Darnel Harrison

Darnel Harrison is a first degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Denilson Pimenta. He has been the lead children’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor at Baltimore Martial Arts Academy for many years, and he teaches the children’s Judo classes as well.

Teaching the Youngest Students

Darnel teaches children from age three and up in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Starting a three-year-old in a martial art takes a particular kind of patience: the first lessons are about listening, taking turns and getting back up, long before they are about technique. Parents who have watched him work with a nervous first-timer know why he has been trusted with the kids program for so long.

His Own Training

Darnel trains and teaches in Judo as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and has also trained in Capoeira. He earned his black belt under Professor Denilson Pimenta, a GFTeam black belt and world champion who has taught at the Academy.

Around the Academy

If Darnel is not training or teaching, he is usually in the BMAA lobby with a Fitaid in hand. He is admired by everyone at the Academy, largely because he turns up with a smile every single day.

He is also a devoted Star Wars fan, and each Halloween he arrives at the Academy dressed as Darth Vader — which, for a room full of small children learning to be brave, lands rather well.