Team Chitwood

Our Director of Training, Shawn Chitwood, was among the first Americans to train in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu under the famous Gracie Family. He began his training with the Gracie's in 1993 before the first UFC and before they were a household name under Relson Gracie, Royce's brother and trainer for the UFC. In 1998, Shawn met and trained with Saulo Ribeiro, a Royler Gracie Black Belt and the most decorated Brazilian Jiu-jitsu competitor ever. According to Saulo, "Shawn has the most technical understanding of jiu-jitsu and is the most technical instructor of jiu-jitsu in the United States.". Mr. Chitwood still continues to travel to Brazil and train with the Gracie family. Team Chitwood are proud to form a strong flank of the Relson Gracie Association.