Professor CJ White
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt
CPR, First Aid, Instructor Certification
Charles Eugene White’s journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu began as a white belt at Gracie Barra Paso Robles. What began as a passion for Jiu-Jitsu quickly became a lifelong pursuit of growth, discipline, and excellence. After earning his purple belt, CJ made the decision to move to Idaho with a vision of opening his own academy and creating a place where others could experience the same transformative journey.
CJ is now a Gracie Barra black belt under Garrett Glava and Beto Fadul, as well as the owner and head instructor of Gracie Barra Caldwell. Throughout his Jiu-Jitsu career, CJ has competed extensively across the country, earning victories at American Nationals and multiple IBJJF Championships. His competitive experience has challenged him against high-level athletes and helped shape the technical knowledge, discipline, and composure he brings to the mats as an instructor.
But for CJ, Jiu-Jitsu has never been solely about competition.
His mission is to use Jiu-Jitsu as a vehicle for building stronger, more confident, and more resilient people. He is passionate about teaching practical self-defense while instilling a hard-working attitude, discipline, and a mindset that refuses to quit when things get difficult.
CJ believes that the greatest lessons of Jiu-Jitsu extend far beyond the academy. The ability to stay calm under pressure, embrace challenges, work through adversity, and continue moving forward are qualities that can impact every area of life.
At Gracie Barra Caldwell, Professor CJ is committed to carrying forward the mission and values of Gracie Barra by creating an environment where students of every age and experience level feel challenged, supported, and inspired to grow.
His goal is simple: to help every person who walks through the doors become stronger than they were when they started.
Gracie Barra Caldwell is more than a place to learn Jiu-Jitsu. Under Professor CJ’s leadership, it is a community built on discipline, perseverance, respect, family, and the belief that we are capable of more than we think.
Coach Tanya White
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt
CPR, First Aid, Instructor Certified, Program Director Certified
Tanya White’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began shortly after her husband, CJ White, and daughter started training. She began her Jiu-Jitsu journey at Gracie Barra Paso Robles under Professor Garrett Glava, where she developed a passion for the art and the community that came with it.
What began as something she pursued alongside her husband quickly became a journey of its own. Tanya has continued to challenge herself both on and off the mats, competing in multiple CompNet tournaments and testing herself against some of the best athletes in the sport, including competing at the 2024 IBJJF World Masters.
Today, Tanya is an instructor and co-owner of Gracie Barra Caldwell alongside her husband, Charles Eugene “CJ” White. Her experience allows her to teach students across the academy, working with a wide range of ages and skill levels. Whether helping a brand-new student learn their first technique or helping experienced practitioners refine their game, Tanya brings patience, encouragement, and a genuine passion for helping others grow.
For Tanya, Jiu-Jitsu is about much more than competition. It is about building confidence, discipline, resilience, and relationships that extend beyond the mats. She understands firsthand the courage it takes to step onto the mat as a beginner and the dedication required to continue growing through every stage of the journey.
As a mother, wife, competitor, instructor, and academy owner, Tanya plays an important role in creating the culture of Gracie Barra Caldwell. Together with CJ, she is committed to building an academy where individuals and families can learn self-defense, challenge themselves, develop a strong work ethic, and become part of a community that encourages them to never give up.
Tanya's goal is to help every student discover what they are capable of—not only as a Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, but as a person.
