The Panda Guard by Nikki Sullivan
Nikki Sullivan (@nikkicuddlejitsu)
Nicole Sullivan, commonly known as Nikki Sullivan, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt under André Galvão, being one of the main athletes in the Atos Jiu-Jitsu Team female squad.
Sullivan is renowned for her unorthodox grappling style and signature "Panda Guard" technique.
Sullivan's martial arts journey began at Indiana University, where she initially studied Taekwondo before discovering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She started professional Jiu-Jitsu training under Evan Mannweiler and received mentorship from Josh Hinger, a well-known BJJ competitor. She was also coached by Dax Razzano, a local black belt who promoted her to purple belt.
After teaching in Kentucky at Nice Guy Submission Fighting, Sullivan made the pivotal decision to move to San Diego to pursue professional grappling.
On January 2, 2019, after 18 months of dedicated training as a brown belt, she received her black belt from André Galvão at Atos Jiu-Jitsu.
Her competitive achievements include winning the Abu Dhabi Pro Trials as a blue belt, capturing the No-Gi Pan Ams twice as a purple belt, becoming a 2x Fight To Win Champion, and reaching the finals of the 2017 ADCC West Coast Trials. She has competed at the highest levels of the sport, including IBJJF World Championships and Pan American Championships.
Kogaion BJJ and Judo (@kogaion_academy)
Nicole Sullivan - An American BJJ Black Belt
Instructor: Nikki Sullivan
Date: October 18, 2025
Location: XCAL Shooting Sports and Fitness
Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM with Q&A after
Pricing: $50 for members, $65 for non-members