SERVICES
Seminars
As an instructor at Gracie University (and previously Gracie Academy) for nearly a decade, I’ve had the unique privilege of putting in on the order of 6000 hours of teaching to over 1000 students. This unique volume of experience has done more than shape me into an encyclopedia of techniques; it’s also enabled me to distill this knowledge into simple, unifying principles that enable anyone to navigate the infinite possibilities of a physical chess match.
From ages four-and-a-half to over 70, from preschoolers to professional athletes to retirees, it remains the most rewarding journey of my life to interpret this art in a way that resonates with anyone. With every seminar, my goal is not only to ensure that you expand your vocabulary, but that you become more adept researcher in the science of jiu-jitsu. Together, we plant the seeds of jiu-jitsu thought that serve you for the entirety of your journey.
Consulting
When done poorly, teaching can feel like underpaid babysitting, which is frustrating for students and teachers alike. When done well, teaching is one of the most gratifying ways to flex creativity while also distilling the beautiful, life-affirming aspects of jiu-jitsu for everyone you encounter.
I’ve dedicated a lot of effort to understanding the ins-and-outs of what makes Gracie University one of the largest jiu-jitsu institutions in the world. Most thought about a “teaching business” is given to what to teach—end of story. What is least understood is that while students come for what you sell, they stay for who you are.
Most jiu-jitsu instructors I’ve met possesses the necessary altruism for the role, but few have a grasp on how to express that purpose through key elements such as class orchestration, student interaction, curriculum design, curation of stage presence, and more.
Whether your interest is in growing your business presence within a certain demographic (e.g. beginners, kids, etc…), or increasing your overall student retention, I have key sustainable strategies that’ll enable you to command classes within your natural voice—no gimmicky personas or short-sighted tricks required.
Private Instruction
Not too long ago, I was sitting with one of my best friends, recounting the frustrating time I had during a recent training session. He comforted me with a sentiment I’ll never forget:
Yeah, man. Jiu-jitsu is &^$%ing hard.
It was pithy, hilariously profane, and wise. Coming from a person who had greater skill and experience than I, this communicated a lot.
Every journey is full of obstacles. In jiu-jitsu, hurdles can be physical, mental, emotional, or psychological. Sometimes a breakthrough requires that one silver-bullet technique to plug a small leak in your game. Other times, what you’ll need is an organizing principle to more fluently command the power of your repertoire. And, like my friend did for me, sometimes what’s needed is a reframing of perspective, so you can just get out there and remember to play like the devil-may-care assassin that you are.
Whatever it is you may need, private lessons are the ultimate forum for me to deliver the multi-faceted support you’ve been looking for.
