Matt M., 4th degree Brown 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.
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.
Robert, Mike and Ranard volunteer their time so selflessly to supporting many causes, one of them being women's self defense. From the beginning of the class when I couldn't even make eye contact with the aggressor to two hours later where I felt empowered to yell and fight back, there was never a moment that I wasn't learning. They are so clearly passionate about what they do and are so inspiring as they convey those sentiments.