Professor Mackens Semerzier is the Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at The House of Muay Thai and a Luiz Palhares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu association member. Professor Semerzier is a well-respected competitor, instructor, and mentor in the Hampton Roads area.Professor Semerzier began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2006 as a white belt under 8th degree Coral Belt, Master Luiz Palhares, in Virginia Beach. Professor Semerzier later received his Black Belt in 2013 from 8th degree Coral Belt, Master Pedro Sauer, after many years of dedication to the art under Professor Nestor Bayot with the direct mentorship of Professor Frank Cucci. During his time training, Professor Semerzier became a national amateur MMA champion, eventually becoming a professional competing in regional and national events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) winning both submission of the night, fight of the night, and capturing a regional MMA title.After completing his professional fighting career, Professor Semerzier turned back to his love of instruction and began teaching the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the direct supervision of Master Luiz Palhares as an association member and team affiliate of Luiz Palhares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Master Luiz Palhares recently promoted Professor Semerzier to 2nd degree Black Belt in 2018.

• 2nd Degree Black Belt
• Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certified Instructor
• 7 time WEC and UFC competitor
• WKA Featherweight MMA Champion
• Multiple time U.S. Grappling Champion
• Multiple time NAGA Champion
• Professional Military Combatives Instructor