# Deep Waters Jiu Jitsu

> Columbia, United States

## Overview

**Name:** Deep Waters Jiu Jitsu

**Description:** Opening April 17, 2017, in downtown Columbia, SC, Deep Waters Jiu-Jitsu proudly trains under the legendary Professor Hélio Soneca. The academy was founded with the support of several long-time black belts who continue to share their knowledge and train on the mats today. This foundation connects them directly to the roots of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu while pushing forward into the future.

At Deep Waters, they believe Jiu-Jitsu is more than just a martial art—it's a way of life. Their mission is to provide a space where students of all ages and backgrounds can grow physically, mentally, and spiritually through the discipline of Jiu-Jitsu. They are a family-oriented academy dedicated to cultivating an environment of respect, humility, and perseverance.

The team includes six black belts promoted under Professor Soneca: owner Tillman Keadle (2018), Robert Hoskins (2024), Frisco Heil (2023), Tra Linen (2023), Brian Stone (2025), and John Dunn (2022), plus three brown belts and a judo black belt instructor. They operate two locations serving the greater Columbia area with programs for kids, women, beginners, and experienced grapplers.

**Status:** Active

## Contact Information

**Address:**
 1901 Hampton St
Columbia, SC 29201, United States

**Phone:** +1 803-766-6019

**Email:** deepwatersjj@gmail.com

**Website:** https://www.deepwatersjj.com

**Social Media:**
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/deepwatersjiujitsu
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deepwatersJJ/

## Instructors


### Tillman Keadle - Black

**Role:** Head Instructor

**Bio:** Owner of Deep Waters Jiu Jitsu. Training in submission grappling since 2001 and BJJ since 2008. Promoted to black belt in 2018 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


### Blake Dowd - Purple

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Training BJJ since 2020. Promoted to purple belt in 2024 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


### Brian Stone - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Training BJJ since 2011. Promoted to black belt in 2025 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


### Brooke Keala - Brown

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Training BJJ since 2016. Promoted to brown belt in 2024 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


### Frisco Heil - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Training BJJ since 2012. Promoted to black belt in 2023 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


### John Dunn - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Training BJJ since 2012. Promoted to black belt in 2022 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


### John Pauling - Brown

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Training BJJ since 2019. Promoted to brown belt in 2025 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


### Oleg Uvarov - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Judo black belt since 2003. Training in Judo since 1986. Teaches Judo classes at Deep Waters.


### Robert Hoskins - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Training BJJ since 2016. Promoted to black belt in 2024 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


### Ryan Romano - Brown

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Training BJJ since 2018. Promoted to brown belt in 2024 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


### Tra Linen - Black

**Role:** Instructor

**Bio:** Training BJJ since 2011. Promoted to black belt in 2023 under Professor Hélio Soneca.


## Programs

### Adult Gi BJJ

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in the traditional gi. Classes for all levels from beginner to advanced.

**Classes:**

### Adult No-Gi

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** No-Gi grappling classes focusing on submission wrestling without the traditional gi.

**Classes:**

### Kids BJJ

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** kids

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for children ages 5 and up, including regular and homeschool classes.

**Classes:**

### Beginner BJJ

**Skill Level:** Beginner

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Beginner-friendly BJJ classes focusing on fundamental techniques and positions.

**Classes:**

### Women's Only BJJ

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** adults

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Women-only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class in a supportive environment.

**Classes:**

### Judo

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** Gi required

**Description:** Traditional Judo training taught by black belt Oleg Uvarov.

**Classes:**

### Open Mat

**Skill Level:** All Levels

**Age Group:** all_ages

**Gi Requirement:** No-Gi

**Description:** Open mat sessions for free rolling and technique practice.

**Classes:**



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**Last Updated:** March 10, 2026

**Data Source:** BJJ.Space (https://bjj.space/gyms/united-states/south-carolina/columbia/deep-waters-jiu-jitsu)