Renzo is the grandson of Gracie Jiu Jitsu’s legendary founder Carlos Gracie and son of 9th Dan BJJ black belt Robson Gracie, brother to Ralph and Ryan Gracie. Like most men in the Gracie family, Renzo started training Jiu Jitsu as an infant. He had formal instruction from many of the Gracie patriarchs, but two of his biggest influences were the legendary Rolls Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr (the man who later awarded him his black belt).Renzo has fought all over the world for organizations such as ONE Championship, UFC, K-1 and Pride FC in its heyday. He pioneered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America in the 1990’s when he founded Renzo Gracie Academy NYC in New York City, one of the cornerstones of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America. Renzo is established as one of the best teachers and mentors in combat sports. With his signature combination of charisma and intelligence, he has guided students such as Matt Serra a former UFC Champion, Roger Gracie a 10x Jiu Jitsu world champion, John Danaher the Jiu-Jitsu Coach to Gordan ‘The King’ Ryan as well as UFC Champions Georges St-Pierre, Chris Weidman, Shawn Williams, and Ricardo Almeida to black belt in Jiu Jitsu.