Our Black Belts

Head Instructor Professor Derek "Thundercat" Richardson has been training in the martial arts for over 26 years. He has accumulated Black Belts in several styles and traveled the world training with many of the top martial artists in MMA, Judo and BJJ. Derek is a 2 stripe black belt directly under Master Renzo Gracie.  

The Son of Graham is an accomplished grappler and kickboxer with decades of experience. Despite his talent and rugged good looks, he enjoys working with students of all levels. When not training at Renzo Gracie Charlotte, he operates his own gym in Gastonia where our members are also welcome anytime.

Professor James-Michael has a Black Belt in our Mixed Martial Arts program as well as being a 1 stripe Black Belt in Brazilian JiuJitsu. JM prides himself on his ability to teach the conceptual pieces of BJJ to students of all levels. He works with many of the older grapplers and also runs his own disadvantaged kids BJJ program through local non-profit Disciple Dojo. 

Professor John-Paul, an incredible wrestler, grappler and life long martial artist is dominant in both gi and no-gi grappling. Both his teaching and his technique will sweep you off your feet. 

Professor Jason Bebber is a long time student of the academy who also runs his own affiliate Fenix JiuJitsu in Hickory NC. Students of both academies enjoy the value of having a family to train with no matter where they go.