Meet Our Instructors

 Justin Leary (Sensei Justin)  is the Owner, Chief Executive Officer, & creator of Nitsuj Martial Arts. The story of Nitsuj began in 2003 he started working at the Rocky Hill Kindercare. It was there that he realized how much he enjoyed working with children and that it was something that he wanted to make a career out of. While working there he learned about enrichment programs. Programs where outside vendors come into daycare and teach the children a specific program on-site during their normal school day. Being a lifetime Martial Artist, it was at this time that he realized this would be a perfect opportunity for him to teach Martial Arts to children. In 2005, at the age of just 23, he opened Nitsuj Martial Arts and began teaching at local daycares and opened his own DOJO studio. 15 years later Nitsuj Martial Arts has become the biggest Martial Arts program in Connecticut.  Besides having over 15 years experience teaching children, Justin is also a Second Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and a brown belt in Kempo karate. He has 15+ years experience in No Gi/ MMA with a 2-0 amateur MMA record. 

“As an owner of a Martial Arts business, I have the privilege of watching kids grow and prosper. I also play a role in their development. This, to me, is the greatest honor in the world.” - Justin Leary

 Joshua Hilditch (Sensei Josh) is a lifelong Martial Artist & Instructor for Nitsuj Martial Arts. Raised in nearby Wethersfield, CT, Joshua started Martial Arts with traditional Martial Arts at the age of 4. At the age of 13 Josh began training MMA with Sensei Justin & helping with the kid’s classes. Through years of dedication he became one of the first Black Belts in Nitsuj Martial Arts at the age of 17. Sensei Josh is also a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Through teaching, he hopes to empower his community and each individual to live the Peaceful Warrior way and be their best self each and every day.

 Brent (Professor Brent) is a certified trainer for Nitsuj Martial Arts.  He is a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has over 15 years of expertise in Martial Arts. At 5 years old he started Tae Kwon Do & American Kickboxing. Five years later he began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), earning a Blue Belt, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), where he earned a youth black belt. Realizing that BJJ was his true passion, he focused on that discipline. Through hard-work and dedication he received a Purple Belt and began refereeing tournaments for the North American Grappling Association and competing whenever the opportunity arose. 

Brent received his Black Belt in BJJ in December of 2016 under 3rd degree black belt Ryan L. Cook, who he started his training with at 5 years old. He has extensive teaching experience, especially in the 3-5 age bracket. 

Brent is highly experienced, has great discipline, and is well-rounded. It’s a great honor to have him as an instructor as he’s a shining example of all the core principles Nitsuj stands for.