In 1993, Royce Gracie changed the world of martial arts and self defense training forever. He was not impressive in his size or strength, but he took on all comers from various martial arts and fighting disciplines and reigned victorious in the ultimate fighting championship. This was in spite of the fact that he was considerably smaller than almost all of his opponents. He accomplished this feat using the art of his family, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Also known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu or just BJJ).

Ultimate fighting, or mixed martial arts as it is mostly referred to today, has evolved considerably since 1993. However, it is universally accepted that deep knowledge of the ground fighting skills of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are a necessary component for mixed martial arts or effective self defense.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on ground grappling. It is one of the only fighting styles where a smaller weaker fighter can reliably overcome a larger stronger opponent, through the use of skillful technique. Arm locks, chokes, sweeps and pins are just a few of the things you will learn in your training.

The Tennessee Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club is led by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and third degree Judo black belt Dr. Rick Sparks. Rick is a 2 time champion and 4 time medallist in international level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition in the masters division. Rick is a BJJ black belt under world champion Helio Soneca, and also currently trains with 6x world champion Samuel Braga. He is a 3rd degree Judo black belt under 6x Southeastern Judo Champion Dr. Michael Carter, and also currently trains with Edmon Begoli. The Tennessee Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Club and Rick Sparks are certified by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, which is the governing body of the CBJJ. We are also a chartered United States Judo Association Club.

This is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) class. The primary focus will be on BJJ matwork, but standup grappling (Judo and Wrestling) will be trained to a lesser extent in every class. We have 10 active Judo brown and black belts that train in the BJJ class. We also have several very good wrestlers who train here.

For more information about our classes, please click the green link above entitled "Class Schedule and Info". To see other places you can train BJJ and Judo in the Knoxville area, click the Resources link above. There are many fine schools in the area.

You can learn more about BJJ and the TN BJJ club under the "resources" link. You can learn more about the IBJJF/CBJJ by clicking the shield logo below. You can learn more about Helio Soneca by clicking the HS logo below. To visit the Tennessee BJJ Federation website, click the logo below. To contact Rick Sparks please e-mail:

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