Renzo Gracie Nashville Jiu Jitsu

Renzo Gracie Nashville Jiu Jitsu, located in Brentwood, is led by Professor Shawn Williams, a sixth-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie himself. Professor Williams brings decades of experience on the mats and has built the academy’s curriculum on the foundation of the Renzo Gracie system, blending classic fundamentals with modern developments in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The gym’s coaching staff includes black belts like Johnny Keefe, Lance Martin, Dan Diaz, Adriano Bontempo, and Joey Torres, each bringing their own backgrounds and specialties to the team, along with a dedicated group of brown and purple belt instructors. Classes at the academy cover both gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu, with a structured approach for adults and kids. The kids’ program is directed by Dan Diaz, a black belt with over 15 years of experience, who focuses on helping young students build skill and character. For adults, instruction ranges from fundamentals to more advanced techniques, and students have the chance to train with coaches who are active competitors, experienced teachers, and longtime martial artists. In addition to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the Brentwood location also offers Muay Thai, coached by PJ McMahon, a veteran fighter and instructor with over two decades in the sport. Open mat sessions are available for adults, and drop-ins are welcome. The academy is wheelchair accessible and serves students from both the Brentwood and Belle Meade areas. Renzo Gracie Nashville Jiu Jitsu is grounded in the tradition of its lineage, with a coaching team that values growth, teamwork, and the technical progression of every student.

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