"THE WATER IS ALWAYS
PUREST AT THE SOURCE."
— GRAND MASTER RELSON GRACIE

Son of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu founder Helio Gracie, Relson was the Brazilian National Champion for 22 consecutive years.

Professor Mark Stefanac is a 2nd degree black belt.

Mark began studying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Grand Master Relson Gracie 12 years ago.

With that said, if you live in the Cleveland, Ohio area, why would you chose any other place to train than pure Hélio Gracie Jiu-Jitsu? The Academy of Self-Defense program = 100% Authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. We have over 12 instructors who are passionate about jiu-jitsu and teaching others the art.

We are the only Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Cleveland to study under a Grandmaster red belt—a belt reserved only for the Gracie Family. Grandmaster Relson Gracie is the son of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu founder, Hélio Gracie.

Ron Aderhold—a United States Air Force Veteran—is a black belt under Relson Gracie. Ron is trained extensively in several martial arts. However, after trying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in 2005, Ron knew he found the art he would train for the rest of his life. 

Head Instructor

Doug is a black belt under Relson Gracie. Doug began jiu-jitsu training in 2007 at Relson Gracie Cleveland. He is an active competitor in International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation sanctioned tournaments.