Every gym has standout athletes — but not all standout athletes become standout coaches. Jean Cilliers is one of the rare few who became both.
Jean’s journey at CIT Performance Institute began like many others: as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu member, showing up day after day with a willingness to learn and an unmatched hunger to improve. What set him apart wasn’t natural talent or shortcuts — it was consistency. Jean put in the hours, stayed after class, asked questions, drilled extra rounds, and slowly built a skill set that couldn’t be ignored.
Today, Jean has worked his way up to become the second in command for CIT’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program, serving directly under Coach Niel Geyser — a 3rd Degree Black Belt, world-class grappling coach, and the head grappling coach of both CIT PI and Team CIT MMA (home of UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis).
Coaching alongside someone of Niel’s calibre is no small responsibility. Jean plays a crucial role in helping run classes, instruct students at all levels, and maintain the high technical standards of CIT Jiu-Jitsu. Members know him for his calm teaching style, attention to detail, and his ability to explain techniques in a way that makes sense — no matter your experience level.
Jean is proof of what we teach at CIT, show up, put in the work, and the mats will reward you.
From member, to advanced student, to coach —
Jean’s progression embodies the culture of growth that defines CIT Performance Institute.