About Jeff
Jeff is a fifth degree (5th) black belt under Rigan Machado and has actively studied and competed in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo for almost 30 years.
He earned his first belt from Rickson Gracie and was present for the now famous challenge match between Rickson and Yoji Anjo.
The rest of Jeff’s belts were awarded by coral belt world champion Rigan Machado.
As a brown belt, in 2003, Jeff was recognized by Carlos Gracie Jr. as a member of Team USA.
Jeff’s approach to Jiu-Jitsu is simple, It’s old school, position over submission … or to be more precise “Old school Jiu-Jitsu for a new school generation.”
Reach out today to find out how your school and your personal Jiu-Jitsu can benefit from the Old School for New School approach.
Jeff’s listing/verification with the Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation: Click Here
About Rigan Machado
Rigan Machado is a living legend in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is considered by many to be one of the greatest grappler to ever walk the face of the planet.
Master Rigan holds the prestigious Red and White Belt and is nephew of the Legendary Grandmaster Carlos Gracie.
Rigan is recognized as one of the best grapplers to have ever walked the planet. He is currently a celebrity trainer working with Ashton Kutcher, Ziggy Marley, Charlie Hunnam, Scarlett Johansson, Keanu Reeves, and many others.
Rigan is one of five brothers of the Machado family. He began training at the age of five with his cousins, “The Gracie Family”.
In an interview, when asked about his exact relationship with the Gracies, he said: “My mother’s sister married the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Carlos Gracie.” Like all children he took it more as a game than as something he wanted to do for the rest of his life. He started to take training and competing more seriously at the age of 14. This is the time where he would start to train every day on the mat. From the age of 14 through 21, he won the Brazilian National Championships every year and every belt division.
Rigan’s home school is The Academy in Beverly Hills, California