Our Instructors

Royce Gracie - Head Instructor

Royce Gracie was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His training in Jiu-Jitsu began at a very early age as a game with his father Helio Gracie, the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Helio never pushed any of the children to take formal classes until they wanted to do so, however they often went to the Academy in Rio after school and on weekends. Royce began competing in tournaments at age eight. He moved to the United States at age 18 to live with his brother, Rorion. They began teaching private classes out of their garage, sometimes for more than ten hours a day. Rorion and Royce opened the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy eleven years ago in Torrance, California. Today it is one of the largest martial arts schools in the country.

Royce’s reputable career as a fighter began in 1993 after defeating three opponents in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship. His brother Rorion came up with this innovative challenge as a way to show Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the world. Discipline after discipline was defeated by the slight 6’1”, 180 pound Royce Gracie. His opponents consistently outweighed him by more than 50 pounds. He went on to win 3 UFC titles and today is the only man in the history of no holds barred matches to successfully defeat four opponents in one night. Royce’s success has opened the eyes of many disbelievers to the importance of leverage and technique in grappling. In November of 2003, Royce Gracie was the first fighter to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

His list of students is enormous. Royce has taught many of the big screen greats like Chuck Norris, Ed O’Neal, Guy Ritchie and Nicholas Cage. He has also been very active with the CIA, FBI, DEA, Secret Service, Army Rangers, Army Special Forces, Navy Seals and many sheriff and police departments.

Royce spends most of his time traveling the world teaching at the Official Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network Academys including Infinite Mixed Martial Arts Academy of Loveland, Colorado. He is known for being a patient and detailed instructor.

 

Rodrigo Gracie - Head Instructor

Rodrigo Gracie was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to a Jiu-Jitsu master Reylson Gracie. His grandfather Carlos Gracie along with his uncle Helio Gracie are the founders of what today is know as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As member of the legendary Gracie family its no surprise that Rodrigo was introduced to Jiu-Jitsu from early age. Rodrigo received his black belt from his father Reylson Gracie at the age of 19. Shortly after Rodrigo moved to California to teach Jiu-Jitsu. He found his way to New York city, were he was training with his cousin Renzo Gracie. The demand for Jiu-Jitsu was high so Rodrigo took advantage of the opportunity and opened his own academy in New York City. Looking for new challenges and opportunities Rodrigo moved to Los Angeles California where Rodrigo’s cousin Royce Gracie welcomed him. Rodrigo and Royce train together as well as spend a lot of time as a family.

Rodrigo Gracie is recognized as one of the most elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in the world. In 1998 Rodrigo took first place in the Abu Dhabi Championships (ADCC) after defeating opponents such as Genki Sudo and Carlos Newton. He then moved his talents into the arena of mixed martial arts competition. Rodrigo went on to defeat all of his opponents in Pride and is currently fighting for K-1. He is one of the most respected fighters in the world at 185 pounds.

Currently Rodrigo teaches in Torrance, CA. and frequently travels teaching at all of the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Networks including Infinite Mixed Martial Arts Academy of Loveland, Colorado. Rodrigo is known for being a very technical and down to earth instructor.

 

Adam Martinez - Chief Instructor

Credentials

• Certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor under Royce Gracie
• Certified Judo Instructor under Olympic Gold Medalist Mike Swain
• -3rd Degree Black belt in Kodokan Judo
• Certified Kru under Master Toddy Muay Thai International Association (MTIA)
• Certified Olympic Boxing Coach under USA Boxing
• Certified Kajukenbo Master Instructor under K.S.D.I. Kajukenbo
• -6th Degree Black belt in K.S.D.I. Kajukenbo
• Self-defense Instructor for the U.S Department of Agricultures Field Agents
• Licensed Official for the State of Colorado's Boxing Commission ( MMA Referee and Judge )

Biography

With 14 years of experience in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu directly under the legendary Gracie Family, and over 20 years in Judo, Kickboxing, Kajukenbo, and Boxing, a combined professional fight record with over 70 victories in kickboxing, submission boxing, and boxing;  having competed and placed in over 100 tournaments in sport Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, full-contact karate, and Judo; Adam Martinez is truly one of the most experienced and accomplished instructors in the state of Colorado. 

After attending the first UFC in 1993, Adam was driven to learn the art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Adam Martinez is a student directly under Royce Gracie, but he has also had the experience of training under other Gracie family members Rodrigo Gracie, Rokler Gracie, Rorion Gracie, Crosley Gracie, Ralek Gracie, and Royler Gracie.

Adam Martinez was the first instructor to introduce Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the Northern Colorado area. He has been involved in MMA in the state of Colorado even before the instatement of the Colorado Boxing Commission. Adam retired from fighting in 2001 in order to turn his attention to his students and passing on the arts. At 39 years of age, Adam Martinez is renowned for providing "old school" instruction, training top-quality students and fighters, and for being an enthusiastic and talented teacher.

Greg Becker - Kodokan Judo Instructor

Credentials

• 2^nd Degree Black Belt in Kodokan Judo
• Certified USJA (United States Judo Association) Coach
• USJA Colorado Outstanding Judo Competitor of the Year (1996)
• Colorado State Judo Champion (1998 & 1999)
• CKA State Grappling Champion (1998 & 1999)
• WCJA U.S. National Jujitsu Championships - Runner-up (1999 & 2000)
• 3^rd Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do
• Wrestling Coach at University High School
• Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu

Greg Becker has 22 years of experience in the martial arts. He began training in Tang Soo Do in 1986 and Judo in 1995. Mr. Becker began teaching both Tang Soo Do and Judo classes in 1999 and continues to teach both presently. In addition to his martial arts experience, Mr. Becker was a wrestler in both middle and high school, where he was a Colorado All-State Wrestler in 1992, as well as a member of the 1992 State Championship Wrestling Team at Platte Valley High School. Mr. Becker considers himself a lifelong student of the martial arts and enjoys not only the competitive aspects of the arts but also being able to share his knowledge through his teaching capacity. In addition to Judo and Tang Soo Do, Mr. Becker enjoys Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, kick-boxing, and MMA.