Louisville Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ( BJJ ) in Louisville has gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Accross the globe thousands of people are reaping benefits from studying this modern combative art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been tried and tested in real life situations and in the ring. Many police departments and military branches have discovered the benefit of teaching this practical style to their officers and soldiers. But Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not only for professional fighters. No matter you age or fitness level you too can benefit from training at our Derby City Academy.

Our Instructors

Our instructors at Derby City are some of the most experienced in the region. Colin Cannon, Kyle Cannon, and Tommy Wales have been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 12 years. During this time they have trained with many great athletes including: Renato Tavares, Rickson Gracie, Royce Gracie, Renzo Gracie, Jacare, Carlson Gracie Sr., Carlson Gracie Jr., Mike O'Donnell, Caique, Alex Bada, and many others. Kyle Cannon has also traveled to Brazil 6 times to train and expand his jiu-jitsu game. They also teach everyone one of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission Wrestling classes. They are all now working closely with Master Renato Tavares to further improve their training methods.

We realize everyone will have a different goal when they decide to study Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. That is why we help each individual student on their path, whether you are an aspiring cage fighter or you want something fun to do while getting fit. Our skilled instructors can guide you and help achieve your goals in a fun, safe, and productive environment. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary so don't miss out, come in today to see what all the hype is about.

Renato Tavares

Derby City Martial Arts is an authorized Renato Tavares affiliate. We are proud to represent Team Renato Tavares in competitions around the U.S. Renato Tavares was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1968. He started training in BJJ at the age of 6 years old with Geni Rebello now 80 years old. Geni Rebello is one of the best masters in Brazil and he is a black belt from Carlos e Helio Gracie. Renato Tavares is a world renowned authority in the area of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and Grappling Enhancement and is one of the best coaches in grappling activity. His thirst for knowledge has made Renato a technician par excellence. Tavares has been training for about 32 years and competing for more than 28 years. In the last ten years he has made big changes in many cities and states that he visited through his high level of instruction. In Parana, a state in the south of Brazil, he took Jiu Jitsu to the next step, he made bjj level be recognized in the bjj community, in just three years Curitiba made the firsts world champions. In 2001 he took 1st place in the State, Brazilian, Pan American and International Championships, and his always ready to test himself in new combat. He has pure Jiu Jitsu in his body. Precise, technical, versatile, and always looking to employ techniques and surprises against his opponents. For more information on Renato Tavares check out www.RenatoTavaresBJJ.com.

Historyof Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-jitsu arrived in Brazil when Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Jujutsu Master and Judoka, first introduced it to the Gracie clan during his visit to Brazil with the hopes of establishing a Japanese colony in the country. It continued to be developed by the Gracies throughout the 20th century. The most important factor that differentiates Brazilian Jiu-jitsu from Judo and Japanese Jujitsu is that BJJ places a decided emphasis on ground fighting. While Japanese Jujutsu and Judo do incorporate training in ground fighting (newaza), with some schools favoring more ground techniques than others, no Japanese schools put as much emphasis on ground techniques as BJJ. Such a training regime is responsible for the great advances in ground fighting introduced by Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. In addition, like Judo, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu encourages "randori" or free sparring against a live, resisting opponent. Thus, students have an opportunity to test their skills and develop them under realistic conditions, with minimal risk of injury.