Instructors
Get to know the dedicated coaches and passionate staff behind Excelsior Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. We are united in our passion to help students develop a strong foundation jiu-jitsu! We’re fortunate enough to be working with the best in the industry. Read more about our individual professional coaches below.
Nathan Lott
Professor Lott is a lifelong martial artist. He started with Tae Kwon Do at the age of 6. After many years of training he was awarded the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt. He trained in boxing, kickboxing, and wrestling. He is a Judo Black Belt and a 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt. He has been competing from a very young age but it was in his late 20’s that he found a love for competing in BJJ tournaments. He is a 20 time IBJJF medalist Black Belt. Professor Lott has a passion for teaching the amazing art of BJJ as a tool to improve their lives through fitness, self confidence, and a family atmosphere at our gyms.
Professor Lott also holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University in Biblical Studies. If he isn’t at the gym he is working at church or partcipating in an offsite ministry.
Linage for Jiu-JItsu Jgoro Kano > Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Ailson Jucao Brites > Nathan Lott
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Officially joined Trujitsu with Professor Matt Baker a Jean Jacques Machado Black Belt in 2017.
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Brayden Lott
Professor Brayden Lott, a passionate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt leading the Denham Springs location. Not only does he teach Jiu Jitsu, but also serves as an assistant pastor, dedicating his time to mentoring students both on and off the mats. His classes are all about discipline, encouragement, and fun, and he fosters camaraderie with traditions "Mexican Mondays" where students and teammates share a meal together. Brayden also host a Friday night Bible study, creating a welcoming space for personal growth and community.
He started competing in Jiu Jitsu at just four years old and graduated high school in three years, graduated from SLU and is now pursuing his master’s degree in Christian MInistry and Apologetics.
Ramon Lopez
Coach Ramon Lopez, leads our kickboxing classes every Wednesday night.
His humbleness dedication make him an exceptional coach, and he proudly
holds a brown belt in jiu-jitsu. As a full-time licensed professional counselor,
Ramon advocates for the mental health benefits martial arts as a powerful outlet
for daily stress. If you have questions about health or counseling services, feel free
to reach out to Coach Ramon (225)286-7099.
Kyle Harper
Coach Kyle Harper, is a dedicated father of three girls, born and raised in Prairieville, Louisiana. My wife and I moved to Zachary in 2017 to be closer to her family. Professionally, he works as a Senior National Account Manager for a large industrial company, but outside of work his focus is on family and martial arts. Having daughters inspired him to get them involved in martial arts, following the example of his father-in-law who practiced taekwondo with his own girls. When his oldest daughters were ready, he began searching for a gym and found Excelsior. Kyle was first of his family to step on the mats first to make sure it was the right fit, and those early weeks were a humbling experience. Quickly he realized how important it was to learn how to defend myself and have been grateful ever since for the journey that started that day.
He is currently a purple belt training at Excelsior for over 4 years. He is an active competitor throughout his jiu-jitsu journey and continue to test himself regularly in competition.
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Crystal Harper
Coach Crystal Harper
is a lifelong Zachary native, a proud mother
of three girls, and married to Kyle Harper all of whom share her passion for
training on the mats. She grew up in martial arts, earning her first-degree
black belt in Taekwondo under her father’s guidance. While attending
Louisiana Tech, she taught Taekwondo during college, but after the age
of 20, she stepped away from martial arts to focus on her career and family.
For over 20 years, Crystal has worked professionally as a horticulturist.
During that time, her husband and daughters began training Jiu-Jitsu,
but Crystal wasn’t immediately open to the idea. She questioned its
effectiveness and didn’t like the thought of being in such close contact
with others.
After about six months of watching her family train, she finally decided
to give it a try — and it turned out to be an eye-opening experience.
She admits it was a lot harder than it looked, but her competitive drive
pushed her to keep coming back. Now, after four years of training,
jiu-jitsu has become an important part of her life, and she is grateful
for the confidence, discipline, and lifelong skills that she and her family
continue to build together on the mats.
Excelsior is truly grateful and fortunate to have Crystal as a vital of our team.
Her dedication to training and empowering teenage girls and women in
the gym is inspiring. Together, we are committed to fostering strength,
confidence, and growth in our community.
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Dawn Lott, is the Program Manager at Excelsior Jiu Jitsu, where she oversees billing, management, and the daily operations of the school. With genuine passion for helping others, she is always available to assist with any inquiries. Beyond her role at Excelsior, Dawn is a licensed cosmetologistand works at Londlyn Ashley Salon and volunteers as a sub rehabber for Wildlife & Fisheriers. Dedicated to helping rehabilitate squirrels. Her diverse skills and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
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