Business Details
8 Years
experience
Your Trusted Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Reno, NV
Renzo Gracie Reno was founded in 2018 as an extension of the world-renowned Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City. Our academy brings decades of martial arts expertise to Reno, Nevada, offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and no-gi submission grappling instruction rooted in the legendary Gracie family tradition. Head Professor Max McGarr, a third-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie and John Danaher, leads our team with over 16 years of teaching experience from the flagship NYC academy. Our instructors combine technical mastery with a welcoming approach, creating a supportive environment for students of all skill levels. We emphasize safety, proper technique, and community building while maintaining strict hygiene standards.Our programs cater to adults, beginners, advanced practitioners, and youth aged 5-13 through structured classes focused on technical skill development. The academy's heritage traces back to 1996 through its connection with the original NYC academy, ensuring access to proven methodologies passed down by martial arts legends. We prioritize practical training that builds foundational knowledge while incorporating modern techniques like leg locks. Our team includes black belt instructors with extensive competitive experience, including PanAm champions. The academy fosters a second-family atmosphere where students develop physical fitness, problem-solving skills, and lasting connections within a close-knit community.
Services
Adult Beginner Classes
Advanced Classes
Kids/Teens Programs
Seminars
Private Lessons
Details
- Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
- Instructors include third-degree black belts directly trained by Renzo Gracie and John Danaher
- Curriculum combines traditional techniques with modern innovations like leg locks
- Strict hygiene standards with sanitized facilities before/after classes
- Community-focused environment described as 'second family' by students
- Proven track record producing championship-level athletes
What people say
Excellent technical instruction
Supportive community
Welcoming atmosphere
Experienced instructors
Family-friendly environment
Services
Adult Beginner Classes
Structured Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for white belts and new practitioners. Focus on fundamental techniques, positional control, and safe training practices. Classes emphasize building a strong technical foundation through drills and supervised sparring sessions.
Advanced Classes
High-level instruction for experienced practitioners with minimum three-stripe white belt. Covers complex techniques including takedowns, leg locks, and advanced submission strategies. Led by championship-winning instructors with direct lineage to the Gracie family.
Kids/Teens Programs
Age-specific Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training for children aged 5-13. Develops coordination, confidence, and discipline through technical drills and controlled sparring. Instructors include black and purple belt specialists with competitive experience.
Seminars
Intensive training sessions led by visiting experts like Professor Max McGarr. Focuses on specialized techniques and advanced concepts. Provides opportunity for deep technical study with world-class instructors outside regular class schedules.
Private Lessons
Personalized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction tailored to individual goals. Available with senior instructors for technique refinement, competition preparation, or specific skill development. Offers focused attention beyond group class settings.
People
Max McGarr
Head Professor
Third-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie and John Danaher with 16+ years teaching at NYC's flagship academy. Two-time cancer survivor and PanAm champion. Holds degree in human movement science and graduate training in biomechanics.
Renzo Gracie
Founder
Legendary Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner from the famed Gracie family. Direct descendant of Carlos Gracie and son of Robson Gracie. Developed the system taught at academies worldwide through decades of competitive and instructional experience.
John Danaher
Senior Instructor
World-renowned grappling coach specializing in leg locks and lower-body techniques. Mentor to multiple world champions including Eddie Cummings and Gordon Ryan. Key developer of modern submission grappling strategies taught at the academy.
Damon Ramos
Kids Coach
Black belt instructor specializing in youth martial arts programs. Focuses on technical skill development and confidence building for children aged 9-13. Brings competitive experience and structured teaching approach to student training.
Tim Principe
Kids Coach
Black belt instructor with expertise in youth Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction. Emphasizes safe technique acquisition and character development for students aged 9-13. Combines competitive background with patient, methodical teaching style.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and no-gi submission grappling, focusing on both traditional techniques and modern innovations like leg locks.
Are there classes for complete beginners?
Yes, we offer dedicated beginner classes for adults with no prior experience. Our fundamentals program builds technical proficiency from the ground up.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing. We provide loaner gis for beginners and recommend bringing a water bottle and towel for hygiene.
Do you offer kids martial arts programs?
Yes, we have age-specific programs for children aged 5-13 with separate classes for 'Littles' (5-8) and older kids/teens (9-13).
Can I try a class before committing?
We offer a free trial class for new students. No long-term contracts are required to start training with us.
Who are your lead instructors?
Head Professor Max McGarr (third-degree black belt) leads our team, supported by visiting instructors from the Renzo Gracie network including John Danaher.
