Ranard B., a 1st 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.
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.