4th degree black belt

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaching rooted in lineage, discipline, and decades on the mat.

Darrin Lillian is a 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt under Professor Travis Tooke. Through Infinite Jiu Jitsu, he shares a long teaching history shaped by years of training, mentorship, and hands-on instruction across Austin academies.

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Started martial arts training in December 1996 at Integrated Fighting Arts Academy in Austin, Texas.
Awarded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt by Professor Travis Tooke in November 2009.
Has taught at multiple Austin academies and continues mentoring students at John's Gym.

About Darrin

A teaching path built over nearly three decades.

Darrin started his martial arts journey in 1996 at age 19, training at the Integrated Fighting Arts Academy in Austin. That early foundation included kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kali, which shaped the broad base he carried into his later BJJ instruction.

After nine years under Instructor Frank Benn, he began teaching out of his garage in 2005, then stepped into his first commercial teaching role at the Parra Academy of Martial Arts with help from his training partner Devon Miller.

Early years

In September 2005, Darrin and Devon traveled to Houston for a seminar with Professor Travis Tooke. Because Darrin's previous academy did not use the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu belt system, he attended the seminar wearing a white belt.

During that seminar, Professor Tooke awarded Darrin his BJJ blue belt and formally took him on as a student. Even while living in Austin, Darrin made monthly trips to Houston for training and private lessons.

Black belt journey

Recognizing Darrin's prior training and commitment, Professor Tooke accelerated his path toward black belt. In November 2009, Darrin was awarded his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt by Professor Tooke, who remains his biggest influence in Jiu-Jitsu to this day.

Journey

Key moments in Darrin’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu story.

This section condenses the major teaching and training milestones into a simple timeline that is easy for visitors to scan.

1996Began martial arts training at Integrated Fighting Arts Academy in Austin, Texas.
2005Started teaching in his garage and later took his first commercial teaching position at Parra Academy of Martial Arts.
September 2005Attended Professor Travis Tooke’s seminar in Houston, received his BJJ blue belt, and became his student.
November 2009Awarded Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt by Professor Travis Tooke.
2011Became head instructor at Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Austin, teaching both kids and adult programs.
2014 to presentBegan teaching at John's Gym in Austin, where he has awarded four black belts of his own: John Ramseier, Chad Adams, Ty Lum, and Hector Olvera.

Teaching

Influences, academies, and students.

Darrin has taught the Infinite Jiu Jitsu program at several academies in Austin. His post-black belt development was also shaped by Ricardo “Franjinha” Miller, founder of Paragon, who influenced Darrin’s style during his years at Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Austin.

Lineage and mentorship

Professor Travis Tooke remains the biggest influence on Darrin’s training, and Darrin continues to train with him. Ricardo “Franjinha” Miller also played a meaningful role in shaping Darrin’s style after black belt.

Austin teaching record

Over the years, Darrin has taught at Parra Academy of Martial Arts, Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Austin, and John’s Gym, helping lead both kids and adult instruction in Austin.

Black belts awarded

During his time at John’s Gym, Darrin has awarded black belts to John Ramseier, Chad Adams, Ty Lum, and Hector Olvera.

YouTube

Watch matches and technique videos.

Darrin’s YouTube channel is dedicated to tournament matches and technique content. It is the clearest place to connect visitors directly to his instruction and mat experience.

Open YouTube channel

Current role

Still mentoring on the mats.

Although work obligations required a break from his regular teaching schedule, Darrin can still be found at John’s Gym mentoring students and helping refine technique.

Name Darrin Lillian

Program Infinite Jiu Jitsu

Gym John’s Gym ATX