Ranard B., a 2nd degree Black belt under the instruction of Master Luiz Palhares, is head instructor for Gracie Lake Norman Jiu-jitsu and Self-Offense.
Professor Brown started training in 2001 under Helio Gracie’s (Gracie Jiu-Jitsu founder) son and UFC Hall of Fame and Champion Royce Gracie, for 14 years from White to 3rd degree Brown belt. He then went to train under Helio Gracie/Rickson Gracie Corel belt Master Luiz Palhares. Mr. Brown has been a long time competitor winning various local, regional championships. He traveled to Europe to become the 2017 IBJJF Zurich Open Master Black Belt division Champion in Switzerland. He has been honored with training, coaching, and cornering UFC fighters as well as many other BJJ and MMA champions since beginning his martial arts training. He is passionate and humble about teaching in a martial art that he greatly respects and honors.
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.