BELLE MEADE LOCATION NOW OPEN
73 White Bridge Rd Suite G-3
(615) 258-7919
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RENZO GRACIE NASHVILLE

World-Class Martial Arts for Every Level

Experience world-class jiu jitsu, kickboxing, self-defense, and wellness programs for all ages and experience levels in Nashville.

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Reach Your Full Potential

Learn Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, and other martial arts from some of the most accomplished coaches in the world. From children and hobbyists to professional fighters, we have something for everyone in a fun and welcoming environment.

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OUR PROGRAMS

All ages. All levels. All in.

Experience world-class instruction from expert coaches alongside a community that’s in your corner.

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

Gi and No-Gi grappling arts for all skill levels. Build real-world skill through control, leverage, and strategy.
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MUAY THAI KICKBOXING

Dynamic classes combining striking and kicking techniques and pad work in a controlled, high-energy environment.
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KIDS PROGRAMS

Empower your child through martial arts to grow stronger, more confident, and more focused every day.
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OUR HISTORY

A Legacy of Excellence.
A Community of Champions.

Founded under the legendary Renzo Gracie, our academies carry forward the tradition of elite training led by Shawn Williams, one of the biggest names in professional grappling.

What Makes Renzo Gracie Nashville Different

Proven Lineage

We hold a direct connection to the Renzo Gracie lineage through Professor Shawn Williams, one of Renzo's first black belts.

Elite Coaching Team

Our coaching team includes IBJJF-certified martial artists and professional fighters dedicated to your growth and development.

All Ages, All Levels

From beginners to advanced athletes, our classes meet you where you are and help you grow from there.

Culture of Respect

We foster a training environment that’s supportive, inclusive, and ego-free built on teamwork and mutual growth.

Community Driven

We have a community of training partners who push, motivate, and celebrate each other’s progress on and off the mats.

Nashville Based

Proudly based in Nashville, with academies in Brentwood and Belle Meade serving students across the city.
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LEADERSHIP TEAM

Leaders on the Mats. Mentors for Life.

Meet our leaders, Professor Shawn Williams and PJ McMahon, who are ready to invest in your growth both as a martial artist and a person.

Shawn Williams

Founder, Renzo Gracie Nashville
Head Professor, Jiu Jitsu • 6th Degree Black Belt

As a fifth degree black belt under Master Renzo Gracie, Professor Shawn Williams brings decades of elite experience as well as new BJJ systems and innovations to Nashville.

Shawn has developed a comprehensive curriculum rooted in the Renzo Gracie system, combining proven fundamentals with modern techniques, which he has used to train some of the world’s most accomplished MMA and UFC athletes.

PJ MCMAHON

Head Coach, Muay Thai Kickboxing
21 Year Pro Fighter and Coach

Coming to Nashville from Renzo Gracie HQ in New York City, Coach PJ brings 21+ years of experience training professional MMA and UFC athletes, as well as Victoria’s Secret models. His classes emphasize power, precision, and mental toughness through authentic Muay Thai technique, all within a motivating, team-driven environment.

Known for his hands-on approach, PJ has a unique ability to help students of all levels build confidence, composure, and skill.

MEET YOUR COACHES

Teaching the Techniques. Inspiring the Journey.

Trained directly under Professor Shawn Williams and the Renzo Gracie lineage, our instructors bring world-class expertise, proven techniques, and a genuine passion for helping every student succeed.

Johnny Keefe

Jiu Jitsu Coach

Black Belt

Lance Martin

Jiu Jitsu Coach

Black Belt

Dan Diaz

Kids Program Director & Jiu Jitsu Coach

Black Belt

Adriano Bontempo

Jiu Jitsu Coach

Black Belt

Joey Torres

Jiu Jitsu & Muay Thai Coach

Black Belt

Carson Thigpen

Kids and Adult Jiu Jitsu Coach

Purple Belt

Bryan Wunder

Jiu Jitsu Coach

Black Belt

Mac Mccabe

Jiu Jitsu Coach

Brown Belt

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Two Locations. One Community.

With academies in Belle Meade and Brentwood, Renzo Gracie Nashville offers flexible class times, state-of-the-art training spaces, and a unified community led by world-class coaches.

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Locations

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Weekly Classes

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5-Star Reviews

Belle Meade

73 White Bridge Rd Suite G-3 Nashville, TN 37205

*entrance off of Brookwood Terrace

BELLE MEADE class schedule

2 large mat spaces • Showers • Locker rooms

Brentwood

5105 Maryland Way Suite 101 Brentwood, TN 37027

brentwood class schedule

1 large mat space • Showers • locker rooms

TESTIMONIALS

Our member experience is unmatched

I’ve been training here for the past two years, and Shawn Williams’ technical mastery is evident not just in his own teaching, but in the coaches he’s developed. The curriculum is clear and accessible for any level, and Shawns instructional app is a great tool to reinforces whats taught on the mats.

Feraaz Hosein Member Since 2023

I always have fun and get a great workout in. The coaches are incredible stewards of Shawn’s techniques and also make the martial arts journey feel rewarding. Every session leaves me feeling stronger, more confident, and deeply respected both as a woman and as an aspiring martial artist.

Maddi Steffen Member Since 2022

My 9 year old daughter has been training jiu jitsu with Renzo Gracie Nashville for two years and she loves it. It is her favorite part of the week because she gets to see her friends and she loves the drills, the competition and games. I can see her confidence and athleticism improving!

Michelle Barber Kids Program Parent

Excellent instruction at this gym. Have been to several martial arts studios and this place easily has the most impressive instructors. Johnny and Lance are amazing and many other great instructors! Shawn Williams is a BJJ genius and Nashville is very lucky to have him. The culture here is extremely positive and helpful!

Jeremy Durham Member Since 2022

I dropped in for a class. Best BJJ in Nashville hands down. Shawn has built an academy that has the highest level instruction, friendliest knowledge sharing community, and one of the cleanest gyms around. Shawn has been at ground zero for the evolution and revolution of BJJ in the US since the beginning and it definitely shows.

Andrew Walker Visiting Student 2025

Dropped in with my son to train at the 6am class. Great instruction, great structure to the class. Great rolls. Everyone was welcoming. Will drop in here every time I'm in Nashville.

Casey Thom Visiting Student 2025

I have been training at RGN for a little over two years now and have nothing but great things to say about my experience. The coaches are all fantastic and super detailed in their instruction. I've visited a few other gyms since I started training and none of them come close to the level of comradery and instruction here.

Thomas Lyles Member Since 2023

I was a member for over two years and loved every second. It was an honor being able to train under Shawn Williams! I recently started the Muay Thai program…yaaaay PJ! Between the positive attitudes, knowledge, and patience, you will love the community here!

Amanda Free Member 2022-2024

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