In 2003, Grand Master Helio Gracie awarded Ryron and Rener black belts in recognition of their mastery of his unique techniques and teaching methodologies. While constantly perfecting their physical techniques, they worked equally hard to master the powerfully effective instruction methods developed by their forbearers. The life changing transformations of Gracie University students motivated the brothers to teach the art. Even more important, Ryron and Rener recognized the profound impact the family’s art had on all who studied it. But, it wasn’t until they observed their father and uncles – Royce, Rickson, and Royler – easily winning challenge matches that they began to comprehend fully the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. As children, they watched him teach private classes in their garage in Southern California. He is certified under Ryron and Rener Gracie to teach all of the acclaimed Gracie curriculums including Gracie Combatives, BullyProof for kids, and Master Cycle. The Master Cycle’s unique structure simplifies the journey to black belt by organizing all of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu into seven positional chapters (Mount, Side Mount, Guard, Half Guard. Professor James Clark, a first degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, started training at the original Gracie Academy in Torrance, Los Angeles, in 1993 under Royce and Rickson Gracie. Rorion introduced his sons to the art as soon as they could walk. Beyond blue belt, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu consists of hundreds of advanced techniques organized into a clearly defined, systematic curriculum called the Master Cycle. Ryron and Rener were born into this family tradition of testing the art against all challengers. Rorion’s younger brother, Royce, won 3 of the first 4 UFC tournaments proving that the leverage-based techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu provided the most reliable way to defeat a larger, more athletic opponent.
In 1993, Rorion created the Ultimate Fighting Championship to showcase the supremacy of the family’s self-defense system in a realistic “no holds barred” confrontation against all comers.
Jennifer is a Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu-jitsu. Off the mats, Houston is active in his church, serves as an Ambassador for Madison. Their father is Rorion Gracie, one of the world’s foremost experts in self-defense. Houston is a purple belt and is certified to teach all the Gracie University programs including GST Level 1 and 2. Ryron and Rener Gracie are the eldest grandsons of Grand Master Helio Gracie, the creator of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.