Renzo Gracie

Renzo Gracie is a member of the renowned Gracie family. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he grew up with jiu-jitsu. His grandfather was Carlos Gracie, and his teachers included Rolls Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr.

Renzo opened his academy in New York in 1996, helping Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grow far beyond Brazil. Alongside a fighting career that included the UFC and PRIDE, he became an influential teacher and mentor. His students include Matt Serra, Roger Gracie and John Danaher.

Champions connected to the academy

Georges St-Pierre and Gordon Ryan trained with John Danaher at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York. Renzo and his team have also worked with numerous BJJ and MMA champions:

• Georges St-Pierre: former UFC champion who refined his grappling with John Danaher.
• Gordon Ryan: ADCC champion who developed under Danaher at the academy.
• Matt Serra: former UFC champion and black belt under Renzo Gracie.
• Frankie Edgar: former UFC champion coached by Renzo Gracie.
• Roger Gracie: ten-time jiu-jitsu world champion, also coached by Renzo.
• Chris Weidman: former UFC champion who worked with John Danaher on his jiu-jitsu.

Explore the international Renzo Gracie Academy →

From New York to Amersfoort

Renzo Gracie → George Sernack → Kemail Verhoeven → Marcin Kasprzyk

Through Renzo Gracie Holland, our academy is part of this international tradition. In Amersfoort, you train with our local team led by head coach Marcin Kasprzyk. The champions above are connected to the history of the New York academy; they do not teach our regular classes in Amersfoort.