"THE WATER IS ALWAYS
PUREST AT THE SOURCE."

— GRAND MASTER RELSON GRACIE

RELSON GRACIE

Grand Master

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

Mark Stefanac

Owner and Head Instructor

Professor Mark Stefanac is a 2nd degree black belt.

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

12 INSTRUCTORS + AN ORIGINAL GRAND MASTER.

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

Owner and Senior Instructor

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. 

DOUG KALLIN

Senior Instructor

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.