Our world-class team of coaches are here to help you succeed on and off the mats.
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.
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Kids Program Director & Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
Jiu Jitsu Coach
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Shawn Williams is regarded as one of the most respected instructors in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, known for his precise, detail-driven teaching and deep understanding of grappling and striking arts. He began training at age 12 in Bluffton, Indiana, and moved to New York City in 1996 to train under legendary world champion and MMA pioneer Renzo Gracie.
One of Renzo’s lead instructors, Shawn earned his black belt in 2002. He later brought the Renzo Gracie lineage to Southern California, founding Renzo Gracie Los Angeles in 2010, which grew into one of the region’s largest academies. Today, we’re lucky to have Shawn on the mats with us every day at Renzo Gracie Nashville.
Renzo Gracie awarded Shawn his black belt on April 2, 2002, making him the fifth black belt promoted from the famed Renzo Gracie Academy in NYC, alongside legends like Ricardo Almeida, Rodrigo Gracie, Matt Serra, and Nick Serra. Shawn is now a 5th-degree black belt under Renzo Gracie.
Williams has developed an effective guard dubbed “The Williams Guard” by John Danaher. The guard is very effective in BJJ and MMA in its ability to prevent strikes from an opponent while setting arm bars, triangles, and omoplata submissions.
Shawn was selected as a coach on season 12 of The Ultimate Fighter, the UFC’s flagship reality television series and mixed martial arts competition, alongside his close friend and longtime colleague, John Danaher. Under their leadership, Team GSP (Georges St-Pierre) compiled an 11–4 record and advanced to an all–Team final.
Shawn Williams’ major BJJ and Grappling accomplishments include: 2003 black belt lightweight IBJJF Pan American Bronze Medallist, Ohio Pro Am Champion (2004), FILA Regional Qualifier (2008), ADCC Qualifier Bronze Medallist.
Analyst and Commentator For Biggest Grappling Events in the World. Shawn is the long-time analyst and commentator for the top BJJ and grappling events in the world, including the Abu Dhabi Combat Club World Championships, Abu Dhabi World Professional Championships, IBJJF World Championships, WNO, IBJJF Pans, and Kasai Elite Grappling Championships.
