to the coaching staff and helping build the next generation of grapplers.
Guided by his personal motto, “Always find a way,” Tyler’s vision for the academy is to cultivate an environment where warriors are forged and character is built—an atmosphere where his children and every student who steps onto the mats learn to push through adversity, develop courage, and strive for continual self-perfection.
fonte nailer
Fonte Nailer is a founding member of Grappling Disciples Jiu-Jitsu and a loyal and committed friend on and off the mats whose journey with the academy dates back to the early “garage days” through its growth to where it is today. Fonte's Originally from Chicago and now based in Richlands, Fonte is a 40-year-old Blue Belt and Level 1 Instructor with over five years of Jiu-Jitsu training, as well as experience in Hapkido and the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Program.
As both an adult and kids instructor, Fonte is known for his consistency, encouragement, and ability to motivate students to continually improve on and off the mats. His focus at the academy is simple yet powerful: to become truly fluent in Jiu-Jitsu through disciplined, methodical practice and a deep understanding of technique.
To Fonte, Jiu-Jitsu represents the idea that there are numerous ways to solve the same problem—and that growth comes from exploring every solution. His favorite techniques include the guillotine, hip throw, and sit-up sweep, and he brings a calm, confident mindset to training, even finding humor in tough moments (he’s known to laugh when he knows the only option left is to tap).
Guided by his personal motto, “Be so methodical that not only do they know it’s coming but they know they can’t stop it,” Fonte’s vision is to see the academy continue to grow and develop technically sound Jiu-Jitsu practitioners for years to come.