Testimonials for Gracie Self-Defense Special Programs
TESTIMONIAL VIDEOS
Listen to what the representatives of the following Federal and Local Law Enforcement Agencies had to say about the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu G.R.A.P.L.E. Law Enforcement Instructor Certification Course and the techniques and teaching methodologies used at the Gracie Academy.
Los Angeles Police Department
San Juan County Police Academy
Palos Verdes Estates Police Department
Miami Dade Police Department
Houston Police Department
Los Angeles Police Department #2
Southgate Police Department
Mt. Lebanon Police Department
TESTIMONIAL LETTERS
Most of the following testimonials are from U.S. Military Personnel and Federal Law Enforcement Agents.
We have altered their names to protect their identity.
"GARD"ING Our Skies
"I have no doubt that this course [G.A.R.D. (Gracie Air Rage Defense)], like his [Rorion Gracie] other
specialized courses, will set the standard for training of its kind. I cannot imagine a more qualified individual
to tackle this increasingly frightening reality faced by airlines personnel on a daily basis."
- Adam K., Chief Instructor, Close Quarters Countermeasures
HQs, Federal Air Marshal Division
August 18th, 2001
Preparing the US Army for Urban Combat Operations
"I just wanted to drop you a note and thank you for the very professional and effective training that you and your
son [Ralek] brought to us at Ft. Riley recently. Your training left me with a calm confidence that I that I
can effectively deal with and subdue a very powerful attacker. You guys are a Class Act. Please email a copy
of our group photo.
Take care my friend"
- Donnie F.
US Army Chief Warrant Officer
1st Armored Division, Ft. Riley Kansas
Paradigm Shifting
"The modern history of martial arts is written before and after the UFC-and before and after Rorion Gracie"
- Jose F., GRAPPLING MASTERS
Best Thing Around
"G.R.A.P.L.E. is the best thing I've seen for law enforcement. As a former police officer, black belt in judo and
tae kwon do and teacher of tactical communications, I want to tell all of you "street dogs" that G.R.A.P.L.E.
is the most practical and easiest self-defense system to use. If police safety is a concern, the Gracie
Brothers should be contacted at once for this type of training."
- Dr. George J. Thompson,
President, Verbal Judo Institute
The World's Best
"Learn these techniques, mate, and you'll arrest without injury and avoid lawsuits, too!
The G.R.A.P.L.E. system is the most effective system for police in the world today!"
- Robert Kane,
Senior Constable Special Operations, Melbourne, Australia,
Police Department
Foreign Internal Defense
"Compared to other forms of instruction we have received in the past, this [G.R.A.P.L.E.® Instructors
Certification] methodology makes instruction to all levels of ability virtually effortless. This method also allows
for the instructor to teach without words. This is crucial for Foreign Internal Defense (instruction to host
nation personnel) making the language barrier virtually disappear. "
- Alan J.
1SG, USA
First Sergeant, Special Forces Group (Airborne)
Resistance Dictates Level
"G.R.A.P.L.E. is a highly effective method of police self-defense. One of the main benefits, in my opinion,
is that it allows the officer to escalate his or her response to meet the level of resistance offered by the
suspect. It is easy to learn and can be enough to supplement an existing method already in place."
- Fred B., Special Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Honolulu, Hawaii
Easy to Learn and Apply
"I have been a martial arts instructor for over 15 years. Because of my expertise in self-defense,
I was appointed to a staff instructor position at the Ventura County Police and Sheriffs Training Academy six years
ago. I have found the G.R.A.P.L.E. system of self-defense to be both realistic and practical and it is ironic that
the most effective form of self-defense is also the most humane way to control a combative suspect without hurting
him or yourself. G.R.A.P.L.E. is easy to learn and apply with minimal training compared to other systems."
- Lt. Craig H.,
Head of Training Center, Ventura County
Police and Sheriffs Training Academy
The Real Thing
"Our (goal) was simple: find a form of combative fighting that could complement weekly Ranger Combative training in
the 2nd Ranger Battalion; a style that could be systematically taught to a 600-man Ranger Battalion; a style that would
prepare them for actual hand-to-hand combat. The bottom line: find a style that clearly enhanced the individual Ranger's
ability to quickly destroy his opponent one-on-one in combat, while maximizing his own chances of survival. It was
only an hour into training at the Gracie Academy when we realized that we had found our source.
This was the real thing."
- Cpt. K.D. M.
2nd Ranger Battalion, US Army Rangers
Increased Her Confidence
"I did not grow up as a girl playing contact sports, so the physical side of police work is always a
challenge for me. The skills I received from the G.R.A.P.L.E. system of self-defense were easy to learn
and applicable in the field. It increased my confidence as a female police officer, because the techniques
do not depend on strength or size."
- Officer Valerie H.,
Torrance, Calif., Police Department
Difference Between Life and Death
"I have had the need to use the skills I learned from G.R.A.P.L.E. several times to affect arrests and to
protect both myself and the public. Because of my size (5-feet-9, 160 pounds), and the fact that I work by myself,
I find more suspects willing to resist arrest or assault me. I am currently assigned to undercover narcotics and I
have used the hand-to-hand techniques where I had no back-up and the availability of a baton was obviously impossible.
G.R.A.P.L.E. is the most realistic form of streetfighting, and can be the difference between life
and death for any police officer."
- Officer Kevin K.,
Torrance, California, Police Department
Airline Pilots Securing Our Skies
"Given the Gracie reputation, I have to admit that I went to The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy with what I thought
were unrealistically high expectations. It turns out my expectations were too low! I am a believer in their system for
one reason: it works. This is the BEST self-defense course available ANYWHERE, at ANY price and it is tailor made for
the environment that flight crews will face. The Instructors are not only knowledgeable but also very approachable,
creating a relaxed atmosphere that made G.A.R.D. training fun. My only word of caution is this: BEWARE, this
stuff is addicting!"
- Marcus Maryk
United A320 F/O
Former US Navy Flight Instructor
The Secret is Out
"In our opinion, G.R.A.P.L.E. is the most effective self-defense in the world today."
- Al Z., U.S. Secret Service
- Terry C., U.S. Secret Service
- Greg G., U.S. Secret Service
Wishing They Had Training From The Gracie Academy
"I am a XX Police Officer and what I think this department needs is a wake up call.
We are trained at the police academy with minimal skills necessary to confront an opponent. Most of us recruits who come
out of there feel like a piece of meat waiting for the animals to eat you alive once we get out. I think this
is because of the lack of emphasis on self-defense put on this department for their Cops. I think Cops should
be trained more so than the average Joe because when push comes to shove the cop MUST win that fight or be
subject to serious injury or death. I would like to possibly introduce the fine art of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to
this department and let them see the great that it can do for the cops here. We wish there was a Gracie
Academy here to train us to be winners too. Thank you for your time."
— Anonymus
A Major City Police Department in the US
Perfect For Team Guys
"At that time [1987] Rorion and his family were virtually unknown in America, so I felt honored to be one of
his first students. The first time we worked out he got me on the mat and wouldn’t let me up. I had never been
beaten like that before. I feel that the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu system is a superior fighting system. Their locking,
chocking, and grappling techniques are well suited for close-quarter combat and that’s perfect for Team guys".
— Steve B.
Former Master Chief
US Navy Seals
Revolutionary
"So much of the credit for what has been accomplished and where we are headed today must be duly given
to the Gracie's. It was the Gracie family [Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy] that brought the most effective and
efficient fighting system the world had ever seen not only to the ring, but also to our military. Rangers
like McChrystal, McCown, and Larsen, were the links between the Gracie's and the military. In those early
days of searching for a method of combatives that could be taught to the military, many styles were examined.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu came out on top. Again, I'm not saying who they [US Army] looked at didn't have good stuff to
offer; they just didn't have every thing the Gracie's offered in a single, simply taught, effective and efficient
package."
— Alex M.
Former US Army Ranger & Security Specialist
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, 5th Special Forces Group Fort Campbell, Kentucky- December 2003
NEW MEXICO ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - DRUG TASK FORCE
04 February 2006
DEAR, RORION AND RYRON GRACIE
JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR THE “G. R. A. P. L. E” COURSE YOU PUT ON FOR US IN SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO. THE COURSE HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED INTO OUR COMBATIVES TRAINING AND I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR THAT. THERE IS NO BETTER FEELING THAN KNOWING YOU’RE PREPARED TO CLOSE THE DISTANCE, ESTABLISH THE CLINCH, TAKE THE FIGHT TO THE GROUND, GAIN POSITION THEN END WITH A SUBMISSION. IT’S A SCIENCE. THANKS AGAIN.
-CPL. B. P. B., CDS-TF/ CATC
Drug Task Force
Department of the Army, South Korea- January 2002
State of South Carolina- The Family Court of the 14 th Judicial Circuit - From A Judge
June 4, 2004
Dear Rorion,
I enjoyed taking the G.R.A.P.L.E. Fundamentals Class on May 20 and 21st, 2004. I learned more in two days with you than I would have in two months with some other program.
I am recommending your program to my local law enforcement agencies because I believe that it is a more humane and effective way of dealing with the threats that any officer might face on a daily basis. I also told my son, who has applied to be a police officer, that if he is accepted on the force I will pay his way to take your class.
I look forward to seeing you again.
Thanking you, I am
Sincerely,
Judge XX
Federal Air Marshal Division, Atlantic City, NJ- August 2001
US MARINE CORPS
FEBRUARY 2005
My name is Sgt. L.. I am a United States Marine Hand-to-Hand Combat Instructor (MAI McMAP), in a special operations deep reconnaissance unit. Due to the global war on terrorism, I have been deployed throughout the world for combat and reconnaissance missions.
I've attended a few weekend classes as a guest student. The Gracie Academy is by far one of the best places to train in ground techniques.
I am curious about the Gracie combatives program. I have no doubt that the Gracie Combatives Instructor course will excel my training in hand-to-hand combat and improve my proficiency as a Marine Corps hand-to-hand instructor in my unit.
Sincerely,
Sgt. L.
MAI/USMC
801-XXX-XXXX
US Dept. of Justice, Deportation Officer, Sacramento, CA- August 2001
US BORDER PATROL
October 2006
Rener and Rorion,
My name is C. S. and I just finished attending you GRAPLE course. I wanted to share with you this letter I received from one of our SRT team members who has been working regular patrol shifts for while (SRT = Special Response Team, the new, politically correct term for a SWAT team!). The incident he was referring to involved his going to the rescue of another agent who had gotten himself in trouble. An alien had come across the border and attacked an RPA (that's a "Regular Patrol Agent", or non-SRT agent). During the fight the alien took the RPA's radio away from him and over the air announced his intention to kill him. Our SRT teammate responded to the call and this is the e-mail he sent to me regarding the results:
Subject: Thanks for the training...
When a jiu jitsu novice faces a meth-head, the dude on meth loses. I spoke with XXXX about a week ago so I know that you already heard about the incident at the XXXXX. However, I wanted to say thanks for the training, brother. I was surprised at the lack of a thought process when I needed to use it. I just reacted and within a very short time I had the guy choked-out. When XXXXX called me into the office to talk about it he said, "its good that you learned that ground-fighting on SRT". Everyone credits the take down and choke-out to SRT training. If you want to see the video of it, XXXXX at sector intel should have access to it.
Thanks again,
XXXX
I have been training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu since 1993 in the Marine Corps, but everything I ever learned was from your CD-roms (the Learning Cube!) VHS tapes and then DVDs. I realized after the very first UFC that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was the way to go and I've passed whatever I learned on to my teammates ever since. Our SRT trains in your techniques at least once a week, some of us every day! GRAPLE was the first time I had ever been to a formal class and I was blown away with your teaching techniques. I already had a pretty good idea of how to do most of what was taught, but through the GRAPLE course I learned a MUCH better system for imparting that knowledge to my teammates. The other advantage to being at the academy was learning how important the basics are. My friend XXXXX (the Brown Belt under XXXXXX) that was in the class with me told me that that was what the Gracies were famous for, doing the basics to perfection.
I look forward to continued training, and hope that this is the start of a long and beneficial relationship between the US Border Patrol and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
C.S.
US Dept. of Justice, FBI Academy, Quantico, VA- February 1997
FORMER POLICE OFFICER
August 2006
Dear Professor Ryron Gracie,
My name is K.E. and I attended your seminar at Tiger Academy of Martial Arts in Roswell, Georgia. I have been a student there for the last eight months. I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts about you and your methodology. I am a former police officer/ instructor with about 14 years of service.
I have never been a part of a seminar where the instructor was a generous with his knowledge. Obviously you and your family have the highest core values, including humility. The fact that you can conduct a seminar and not become egotistical or seek to sell a lot of stuff was refreshing. I particularly enjoyed the fact that you would personally demonstrate the examples to whoever asked. I also like the way in which you dealt with those who still had ego issues. I can only admire your father for being able to raise a young man who has the poise and confidence that you display at your relatively young age.
My dedication to invest 3-5 years learning Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is now stronger than ever since I have personally observed the type of person you are and the quiet confidence you carry yourself with. Good luck in your upcoming fighting career.
Sincerely,
K. E.
Police Officer, Bethalto, IL
US ARMY- 2006
To Whom It May Concern,
The Gracie G.R.A.P.L.E. course is outstanding! I was particularly impressed with the method of instruction. Its' simplicity and applicability. It made learning the techniques very easy to learn and teach. I highly recommend this course to all LEA's and Military units.
Rorion said if this wasn't the best time we had learning combatives, he would be disappointed. We all had a great time learning from Rorion and Ryron. One of the best things to come out of the course for me, was the confidence it gave me in dealing with a person physically. Even if their size seems to be overwhelming.
Staff Sergeant J. N.
Operations NCO
NMNG-CDS
Auberry Fire Dept., Auberry, CA
US ARMY- GERMANY
2004
I Just wanted to get back with you in reference to the G.R.A.P.L.E.® seminar. It was truly the best training I have had in close quarters combatives in my 10 years of service. The methodology that Rorion and Ryron used made learning the techniques very easy. I now have the confidence that my combatives instructors will be able to teach the G.R.A.P.L.E.® techniques to the rest of my soldiers effectively. I cannot think of a better way to instill the "Warrior Ethos" into my soldiers. Thanks again for providing such an outstanding program.
W.D.
CPT, FA
Commander, A Btry, 1st Bn 27th FA
State of Connecticut, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Public Safety Division- February 2004
Los Angeles County Probation Department, Detention Services- February 2004
Airline Pilots Security Alliance (ASPA) Liaison- March 2004
Redlands Police Department, Redlands CA- January 2004
Robert S. Armstrong
Knott’s Berry Farm Amusement Park
May 2004
I am I.C. from Knott's Berry Farm Resort, Security Ops.
I attended the G.R.A.P.L.E. [FUNDAMENTALS] session on the 20th, and 21st of May and was very impressed with every facet of
the instruction. I am writing to thank you all for your help… I wanted to say that working as an unarmed security officer in an
amusement park is getting to be more difficult. The first thing unfriendly people look for on your belt is a
gun. With out it, there is no respect in this world. At least that is what a kid told me to my face. I foresee
our Security team getting into more altercations because this next generation lives with a defiant outlook on
authority. We will be challenged and with your help, we will win. My friends and I plan to return in November
or sooner for more instruction.
Respectfully submitted,
I. C.
AIRLING PILOT- 2005
Cooks County Sherrifs Department- June 2004
White House Communications Agency- March 2004
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY -April 2005
DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
HEADQUARTERS, JOINT READINESS TRAINING CENTER AND FORT POLK
6661 HIGHRISE ROAD, SUITE 101
FORT POLK , LOUISIANA 71459-5355 |
AFZX-GT-T 13 April 2005
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: Commendation of Gracie Resisting Attack Procedures for Law Enforcement (G.R.A.P.L.E.) Course at Fort Polk, LA.
1. Rorion and Rener Graicie of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy conducted a weeklong session (28 February 2005 to 4 March 2005) of their G.R.A.P.L.E training for Soldiers assigned to JRTC and Fort Polk. It was presented as a train-the-trainer course to allow Soldiers to return to their units as the subject matter experts.
2. All training provided by of the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy was professional, well taught, and meticulously executed. The unique teaching style employed by the Gracies was easily absorbed by the students. The method allowed the instructors to teach without words in many instances. This aspect facilitated overall ease of instruction and is vital for Army instructors teaching in foreign countries.
3. All forty-two Soldiers attending the training received instructor certification in Military G.R.A.P.L.E. Every student noted improvement in their overall fighting ability, confidence and teaching skills.
4. The Soldiers have all given positive feedback on the training and the Command has received multiple requests for additional training.
5. This course is ideal for instituting combatives training programs within Army units. The benefit of having trainers organic to the unit to institute combatives training throughout the year is obvious. To this end, the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy has contributed significantly to the survivability of JRTC and Fort Polk Soldiers serving throughout the world.
6. Point of contact is the undersigned at (337) XXX-XXXX.
F. H.
MAJ, FA
Chief, Training Division
Dallas County Hospital District, Dallas Texas - October 2006
Spiro,
Just wanted to let you know that the class was the best I have ever attended. Rener [Gracie], Jarrod [Kwity] and Pat [Hardy] did a wonderful job and I would recommend them to anyone. My wife attended the class on Wednesday evening [Women EmpoweredTM) and was very pleased with it as well. Please let me know of any other classes offered by the Gracie Academy in our area, Please. thanks so much for the knowledge and let the guys know they did a wonderful job.
Thanks,
T. S.
ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) -October 2006
Kaufman County Court, Kaufman Texas - October 2006
Spiro,
I wanted to let you know that the training was absolutely the best I have ever attended. P. H. got me the info on it and told me to not miss it. I appreciate Rener [Gracie], Jarrod [Kwity] and Pat [Hardy's] efforts to teach us. My wife and daughter attended the womens training [Women EmpoweredTM) session and they really liked it as well.
Thanks
University North Texas Police - December 2006
Spiro,
Let me just start off by saying that the G.R.A.P.L.E. Instructor Certification Course that I attended Nov. 27 through Dec.1 [2006] at Arlington Police Department Training Center was not only the best training I have ever received, but also the best instruction as well. Rener was top-notch. I will refer anyone to the course who is interested in bettering their skills out on the streets. I look forward to the re-certification course...
Sincerely,
J.A
Arlington Police Department- Texas-December 2006
Dear Spiro,
Please Convey my sincere thanks to Rener, Jarrod, and Pat for the excellent job they did in conducting the G.R.A.P.L.E. Instructor Certification Seminar (November 27 th - December 1 2006). The instructors’ obvious knowledge and skill made the learning both educational and enjoyable.
G.R.A.P.L.E.‘s strength is that their training method is application oriented. For example; the G.R.A.P.L.E. instructor supervised the students applying a defensive technique with their partners attempting to hit them while they were on top of them on the ground. This training gave the students confidence that they could protect themselves from such an attack. As the school progressed, the G.R.A.P. L.E. instructor encouraged the “bad guy” to randomize the attacks so that the student would have the ability to apply the material in a fluid environment thus giving the student the confidence that if things ever ‘went bad’ that they could survive the situation. G.R.A.P.L.E. did exceptionally well with imparting officer survival skills in a well organized and professional manner.
In comparison, the P.P.C.T. system dedicates a significant amount of time to classroom instruction over such topics as use of force continuum and psychology and physiology of officer survival. The system gives officers the tools to be able to adroitly articulate and justify their force choices. I believe that this knowledge is important for officers also.
As a both a P.P.C.T. and G.R.A.P.L.E. instructor, I believe the G.R.A.P.L.E. and P.P.C.T. systems complement each other very well. I definitely believe that an officer would be well served to take both courses.
Thanks again,
Charlie Fernandez
Arlington P.D.
US Marshals Service - January 2007
To Mr. Rorion Gracie:
Rorion, I have recently retired from a very satisfying and active career with the United States Marshals Service. Midway thorough my career I decided to resurrect a training regimen in martial arts as I had previously trained in several stand up arts to include tang soo do and muay thai.
I needed to find a defensive tactics program that would help me gain the upper hand during suspect confrontations of which there were many because of the nature of our work. This included fugitive apprehension, dignitary protection and prisoner custody.
Around the time you invented the UFC, I took a introductory class at the Gracie Academy in Torrance and I was hooked. Finally, a no nonsense martial art that got to the root of defending yourself in a quick and efficient manner, non dependent of your physical stature and athletic ability.
Of particular note was the lack of large egos with the Gracie staff. This coming from a fighting legacy known worldwide yet, you and your family ALWAYS displayed humbleness, gratitude and complete respect. Classes were always taught in a controlled manner and with the forming of a solid foundation of the basics foremost. This, in contrast to the “Johnny come lately types”, that are trash talking, non foundation, ego centric schools that have no foundation of basics in their instruction.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu [G.R.A.P.L.E.] has saved me from physical harm numerous times during my career PERIOD. It allowed me to gain an upper hand on combative suspects quickly and efficiently, with minimal fanfare---control, submit and cuff----end of story!
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu [G.R.A.P.L.E.] has given me self confidence going into a combative situation knowing that I had a plan of action going into it. My family and I thank you for keeping me unscathed during my active law enforcement years. Please call me anytime you need me to relate my experiences utilizing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and the G.R.A.P.L.E. course to others. I will be there anytime, anyplace, just as your art was there for me.
May GOD bless your father Helio, you and the Gracie family in all your endeavors.
Stay Safe
Mel Nuestro (US Marshal Retired)
CONTACT & REGISTRATION FOR G.R.A.P.L.E.® (LAW ENFORCEMENT) OR GRACIE COMBATIVESTM (MILITARY):
If you are in Law Enforcement or the Military, please contact Program Director Spiro Demetriadi by sending E-mail to the Gracie Self-Defense Department or please call + (888) 494-5345 and for Law Enforcement press ext.82 and Military press ext.81. Please note, due to a high volume of inquiries, it may take a week or more to receive a reply.
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