“I started Jiu Jitsu when I was 24 years old,” Charles Kil explains.  “A friend of mine, who studied jiu jitsu, offered to lightly ‘roll’ with me to show me the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  I was instantly blown away that a smaller person was able to man handle me with very little effort.  I signed up the very next week.”  

For the next 8 years Charles studied and trained in various parts of the country before meeting up with Daren Roberts in Atlanta.  

Daren and Charles became friends and training partners.  Charles was a part of Daren’s 4.0 Jiu Jitsu school, and was then extremely instrumental in the transition from 4.0 to Straight Blast Gym.  Coach Daren Roberts had some high praise for Charles:

“Charles has been a tent pole in the formation of SBG Sandy Springs and a trusted advisor. He selflessly has done anything and everything to help the students. Adults, kids, young, old…he can teach then with the grace of a true Jiujitsu professional. Succinct but detailed, disciplined but also fun.  I think he should be black belt.”

Coach Sean Coleman added the following:

“Charles is a big-time leader in our tribe.  He is always helping others with their technique when asked, he takes care of his partners, and represents the SBG culture with his energy, consistency and willingness to help everyone grow collectively.  Every class needs a ‘Charles’!”

Charles is a fantastic representative of the SBG style and attitude.  Selfless and always improving, he is a favorite amongst his coaches and training partners.  Charles says this about his new home:

“What I like best about SBG is the training methodology.  They are very intelligent in the way class is conducted so that everyone has a chance to really learn the movement.  Head coach Phillipe Gentry is a great coach and training partner and I look forward to see what the future holds as we build this team. Sean is ok too – hahaha”