Alex Martinez

Founder & Head Instructor – Blackfoot Jiu Jitsu
Certified Instructor – Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association

Alex Martinez has over 17 years of formal training in Gracie/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and has dedicated his life to studying, teaching, and sharing the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with students of all ages and experience levels.

Alex was first introduced to submission grappling in 2004 while serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps. During his training in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), he met a fellow Marine who practiced Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. That encounter sparked a passion that would ultimately shape the course of his life.

Following his active-duty service in 2008, Alex began training under Jared Emfield at the Academy of Martial Arts (now Soma Jiu Jitsu) in Idaho Falls. Shortly afterward, he expanded his training by cross-training at Precision Jiu Jitsu in Pocatello under Heath Ivers, Jessie Ralph, and John Ralph, often training six days a week while building his foundation in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

After relocating to Utah to complete his undergraduate education, Alex continued his journey at Unified Jiu Jitsu in South Jordan, one of the premier Pedro Sauer affiliates in the country. There he received instruction from several of Master Pedro Sauer’s first black belts, including Shawn Weaver, Paul Sizemore, James Gardner, and John Carlquist. Alex also trained under Mark Johnson at Westside Jiu Jitsu in Ogden, further broadening his technical knowledge and experience.

In 2012, while deployed to Afghanistan, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu once again became a central part of Alex’s life. Just three days after arriving in country, he found an opportunity to train. Within months, he was asked to take over instruction for fellow service members and civilians, a role he continued until the end of his deployment. His commitment to teaching and building morale earned him the Outstanding Military Volunteer Service Medal.

Upon returning home, Alex resumed training in Southeast Idaho while balancing a demanding career in federal law enforcement and continued service in the Marine Corps Reserve. While training at Colossal Fight Company, he began teaching the Pedro Sauer Association Self-Defense Curriculum, further developing his instructional experience before attending Marine Corps Warrant Officer training.

Between 2018 and 2021, Alex regularly organized private training sessions and drilling groups throughout Southeast Idaho. Students sought his instruction over the head instructor and training partners consistently encouraged him to open a school of his own. In 2021, he answered that call by founding Blackfoot Jiu Jitsu, bringing high-quality Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instruction to Bingham County.

Today, students continue to travel from Idaho Falls, Pocatello, and surrounding communities to train at Blackfoot Jiu Jitsu because of the academy’s emphasis on technical excellence, self-defense, discipline, and a welcoming family atmosphere.

Alex’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is for everyone. Whether teaching a young child, a first-time student, a law enforcement officer, or a competitive athlete, his goal is to build confidence, develop discipline, and provide practical skills that improve lives both on and off the mat.

Outside the academy, Alex continues to serve as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He has also served as a helicopter pilot, an online college instructor, and a business manager. Alex holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Graduate Certificate in Project Management, and is a graduate of the Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Warfare School. Alex recently completed his first year of the Marine Corps’ Command and Staff College.

Through Blackfoot Jiu Jitsu, Alex remains committed to building a strong martial arts community where students of all ages can learn, grow, and challenge themselves in a positive and professional environment.

“Jiu Jitsu isn’t just something you practice—it’s a lifelong journey of continuous learning, humility, discipline, and service to others.”