Meet the Team
Seven coaches. One standard — leave people better than we found them.
Head Instructor · Black Belt
Professor Julian Flowers
Julian Flowers is a black belt under the legendary Cassio Werneck, awarded in 2019. A world-class competitor and respected leader in the Jiu Jitsu community, Julian continues to compete regularly at the highest levels, bringing both experience and passion to every match and every class.
Known for his technical precision, humble demeanor, and ability to inspire students of all levels, Julian is one of the most trusted and respected instructors in the Cassio Werneck lineage.
Woodland Jiu Jitsu Academy is proud and honored to have Professor Julian leading our team. His presence represents not only a high level of Jiu Jitsu, but also a deep dedication to teaching, mentorship, and building a strong community through the art.
Cassio Werneck
IBJJF World Champion · IBJJF Pan Champion
Woodland Jiu-Jitsu Academy is a proud affiliate of Cassio Werneck Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. One of the top middleweights of his era, Cassio competed against a generation of legends — Fernando Terere, Marcelo Garcia, Marcel Louzado — and won at the highest levels of the sport.
Born in Brasília, Cassio started in capoeira at eleven, moved to judo, and found Jiu Jitsu in 1992. He earned his black belt under Ricardo Reis in 1998 and moved to Sacramento, where he has been coaching full time ever since and has produced a long line of American black belts.
Professor Julian Flowers received his black belt under Cassio in 2019. That lineage shapes how we teach — technical, detail-driven, and rooted in fundamentals that hold up under pressure.
Cassio has also coached elite athletes including Frank Mir, Randy Couture, Dan Henderson, and Urijah Faber — alongside everyday students building confidence, fitness, and real self-defense skills.
The Line
From Japan to Brazil to Woodland. Every class we teach comes down this line.
How We Coach
For some, this class is the highlight of their day. For some, it's their escape from stress. For some, it's where they build confidence, find belonging, or discover what they're capable of.
Arrive Early
The experience begins before class starts.
Welcome Everyone
Greet people. Make everyone feel they matter.
Create Connection
Introduce people. Help students find partners. Never let someone stand alone.
Coach with Respect
Correct privately. Encourage publicly. Protect dignity.
Set the Tone
Calm. Positive. Focused. Professional.
Leave People Better
Technically. Mentally. Personally.
Students may forget what we taught. They will never forget how we made them feel.