CARL AGNELLI
BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU INSTRUCTOR
Carl Agnelli holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which he earned under the tutelage of Jamie Cruz. Carl himself has achieved considerable success, winning numerous medals in grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments across the Northeast while representing AMA Fight Club.
Carl’s expertise extends beyond Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With over 35 years of experience in the self-defense and security industry, he spent 25 years as a United States Secret Service agent, notably serving in leadership roles for most of that time. His journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began in the late 1990s when he was assigned to the presidential protective details of Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. During this time, he commenced training under a Relson Gracie black belt at the Secret Service Training Academy.
As Carl’s journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu unfolded, so did his passion for the sport. His professional responsibilities as a Secret Service Agent afforded him the opportunity to traverse the globe, taking him to a multitude of countries where he would also seek out and learn from some of the most esteemed practitioners of BJJ.
In 2006, Carl returned to New Jersey, where he discovered AMA Fight Club; the rest is history. Since then, he has been a steadfast and enduring fixture at the academy. He has not only refined his own skills but has also shared his wealth of knowledge with fellow practitioners, nurturing the next generation of martial artists.
Carl's brand of Jiu Jitsu focuses on real-world application, where he meticulously tailors his instruction to prioritize techniques that work regardless of physical size or age. He believes that culture is what makes a gym special and ensures that his students get the best level of instruction and respect possible when on the mats. It’s important to him that they leave the class healthy, exhausted, energized and always with a smile on their faces.
Carl embodies the essence of commitment and perseverance, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of AMA Fight Club's legacy. His journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion and persistence, inspiring all who cross paths with him to reach new heights in their own pursuit of excellence.
