Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Comes to St. George, Utah

The first time I went out and tried Jiu-Jitsu, I was told by the instructor that he had trained under, and received his black belt from Pedro Sauer.  At the time I was fairly unfamiliar with the history of Jiu-Jitsu and though I slightly recognized the name, I really didn't grasp the significance of this.  I went home, jumped on the internet, and started doing some research.  I soon found out that a School's lineage or family tree, so to speak, is a very important factor to consider when deciding which Jiu-Jitsu School one should train at.  The idea being that the closer one is to the original source, the more authentic and pure it will be.  Helio Gracie is considered by most to be the father and founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

The Ronin Jiu-Jitsu Center can clearly and easily trace its lines back to Helio Grace.  Jake Johnston started his Jiu-Jitsu training with Pedro Sauer.  He received all of his belt advancements, including his black belt from Pedro Sauer.  As a young man in Brazil, Pedro Sauer was invited by Rickson Gracie to come and try out Jiu-Jitsu.  Though he was training in other disciplines at the time, he immediately switched over and started training with Rickson and Helio Gracie.  Pedro Sauer was the first non member of the Gracie family to receive a black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.  Professor Pedro Sauer was awarded his black belt by both Helio and Rickson Gracie.

The small communities of Southern Utah are extremely lucky to have an instructor like Jake Johnston living and teaching in the area.  He teaches pure and authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a way that is easy for all to understand.  He is patient, explains things very well, and always takes extra time make sure that everyone understands whatever it is he may be teaching that day.

Come on out and give Ronin Jiu-Jitsu a try.  Stick with it, work hard, and one day you will be able to add your name to the list of Gracie Black Belts.