Darrin Lillian is a 3rd degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Travis Tooke. Darrin started his martial arts journey in December 1996 at the age of 19. Starting his training at the Integrated Fighting Arts Academy in Austin, Tx which specializes in kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kali. After dedicating 9 years under Instructor Frank Benn, Darrin branched out and started teaching in his garage in 2005. His good buddy and training partner, Devon Miller, helped Darrin get his first commercial teaching position at the Parra Academy of Martial Arts. In September 2005 Darrin and Devon traveled to Houston, Texas to attend Professor Travis Tooke's seminar. The previous gym Darrin was training at for 9 years did not use the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt sytem so Darrin donned a white belt for the seminar. During the seminar, he was awarded his BJJ blue belt by and was officially a student of Professor Tooke. Although Darrin lived in Austin and Professor Tooke was based out of Houston, Darrin took monthly trips to train and get private lessons from Professor Tooke. Considering Darrin's previous training, Professor Tooke put Darrin on the fast track to Black Belt and ultimately awarded Darrin with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in November 2009. Professor Tooke has been the biggest influence on Darrin's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and Darrin still trains with Professor Tooke to this day.
Darrin has taught his Infinite Jiu-Jitsu program at several academies in Austin, Texas. In 2011, Darrin was asked to be the head instructor at Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Austin and taught both the kids and adult programs at Paragon BJJ Austin. During his time at Paragon, Darrin became good friends with Ricardo "Franjinha" Miller, Paragon's founder. Franjinha guided Darrin during his post-black belt journey and has been a huge influence on his BJJ style.
In 2014, Darrin started teaching at John's Gym in Austin, Texas. Darrin has awarded four black belts of his own during his tenure at John's Gym: John Ramseier, Chad Adams, Ty Lum, and Hector Olvera. Recently, Darrin had to take a break from his regular teaching schedule due to work obligations. Although, you can still find Darrin on the John's Gym mats mentoring students and improving their techniques.
Feel free to also check out his YouTube Channel which is dedicated to his tournament matches and techniques.