Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor in Thibodaux, LA

Scotty Smith Jr. is a 3rd-degree BJJ black belt instructor and the highest-ranked in Thibodaux and all of Lafourche Parish. With over two decades of martial arts experience, he brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the region at a time when few had even heard of it. His impact was immediate—but what followed became something much larger than one man.

In 2016, he founded Next Generation Martial Arts not to chase titles, but to build something lasting. What started as a gym soon became a second home for many. Under his guidance, students found confidence, courage, and community. They didn’t just train—they grew, healed, and found purpose.

What defines the academy today isn’t just technique or competition. It’s the people. From young children learning discipline to adults overcoming personal battles, each student shapes the energy on the mats. Shared effort builds real bonds. Mutual respect fuels growth. The academy’s strength lies in its culture—a collective spirit of perseverance, humility, and support.

While Scotty continues to lead as a dedicated BJJ black belt instructor, the story is no longer his alone. It belongs to the students who show up with heart, the families who support one another, and the instructors who teach not just skills, but values.

The foundation was built with intention. What stands now is a living, breathing example of what martial arts can offer—a place where character is forged, and where community thrives long after class ends.