Suzanne Nguyen

Lead Instructor

Suzanne began her martial arts journey in 1997, training in Shorin-Ken Karate-do at the College of William & Mary. She earned her Shodan rank in 2000 and later achieved the rank of Rokudan (6th Degree Black Belt), Renshi Shihan-Dai (Assistance Master Instructor) in Chishin-Ryu Karate-do under Hiroyuki Tesshin Hamada, Hanshi of Bushin-Kan Dojo USA. Suzanne also holds ranks in Judo, Iaido, Kendo, and classical Japanese Ju-jitsu.

From 1999 to 2006, Suzanne served as an assistant instructor at both the College of William & Mary Martial Arts Club and the University of Virginia Recreational Sports Program. She began training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2008 at Bushin Martial Arts Academy Williamsburg, earning her Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Certified Instructor title from Gracie University and achieving Black Belt rank certification from Ryron and Rener Gracie in 2022.

In addition to her martial arts expertise, Suzanne is a Chemistry Professor at University of Mary Washington, certified Personal Trainer (ACSM), balances her martial arts training and teaching with personal training sessions, and raising three beautiful children.