At Cephas Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, we focus on developing individual growth. Our head instructor, Jerell Cephas, holds multiple black belts ranging from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wado Ryu, & Cephas Karate Jujitsu Elite. He also holds an exceptional record in competitive MMA (Mixed Martial Arts). Jerell Cephas is known by his community and his students for his outstanding character, leadership, integrity along with the remarkable way he becomes friends with those who encounter him.

Introduction to Martial Arts

Jerell Cephas grew up in Southern California until the age of 8 when his parents moved the family to Las Vegas.  Jerell is the oldest of four children, with his twin brothers and a sister who was adopted at the age of 13.

When Jerell was just 3 years old, He encountered his first experience with martial arts. Every day he witnessed and learned to love his family’s passion for the martial arts.  Jerell and his brothers joined the family legacy at the age of three. Every day they trained with his father Victor Cephas, his grandfather Professor Willard Cephas Sr., his two uncles Kaiso Shawn Cephas & Professor Soke Willard Cephas Jr, as well as with his Godfather Soke Ace Comgees. These five individuals were the foundation of his martial arts journey, leading him to become victorious in multiple martial arts tournaments at a young age and set him on his journey to find his own path in the martial arts world.

Competitive Career

In high school, he ventured into another combat sport, that would pave the way for his MMA career. During Jerell’s 3 three-year high school varsity wrestling reign, his record was 365 and 6. He was awarded multiple state championships and was ranked 25th in the nation.

After Jerell graduated from high school and received his BA degree in college, he returned to his ultimate passion of MMA fighting.  While holding a championship title with 8 wins and 3 losses, he retired from the sport after sustaining an injury to his Achilles heel.

Becoming a Teacher

Instead of leaving MMA altogether, Jerell decided to continue by learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. After an off again and on again journey for ten years, Jerell became a Cobrinha Black Belt in 2021.

Jerell is now dedicating his life to sharing his love, knowledge, and passion of Karate-Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and MMA by opening his own gym four years ago. Jerell currently has more than thirty years of experience in martial arts in over thirteen different styles under his belt.

Jerell has been teaching women’s self-defense classes and training martial arts students at every level for over a decade. Jerell’s vision, beliefs, discipline, and values, helped mold Cephas Karate Jujitsu Sport Academy into the premiere Mixed Martial Art & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym in Las Vegas Nevada today.

​Credentials

​Cephas Karate-Jiu Jitsu (3rd Dan)
Wado Ryu Karate (1st Dan)
Chikara Puma (1st Dan)
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (Cobrinha Black Belt)
American Aiki-Te (Brown Belt)
Ascension Jiu Jitsu (Brown Belt)
Judo (Brown Belt)

Awards and Achievements

2013 California Amateur Mixed Martial Light Heavy Weight Champion
25th in the Nation in High School Wrestling 2004 Record 365-6 out of 3 years