Matt M., Black Belt under Ranard Brown, and great Gracie Jiu-Jitsu assistant instructor.
I started training with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Lake Norman in 2012 because I wanted to spend more quality time with my son. In the past I trained in Army Combatives, law enforcement self defense, and wrestling, but nothing compares to the high quality hand-to-hand combat that Ranard has taught me. After a while I began to see this combat sport as a brotherhood, a way to offensively defend my family and others, and also a way to use my other passions of helping people and sharing my faith. Even though this art was created to inflict intense physical pain on an enemy, it has also taught me extreme humility, self-control, perseverance, and patience; personal qualities which are not common in today’s culture. Not only do I love my Jiu-Jitsu family, but I have been married to my wonderful wife Jen since 1995 and we have two beautiful teenagers. I have a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Master’s in Professional Counseling. I retired from the Army in 2016 after 23 years as a Military Police Soldier and a Career Counselor. I now spend my days working with individuals and couples who are struggling relationally or are on the brink of separation or divorce, in my private Christian counseling practice in Huntersville.
My son absolutely loves training here. In the past year, he has gained so much confidence and also strength. The classes are a great size to allow for individual instruction and goal setting. I could not recommend Gracie Lake Norman enough for your child.
Our boys have been coming here for a couple of months now, and I swear, I have as much fun watching as they do learning. I can't count how many times I've had to restrain myself from cheering or even running out to high five or hug Ranard as he's teaching and coaching not just self-defense but LIFE & REALITY. I'm glad we found this for the boys.
My daughter and I have been going to Gracie Lake Norman for just over a year. Initially, my daughter spent her first couple of months avoiding the mat, but we kept making sure she would get back to class and start participating, and today you wouldn’t have guessed how her journey started. The adult classes are great. Awesome group of people to train and grow with so far. I can’t thank you guys enough for all your time and work you’ve invested in us.
After attending various martial art schools and having formally trained myself, I highly recommend Gracie LKN. My son has been training for over a year. His confidence has improved greatly along with his physical abilities. Mr. Brown is a positive role model and has taught my son the true meaning of self discipline.