About Synapse Jiu Jitsu
Our Teaching Philosophy
Founded in 2025 by Nicolas and Eleanor, Synapse Jiu Jitsu is an independent, family-owned gym built around long-term commitment to our students and our community. We coach jiu jitsu full-time, which allows us to invest deeply in thoughtful teaching, consistent programming, and real relationships with the people who train here.
Synapse was born out of the desire to create a beginner-friendly, high-level martial arts academy where everyone, regardless of age, ability, or identity, feels like they belong. At the heart of our gym is a culture of respect and open communication, and we are committed to being a safe and empowering space for people of all gender identities. We encourage questions, collaboration, and curiosity in every class, whether you're a seasoned brown belt or it's your very first day on the mats.
We believe martial arts can be a transformative vehicle for creativity and self-expression, but it is easy for classes to turn into a room full of students trying to copy what the instructor is doing. We know that each student is going to have a different development, and at Synapse, we engage with that directly. This creates a much more dynamic class experience, where the class is shaped by the students as it is happening.
Our goal is to empower kids and adults of all ages and identities to discover their own capabilities, develop real confidence, and build a jiu jitsu practice that belongs to them.
Nicolas Germanos - Head Coach
Nicolas is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt and Taekwondo black belt with over a decade of experience on the mats as a practitioner and instructor. He has a fierce passion for working with students of all ages, and uses a combination of evidence-based teaching methods to best empower students. He is active in the local competition scene as both a competitor and a coach. When not on the mats, he can often be found studying competition footage and keeping up with the latest research in sports science pedagogy.
Nicolas completed his Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology and Computational Neuroscience at the University of Washington in 2018. He holds minors in both Chemistry and Applied Mathematics. He lives with his fiancee, Eleanor, and two beloved cats - Otak and Maple.
Eleanor Kahn - Gym Manager
Eleanor is an experienced Program Coordinator and Manager with 7 years of experience supporting start-ups and small businesses. She just completed her Certificate of Project Management in Spring 2025, and is prepping for the PMP Certification exam. When not on the mats or behind the front desk, she enjoys knitting and crocheting, and crafting elaborate cardboard structures for her cats.
Eleanor completed her Bachelor of Arts in History and Music history at the University of Washington in 2019.