If asked to describe what the Renzo Gracie Academy is best known for you're likely to say no-gi grappling, maybe followed by MMA. These reputations were hard-fought for, and deservedly earned. Gordon Ryan, Garry Tonon and the rest of the Danaher Death Squad flew the flag in no-gi events, and everybody from Georges St-Pierre and Chris Weidman to Renzo Gracie himself put it all on the line in MMA. 

Times change, and it seems a new wind is blowing at the RGA in Manhattan. Gi classes are picking up, and I've been told that there is now often 40-50 bodies on the mat for the competition team training sessions. 

L-R: Gregor Gracie, Daniel Paulino, Rafael "Sapo" Natal, Rafael Costa and Royce Chen

The Renzo team turned up at the IBJJF Houston Open and claimed some significant pieces of hardware, with Gregor Gracie winning double gold at black belt masters 1, and his cousin Rayron Gracie winning the purple belt absolute division. They were joined by black belt teammates Rafael Costa, former UFC fighter Rafael "Sapo" Natal, Daniel Paulino and Royce Chen. 

I've been they plan to stay as active as possible between now and the end of the year, and we can expect to see them at No-Gi Pans, American Nationals, the Orlando Open and Masters Worlds. Don't forget you can watch all of those tournaments right here on FloGrappling. 

Gregor Gracie Back In The Gi And Leading Renzo Team From The Front

Double gold at black belt Masters 1, Gregor Gracie is one of the many Renzo Gracie team competitors with a renewed focus on the gi. Leading from the front, he discusses his performance at the 2020 IBJJF Houston Open.

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Rayron Gracie Takes Absolute Gold at Houston Open

Brand new purple belt Rayron Gracie is growing into his new division and took gold in Houston.

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