Brian "Blake" Walter has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 4.5 years, all under Kroyler Gracie and the other instructors at Kroyler Gracie BJJ. Brian started training Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 24, when he attended his first class in the summer of 2017 with a couple friends from high school. Having always wanted to train martial arts, he was quickly hooked onto Jiu-Jitsu, as it was the first martial art he had ever trained. His love for the art grew exponentially, training multiple hours every day of the week to “catch up”; and eventually traveling outside the country to train as far as Mexico and Ireland. Originally getting into Jiu-Jitsu for self-defense, Brian decided to test his skills in competition early in his career. He grew a new appreciation for the art after his first competition, and has since competed in over 100 matches around the Midwest, winning multiple gold medals. Brian remains an active and avid competitor for Kroyler, and is training to compete in as many local and nationwide tournaments as he can make.

Brian received his purple belt in July of 2021, and has furthered his passion for Jiu-Jitsu into the world of teaching. He currently assists with the kids’ classes as well as adult classes when needed, and enjoys helping team members individually where he can. Training Jiu-Jitsu has been the best decision Brian feels he has ever made, and is grateful for all the technical and philosophical teachings he has learned thus far. As well as the great people he has met and built relationships with. His goal is simply to be the best student, competitor, and teammate (and someday coach) he can be.

Brian also enjoys training Judo and Wrestling at Kroyler Gracie BJJ, and hopes to become versed in the arts of Boxing and Muay Thai/Kickboxing. Outside of martial arts, Brian plays drums in a progressive metal band, and enjoys listening to music, traveling, running, hiking, skateboarding/longboarding, and living a healthy lifestyle.