Renzo Gracie Academy
Renzo Gracie Academy is a New York City-based martial arts academy founded in 1996, offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Submission Grappling, and KidJitsu training across three owned locations and 70+ global affiliates, serving recreational adults, children, and professional fighters.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1996
- HeadquartersNew York, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Renzo Gracie Academy does
Renzo Gracie Academy is a New York City-based martial arts training institution founded in 1996 by Master Renzo Gracie, a grandson of Carlos Gracie and member of the family that originated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The academy offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, Submission Grappling, KidJitsu (ages 6-13), and Private MMA training, operating three company-owned locations — a flagship 15,000 sq ft Midtown Manhattan facility (224 West 30th Street, one block from Penn Station) plus Brooklyn and Upper West Side branches — alongside an affiliate network of over 70 licensed academies spanning North America, South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The core "technology" is the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu methodology developed over generations, emphasizing leverage and technique over brute strength, supplemented by Muay Thai and MMA instruction. Programs are structured from Fundamentals through Advanced and Master/Black Belt levels, delivered by a roster of 18+ named instructors including Rafael "Sapo" Natal, Robson Gracie Jr., and Mike Jaramillo. The flagship facility includes Fuji-matted training space across three floors, climate control, and separate men/women changing rooms with showers; a Private MMA program is reserved for qualified elite fighters.
The business model combines subscription-based month-to-month memberships (BJJ-only, Muay Thai-only, Combo) with one-time drop-in passes ($45/day for BJJ or Muay Thai, $75 combo, $150/week), private lessons, branded merchandise via the RGA Apparel Shop and a Fuji Sports partnership, and licensing/affiliate fees from 70+ partner academies. Customer segments include recreational adult practitioners, children in the KidJitsu pipeline, progressive belt-rank students, and professional MMA fighters, with a hybrid segmentation approach. The company is privately held by the Gracie family with no disclosed external institutional investment.
Renzo Gracie Academy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Renzo Gracie Academy
- Legal name
- Renzo Gracie Academy, LLC
- Website
- https://renzogracieacademy.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1996
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Renzo Gracie Academy is a New York City-based martial arts academy founded in 1996, offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Submission Grappling, and KidJitsu training across three owned locations and 70+ global affiliates, serving recreational adults, children, and professional fighters.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Renzo Gracie Academy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Martial Arts Training
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Grappling & Submission Arts Training (Judo, BJJ, Wrestling) (HSADADAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Kids & Youth Martial Arts Programs (HSADADAG), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Training (HSADADAD), Combat Sports Gyms & Dojos (MMA, Boxing, Wrestling, Martial Arts) (MPAKAJAG)
Keywords
Where Renzo Gracie Academy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New York
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Renzo Gracie Academy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Fees: Monthly recurring membership fees for unlimited access to classes. Month-to-month payments with option to freeze membership. Three membership types: BJJ only, Muay Thai only, and Combo.
- Drop-in Classes and Day Passes: Single-visit passes for non-members: BJJ Day Pass $45, Muay Thai Day Pass $45, Combo Day Pass $75, Week Pass $150.
- Private Lessons: Private classes offered in both BJJ and Muay Thai for additional revenue.
- Apparel and Merchandise: RGA Apparel Shop and Fuji Sports RGA Collection for branded merchandise sales.
- Affiliate/Franchise Fees: Revenue from affiliated academies that pay for the right to use the Renzo Gracie brand, methodology, and support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | BJJ Membership - Unlimited classes |
| Subscription | Monthly | Muay Thai Membership - Unlimited classes |
| Subscription | Monthly | Combo Membership - BJJ + Muay Thai |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | BJJ Day Pass |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Muay Thai Day Pass |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Combo Day Pass |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Week Pass |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gi Rental |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Belt Rental |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Towel Rental |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Renzo Gracie Academy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Renzo Gracie Academy is a martial arts training school that teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Submission Grappling, and KidJitsu programs from its 15,000 sq ft Midtown Manhattan flagship, with additional locations in Brooklyn and on the Upper West Side. It sells month-to-month memberships, drop-in day and week passes, private lessons, branded apparel through the RGA Apparel Shop and Fuji Sports partnership, and licenses its brand and curriculum to 70+ affiliate academies worldwide.
Product overview
Renzo Gracie Academy is a martial arts training institution offering Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Submission Grappling, and KidJitsu programs. The academy operates its flagship 15,000 sq ft Midtown Manhattan headquarters (established 1996) with additional locations in Brooklyn and Upper West Side, plus over 70 affiliate academies worldwide. Training is structured across skill levels from beginner fundamentals through advanced and master/black belt programs, with private lessons and facility amenities available. Drop-in day passes, week passes, and month-to-month memberships are offered alongside retail merchandise through the RGA Apparel Shop and Fuji Sports partnership.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) A grappling-based martial art centered on controlling a resisting opponent through leverage, grip, and position to force submission; offered to kids, beginners, advanced practitioners, and black belt masters.
- Muay Thai Thai striking martial art known as the 'Art of Eight Limbs' that uses punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes; offered as All Levels and Elite classes.
- Submission Grappling Gi-less grappling sport focused on submitting opponents via joint locks and chokes or winning by points, increasing speed and athleticism requirements compared with BJJ.
- KidJitsu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program for kids ages 6-13 integrating physical education, self-defense, conditioning, and skill-building games to improve coordination, motor skills, agility, and flexibility.
- Private Lessons Private classes in BJJ and Muay Thai offered with academy instructors, available by appointment for individuals seeking accelerated or customized instruction.
- Private MMA Training Private MMA training offered at the Midtown headquarters for qualified, pre-screened athletes seeking integrated mixed martial arts coaching.
- RGA Apparel and Fuji Sports RGA Collection Branded Renzo Gracie Academy apparel, gis, and equipment sold through the RGA Apparel Shop and through Fuji Sports' online RGA Collection.
- Affiliate Academy Licensing Licensing of the Renzo Gracie brand, teaching methodology, and curriculum to independent affiliate academies worldwide, including in the USA, UK, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Peru, Israel, Cyprus, Serbia, Singapore, Ecuador, Puerto Rico, and South Africa.
Quantifiable outcome
- Graduates include UFC champions, ADCC champions, and 10x world champions
Companies that use Renzo Gracie Academy
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Renzo Gracie Academy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Renzo Gracie Academy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Fuji SportscoreOfficial equipment partner for the RGA Collection. Fuji Sports hosts the Renzo Gracie store on their website at fujisports.com/collections/renzo-gracie-store, providing branded merchandise and equipment to students worldwide.
- Affiliate Academies (70+ Global Locations)coreGlobal network of 70+ affiliate academies licensed to use the Renzo Gracie brand, methodology, and curriculum. Affiliates include Renzo Gracie Rockland (NY), Renzo Gracie Los Angeles, Roger Gracie Academy (London), Daniel Gracie Philly, Renzo Gracie Utah, Renzo Gracie Costa Rica, Renzo Gracie Cape Town, and many others spanning North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Bellator MMAminorRobson Gracie Jr., Renzo's brother and instructor at the academy, is currently signed with Bellator MMA, one of the world's leading MMA organizations.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Renzo Gracie Academy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Atos Jiu-Jitsu: International BJJ competition team with headquarters in San Diego and affiliate academies globally. Comparable to RGA as a competition-driven BJJ brand with affiliated schools, instructor lineage, and structured programs.
- Kings MMA: Huntington Beach-based Muay Thai and MMA academy founded by legendary trainer Rafael Cordeiro, training UFC champions. Directly comparable to RGA as a star-coach-led MMA/Muay Thai gym with championship lineage and pro-fighter clientele.
- Checkmat BJJ: Globally ranked BJJ competition team with US headquarters and affiliated academies across multiple continents. Direct comparable to RGA in competition pedigree, instructional offering, and affiliate growth model.
- 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu: Global no-gi BJJ school network founded by Eddie Bravo with multiple affiliate locations across the US and internationally. Direct comparable as a BJJ-only instructional brand using a licensing/affiliate growth model similar to RGA's.
- Marcelo Garcia Academy: NYC-based BJJ academy network founded by multiple-time ADCC and world champion Marcelo Garcia with affiliated locations in the US and internationally. Direct peer in NYC geography, BJJ focus, and star-instructor-driven brand.
- Alliance BJJ: One of the most decorated BJJ competition teams with affiliated academies worldwide, also offering structured kids and adult curricula. Comparable to RGA in champion-development pedigree, instructional methodology, and global affiliate footprint.
- Tiger Muay Thai & MMA: Premier training camp in Phuket, Thailand offering Muay Thai, BJJ, and MMA instruction to amateurs and professionals worldwide. Comparable to RGA's Muay Thai + MMA program as a destination training brand serving both local members and traveling martial artists.
- Gracie Barra: Largest global BJJ franchise founded by another branch of the Gracie family with hundreds of affiliated schools worldwide. Directly comparable to RGA in offering (BJJ-focused curriculum, subscription memberships, kids programs, tournament team) and in leveraging the Gracie brand for global expansion.
Broad incumbents
- UFC Gym: Nationwide fitness franchise built around the UFC brand offering MMA, boxing, strength, and conditioning classes to general consumers. Broader incumbent comparable to RGA's flagship consumer-facing training offering but with a mass-market fitness positioning rather than authentic martial arts specialization.
Emerging players
- Renzo Gracie Online Academy: The digital offering referenced on the RGA website delivering Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction online via the Gallerr platform. Relevant as RGA's own digital extension into remote instruction — both a potential growth vector and a comparable emerging distribution channel for martial arts instruction.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Renzo Gracie Academy social profiles
Digital presenceRenzo Gracie Academy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Renzo Gracie Academy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Renzo Gracie Academy subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Renzo Gracie Academy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Renzo Gracie Academy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Renzo Gracie Academy
What does Renzo Gracie Academy do?
Renzo Gracie Academy is a martial arts training school that teaches Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Submission Grappling, and KidJitsu programs from its 15,000 sq ft Midtown Manhattan flagship, with additional locations in Brooklyn and on the Upper West Side. It sells month-to-month memberships, drop-in day and week passes, private lessons, branded apparel through the RGA Apparel Shop and Fuji Sports partnership, and licenses its brand and curriculum to 70+ affiliate academies worldwide.
Is Renzo Gracie Academy a public or private company?
Renzo Gracie Academy is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Renzo Gracie Academy founded?
Renzo Gracie Academy was founded in 1996. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Renzo Gracie Academy based?
Renzo Gracie Academy is headquartered in New York, United States, in the North America region.
How does Renzo Gracie Academy make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Membership Fees are the primary driver. The others are drop-in Classes and Day Passes, private Lessons, apparel and Merchandise and affiliate/Franchise Fees.
Who are Renzo Gracie Academy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Atos Jiu-Jitsu, Kings MMA, Checkmat BJJ, 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, Marcelo Garcia Academy, Alliance BJJ, Tiger Muay Thai & MMA and Gracie Barra. UFC Gym is listed as a broad incumbent. Renzo Gracie Online Academy is listed as an emerging player.
Does Renzo Gracie Academy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Renzo Gracie Academy.
What industry is Renzo Gracie Academy in?
Renzo Gracie Academy's product category is Martial Arts Training. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HSADADAC, Grappling & Submission Arts Training (Judo, BJJ, Wrestling), with a secondary code of HSADADAG, Kids & Youth Martial Arts Programs. Its NAICS code is 611620 and its SIC code is 7997.