take your game to the next level
Shawn Williams teaches Coaches, Professional and Amateur Athletes, Enthusiasts and others just like yourself how to learn Highly Effective Jiu Jitsu in a systematic, progressive manner that accelerates the learning curve.
SHAWN WILLIAMS IS CONSIDERED ONE OF THE TOP INSTRUCTORS IN THE BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU AND MARTIAL ARTS COMMUNITY DUE TO HIS VERY DETAILED AND THOROUGH INSTRUCTION STYLE AND DEPTH OF KNOWLEDGE IN BJJ, GRAPPLING, AND THE STRIKING ARTS. SHAWN BEGAN HIS MARITAL ARTS JOURNEY OVER 30 YEARS AGO NEAR HIS HOME TOWN OF BLUFFTON, INDIANA. IN 1996, HE RELOCATED TO NEW YORK CITY TO TRAIN UNDER MULTIPLE-TIME BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU WORLD CHAMPION AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS PIONEER RENZO GRACIE OF THE LEGENDARY GRACIE FAMILY. WHILE IN NYC, SHAWN BECAME ONE OF THE MAIN INSTRUCTORS UNDER RENZO EARNING HIS BLACK BELT IN 2002. IN 2005, SHAWN RELOCATED TO THE LOS ANGELES AREA TO SPREAD THE RENZO GRACIE BRAND COACHING BOTH BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU AND MIXED MARTIAL ARTS. IN 2010, HE ESTABLISHED 5 STAR MARTIAL ARTS/RENZO GRACIE LOS ANGELES. THE ACADEMY HAS GROWN INTO ONE OF THE LARGEST BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU AND MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. HE NOW RESIDES IN NASHVILLE, TN AND IS OPENING UP HIS NEW ACADEMY, RENZO GRACIE NASHVILLE!
Renzo Gracie awarded Shawn his Black Belt on April 2, 2002. He was the 5th recipient to be awarded the rank from the famed NYC Renzo Gracie Academy following such notables as: Ricardo Almeida, Rodrigo Gracie, Matt Serra, and Nick Serra (John Danaher and Shawn were promoted on the same night). He currently holds the rank of Fourth Degree Black Belt under Renzo Gracie.
Williams has developed an effective guard dubbed “The Williams Guard” by John Danaher. The guard is very effective in BJJ and MMA in its ability to prevent strikes from an opponent while setting arm bars, triangles, and omoplata submissions.
Shawn was chosen as an assistant coach alongside his good friend and colleauge, John Danaher. During the season, Team GSP went 11-4 with an all Team GSP final.
Analyst and Commentator For Biggest Grappling Events in the World.Shawn is the long-time analyst and commentator for the top BJJ and grappling events in the world, including the Abu Dhabi Combat Club World Championships, Abu Dhabi World Professional Championships, IBJJF World Championships, IBJJF Pans, and Kasai Elite Grappling Championships
Shawn Williams’ major BJJ and Grappling accomplishments include: 2003 black belt lightweight IBJJF Pan American Bronze Medallist, Ohio Pro Am Champion (2004), FILA Regional Qualifier (2008), ADCC Qualifier Bronze Medallistst
Shawn has developed many friendships in the martial arts community. His technical and detailed approach to teaching and training has made him a sought-after coach and training partner for many world-class BJJ and MMA fighters. Through the years, he has served as a training partner/coach for training camps for top MMA fighters including Georges St. Pierre, Rodrigo Gracie, Matt Serra, Royce Gracie, and Frank Trigg amongst others.