PSBJJA Endorsed Black Belts
The Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association is one of the oldest and most respected associations in the world today. Master Pedro Sauer founded the Association in order to maintain and pass on the art he learned from his teacher Grandmaster Helio Gracie and his lifelong friend Master Rickson Gracie. Below you will find a list of official Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association Black Belt Affiliates & Instructors.
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Luis Heredia
6th Degree Black Belt

Luis Heredia
6th Degree Black Belt

Greg Nelson
5th Degree Black Belt
Greg Nelson has his roots in athletic training and competition. Coach Greg is a former University of Minnesota D1 NCAA Wrestling Team member and All-American high school gymnast. In 1983, he started training in Jun Fan Martial Arts, Filipino Kali and Muay Thai under Sifu Rick Faye. Since then, he has earned Full Instructor credentials in Jun Fan Martial Arts/Jeet Kune Do Concepts, Filipino Kali, and Level III Instructorship in Maphilindo Silat under the legendary Guru Dan Inosanto. Coach Nelson is also a Senior Instructor in Muay Thai under Ajarn Surachai “Chai” Sirisute of the World Thai Boxing Association.
A grappler at heart, Greg earned the level of Advanced Student in Shooto Wrestling under Sensei Yurinaga Nakamura and is a certified Full Instructor in Combat Submission Wrestling under Erik Paulson. Beginning his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 1989 by taking a private lesson with Master Rickson Gracie, Coach Greg went on to become a student of 8th Degree Red & Black Belt Professor Pedro Sauer in 1996. Coach Greg was the first of Professor Sauer’s students to earn his Black Belt, receiving the honor in November 2002 – he is now a 5th Degree Black Belt.

Jeff Curran
5th Degree Black Belt
Jeff Curran is the founder of the Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy and has a competitive history that spans over 27 years and counting. Professor Curran has devoted his life to the martial arts and has managed to build a world recognized team as well as becoming one of the worlds top ranked righters in the world during his career.
He and his Staff have stayed the course to develop and brand their programs to be sought out and recognized inside the community and around the globe. Mr. Curran is currently holding the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt under the legendary Master Pedro Sauer. Jeff Curran and his staff continue to lead the way and are dedicated to helping each student reach their best potential on and off the mat!
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Alan Baker
4th Degree Black Belt
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John Carlquist
4th Degree Black Belt
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Mike Diaz
4th Degree Black Belt
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Eddie Edmunds
4th Degree Black Belt
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Jonathan Friedland
4th Degree Black Belt
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James Gardner
4th Degree Black Belt
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John Hosford
4th Degree Black Belt
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David Krstic
4th Degree Black Belt
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Rylan Lizares
4th Degree Black Belt
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Anibal Lobo
4th Degree Black Belt
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Adam Miller
4th Degree Black Belt
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Keith Owen
4th Degree Black Belt

Alan Baker
4th Degree Black Belt

John Carlquist
4th Degree Black Belt

Mike Diaz
4th Degree Black Belt

Eddie Edmunds
4th Degree Black Belt

Jonathan Friedland
4th Degree Black Belt

James Gardner
4th Degree Black Belt

John Hosford
4th Degree Black Belt

David Krstic
4th Degree Black Belt
David Krstic, had his first class as a teenager in Jiu Jitsu in late 1993 and commenced his official training in 1995 under one of the “Dirty Dozen”, John Will. After training for 16 years and in pursuit of deeper knowledge, met up with Pedro Sauer and subsequently joined the PSBJJA in 2012. Earning his third and fourth degree black belt from Pedro Sauer and the PSBJJA in 2013 and 2021 respectively, continues teaching classes and tending to his academy in Templestowe, Melbourne, Australia. Constantly on the mat training and teaching Jiu Jitsu, as he has for most of his life, searching for the most efficient way to apply pressure without force.

Rylan Lizares
4th Degree Black Belt

Anibal Lobo
4th Degree Black Belt

Adam Miller
4th Degree Black Belt
Adam is a 4th degree black belt under Master Pedro Sauer. He was introduced to Gracie Jiu Jitsu in 1992 while training in Jeet Kune Do. Adam pioneered Jiu Jitsu in the Chicagoland area, eventually becoming a founding member of Team Curran. He describes his time with Jeff “Big Frog” Curran this way, “My Jiu Jitsu came alive on the mats of Team Curran.” Prof. Miller currently lives in Louisville and teaches out of Gracie Kentucky with Prof. Scott Smith. In addition to Jiu-Jitsu, Adam holds black belts in Hapkido, Judo and classical Ju-Jitsu. Adam has videos at BJJFanatics and online resources at Armbarcity. You can also find spiritual coaching at myLifeChurch.

Keith Owen
4th Degree Black Belt

Scott Smith
4th Degree Black Belt
Professor Scott Smith is a 4th degree Black Belt under Master Pedro Sauer. Scott was introduced to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on his work travels to Evansville IN. Years later he came back home to Louisville, KY and started training at Shaolin Kempo Jiu Jitsu Academy which was a part of the Rickson Gracie association. This is where Scott first met Master Sauer in the mid 90’s. Scott is a 1st degree black belt in TKD and has studied many other martial arts including Judo. He is the owner and CEO of Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky since 2007. Scott has always said this about Master Sauer ‘’ He doesn’t make me want to be a better black belt or school owner. Master Sauer makes me want to be a better human being”
First Name | Last Name | Current Rank | Affiliated Academy | City/State | Country | Relation | . |
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Luis | Heredia | Black Belt, 6th Degree | Maui Jiu-Jitsu Academy | Haiku, HI | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jeff | Curran | Black Belt, 5th Degree | Curran Jiu Jitsu Academy | Crystal Lake, IL | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Greg | Nelson | Black Belt, 5th Degree | The Academy | Brooklyn Center, MN | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Alan | Baker | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Atlanta Martial arts Center | Woodstock, GA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
John | Carlquist | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Unified Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Salt Lake City, UT | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Mike | Diaz | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Park City Jiu Jitsu | Park City, UT | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Eddie | Edmunds | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Team Fusion Academy | Salt Lake City, UT | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jonathan | Friedland | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Neutral Ground Academy - Bay View | Miluakee, WI | USA | Owner | ![]() |
James | Gardner | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Unified Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Salt Lake City, UT | USA | Owner | ![]() |
John | Hosford | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Hosford Jiu Jitsu Academy | Knoxville, TN | USA | Owner | ![]() |
David | Krstic | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Technique Jiu Jitsu | Templestowe | Australia | Owner | ![]() |
Rylan | Lizares | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Technics Jiu-Jitsu | Honolulu, HI | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Anibal | Lobo | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Gracie Jiu Jitsu Hilton Head | Bluffton, SC | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Adam | Miller | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky | Louisville | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Keith | Owen | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Team Rhino Gracie Jiu Jitsu | Meridian, ID | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Scott | Smith | Black Belt, 4th Degree | Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Kentucky | Louisville, KY | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Sonny | Achille | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | Steel City Martial Arts | Castle Shannon, PA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Marcello | Alcantar | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | Pace Gracie Jiu Jitsu | Pace, FL | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Ishmael | Bentley | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | M-Theory Martial Arts | St. Louis Park, MN | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Steve | Grantham | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | Francis Fong Martial Arts Academy | Johns Creek , GA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
William | Jones | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | Top Level Martial Arts | Cuyahoga Falls, OH | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Dave | Kovar | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | Kovars Martial Arts | Roseville, CA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Rob | Magao | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | Manchester BJJ/Bushido | Manchester, CT | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jevgenijs | Minajevs | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | BJJ Academy LV | Riga | Latvia | Owner | ![]() |
Chad | Pittman | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | Oak Grove Jiu Jitsu | Hattiesburg, MS | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jamie | Ridgeway | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | Renaissance Academy of Martial Arts | Lynchburg, VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Tony | Rinaldi | Black Belt, 3rd Degree | Ohio Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Self Defense Academy | Boardman, OH | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Bryan | Alvarez | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Evergreen Karate and Jiu Jitsu | Bothell, WA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Dayne | Aristizabal | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Agema Jiu-Jitsu | Provo, UT | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Josh | Arentz | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Team Rhino | Meridian | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Mike | Braswell | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Bossier Academy | Bossier City, LA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jim | Bundy | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Team Bundy Gracie Jiu Jitsu | Warren, OH | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Randal | Burton | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Gracie Cincinnati | Cincinnati, OH | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Dan | Chamberlain | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | One Spirit Martial Arts | Herndon | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Robin | Clark | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | McMinnville Jiu Jitsu Academy | McMinnville, TN | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Mark | Cukro | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Integrated Martial Arts (NC) | Harrisburg, NC | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Ben | Douglas | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | One Spirit Martial Arts | Herndon, VA | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Michael | Downing | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | San Juan Brazillian Jiu Jitsu | Aztec, NM | USA | Owner | ![]() |
James | Finizio | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Gracie JJ Savannah | Savannah, GA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Brenton | Fitzgerald | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Fluid Jiu Jitsu | Greenfield, WI | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Ray | Griffin | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Griffin Academy | Orem, UT | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Diego | Guilhermino | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | 4M Fitness | Indian Trail | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Bryan | Mossey | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Mossey Academy of Martial Arts | Fairfax, VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Nicholas | Nix | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Gracie Jiu Jitsu Mukilteo | Mukilteo | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Cesar | Paredes | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Urbana Academy | Monrovia, MD | USA | Owner | ![]() |
John | Reeves | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | One Spirit Martial Arts | Herndon, VA | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Chris | Schindler | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | One Spirit Martial Arts | Herndon, VA | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Richards | Todd | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Team Rhino | Meridian | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Ricardo | Tubbs | Black Belt, 2nd Degree | Da Firma Training Center | Chesapeake, VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Rondel | Benjamin | Black Belt, 1st Degree | GJJTT Headquarters | Barataria | Trinadad & Tobago | Owner | ![]() |
Dan | Berry | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Integrated Martial Arts of Utah | Salt Lake City, UT | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jason | Bodi | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Gracie Bay View | Toledo, OH | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Adam | Bowen | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Gracie Jiu Jitsu Winder | Winder | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Andy | Bryant | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Gracie JJ Commerce | Commerce, GA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Ted | Chittenden | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Mad Science Judo and Jiu Jitsu | Clinton, TN | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Kristen | DeBruycker | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Gracie Charlottesville | Charlottesville, VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Ernest | Duarte | Black Belt, 1st Degree | One Spirit West | Sacramento, CA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Josh | Figueroa | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Technics Jiu-Jitsu Portland | Troutdale, OR | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jason | Foley | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Jason Foley's Academy of Martial Arts | Conception Bay South | Canada | Owner | ![]() |
David | Gorham | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Colossal Fight Company | Pocatello, ID | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Chris | Holmes | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Agogi Academy of Combatives | Inverness, FL | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Joseph | Kutz | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Gracie Jiu Jitsu of North Monroe | Monroe, LA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Brent | Lillard | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Gracie Charlottesville | Charlottesville, VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Randy | McElwee | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Gracie JJ Athens | Athens, GA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Trinidad | Mendoza | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Bothell Martial Arts Academy | Bothell | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Steve | Miller | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Louisiana Black Belt Academy Morgan City | Morgan City, LA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Darron | Morse | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Pride Jiu Jitsu Academy | Henderson , KY | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Eric | Myers | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Warrior Martial Arts Academy | Madisonville, KY | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Kathy | Ortiz | Black Belt, 1st Degree | One Spirit Martial Arts | Herndon , VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Ed | Powers | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Powers Martial Arts Academy | North Olmsted, OH | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Brandon | Reed | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Vibe Jiu Jitsu & Grappling Arts | Idaho Falls | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Ricky | Semiglia | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Mattix Academy | Davie, FL | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Terry | Shaner | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Petoskey MMA | Petoskey, MI | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Erik | Shiley | Black Belt, 1st Degree | River City Warriors | Portland , OR | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Jeremy | Shive | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Vibe Jiu Jitsu & Grappling Arts | Idaho Falls, ID | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Halldor | Sveinsson | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Five Aces Jiu Jitsu | Reykjavik | Iceland | Owner | ![]() |
Chaz | Valentine | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Kinematic Martial Arts | Cornelius, NC | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Richard | VanHook | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Gracie Jiu Jitsu of Indiana | Georgetown, IN | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jamie | Williams | Black Belt, 1st Degree | J3 Academy and Fitness | Alpharetta, GA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
James | Wohlmacher | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Technics Jiu-Jitsu Portland | Troutdale, OR | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Greg | Wood | Black Belt, 1st Degree | Plainville Martial Arts | Plainville, CT | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Gustave | Anderly | Black Belt | One Spirit Martial Arts | Hendon, VA | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
David | Anderson | Black Belt | Sparks | Ashburn , VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Joe | Booher | Black Belt | Team Rhino | Kingsport, TN | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Alex | Brown | Black Belt | Gracie Charlottesville | Charlottesville, VA | USA | Instructor | ![]() |
Tony | Depoto | Black Belt | One Spirit Martial Arts | Hendon, VA | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Zachery | Espinosa | Black Belt | Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens | Athens | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Davis | Fleming | Black Belt | 4M Fitness | Indian Trail, NC | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Michael | Foley | Black Belt | Michael Foley's Academy of Martial Arts | St John's | Canada | Owner | ![]() |
Ted | Georgas | Black Belt | Martin Academy of Martail Arts | Saraota | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Warren | Gill | Black Belt | GJJTT Fight Club | Port of Spain | Trinadad & Tobago | Owner | ![]() |
Joe | Heller | Black Belt | River City Warriors | Portland , OR | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Kyle | Hido | Black Belt | North Coast Jiu Jitsu Club | Northfield , OH | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Joe | Hill | Black Belt | Hill Jiu Jitsu Academy | North Canton , OH | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Gabe | Hosford | Black Belt | Hosford Jiu Jitsu Academy | Knoxville, TN | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Adrian | Ike | Black Belt | Integrated Martial Arts | Harrisburg, NC | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Cris | Johnson | Black Belt | Apex Jiu Jitsu | Duluth, MN | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jerry | Lasway | Black Belt | Manchester BJJ/Bushido | Manchester | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Kevin | Lee | Black Belt | Francis Fong Academy | Johns Creek | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Ed | Maguire | Black Belt | Cactus Jiu Jitsu | Scottsdale, AZ | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Hernan | Mendez | Black Belt | Mattix Academy | Davie, FL | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Scott | Moore | Black Belt | Full Throttle Fitness | Gainesville, GA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Courtney | Murry | Black Belt | Mad Science Judo and Jiu Jitsu | Clinton, TN | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
John | Nguyen | Black Belt | Bushin Academy | Williamsburg, VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
David | Ortiz | Black Belt | Tehonica's Teakwondo and Hapkido (OSMA) | Herndon , VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Joshua | Page | Black Belt | Hickory Academy of Martial Arts | Hickory, NC | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Miguel | Palma | Black Belt | One Spirit Martial Arts | Hendon, VA | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Austin | Pase | Black Belt | Gracie Bay View | Toledo, OH | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Vladimir | Popovic | Black Belt | Gracie Jiu Jitsu Singapore | Singapore | Singapore | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Eugene | Prowse | Black Belt | Cabot Jiu Jitsu Academy | Cabot, AR | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Prentiss | Rhodes | Black Belt | Elite Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy Scottsdale | Scottsdale | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
Les | Ross | Black Belt | One Spirit Martial Arts | Hendon, VA | USA | Student/Instructor | ![]() |
John | Smallios | Black Belt | Higher Jiu Jitsu | Sydney | Australia | Owner | ![]() |
Heide | Tubbs | Black Belt | Da Firma Training Center | Chesapeake, VA | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Omar | Valentine | Black Belt | Valentine’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | San Antonio, TX | USA | Owner | ![]() |
Jason | Wilcox | Black Belt | Family Martial Arts | Beckley, WV | USA | Owner | ![]() |
First Name | Last Name | Current Rank | Affiliated Academy | City/State | Country | Relation | . |