FEDERATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our team of Professors all have extensive training with Relson Gracie as well as being successful academy owners that can convey his is special brand of Jiu-Jitsu to you as you need them. Each of our Professors offers a unique skill set and perspective and are always willing to share their experience with the Relson Gracie Team.
HAWAII DIRECTORS
6th Degree Black Belt
Aiea, Hawaii
Chris Onzuka - Chris started Jiu-Jitsu under Relson in November, 1991. One of only four hand picked and personally trained instructors by Relson Gracie to open his first association school worldwide, O2 Martial Arts Academy in Aiea, Hawaii. Chris competed in the first tournament in Hawaii and possibly in America as well as numerous World Championships in Brazil. He is focused on continuing to share Relson's techniques to the many students of O2 Martial Arts Academy which he co-owns and operates with this twin brother Mike.
7th Degree Black Belt
Aiea, Hawaii
Mike Onzuka - Twin brother of Chris who started Jiu-Jitsu under Relson Gracie in January 1992. Mike was one of only 4 men hand picked and trained to open Relson's FIRST Relson Gracie school not taught personally by Relson, O2 Martial Arts Academy in July, 1995. He won the first tournament possibly in America as a blue belt and has competed in 4 different world championships in Brazil and multiple Pan American Championship, but currently concentrates on helping spread Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to all the students he has contact with.
6th Degree Black Belt
Honolulu, Hawaii
Todd Tanaka - One of the first child students of Relson, but definitely the most consistent student where he took countless private lessons from Relson. Todd eventually received every belt under Relson including his black belt and transitioned into teaching after years of competition. He was also the Relson Gracie academy manager for a number of years. He owns Team HK which is one of the premier Jiu-Jitsu academies in Honolulu which has a heavy emphasis of self-defense and is the main focus of Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
EAST COAST DIRECTORS
6th Degree Black Belt
Bronx, New York
Michael Casey - Having a larger frame and not having Relson’s flexibility, Michael has adapted many of Relson’s technique that Relson has approved and even added to his own game. Michael continues to train privately with Rickson and has a unique ability to combine the Mindset, Techniques, and Fighting Strategies of the 2 Champions of the Gracie Family.
6th Degree Black Belt
Columbus, Ohio
Robin Gieseler had the opportunity to learn under Relson and also Midwest Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Dr. Jeff Hudson who started Gracie Ohio. Robin eventually took over ownership of Grace Ohio where he was a very successful competitor and incredible instructor. He is extremely proud to have expanded his client base and recently opened a brand new huge facility to continue the tradition of Relson Gracie and further share his knowledge with many more students. He is also a talented youtuber who constantly shares techniques to his subscribers.
WEST COAST DIRECTORS
6th Degree Black Belt
Phoenix, Arizona
Nathan Zigler - Nathan started Jiu-Jitsu in 1994 under Relson and obtained all of his promotions under him. He owns and operates the very successful Gracie Arizona academy where he has produced numerous black belts. He is proud of the fact that all of his black belts were organically produced and obtained all their belts from Nathan and continue to help build the next generation of Arizona grapplers. His team is successful in competitions, but also emphases the self defense style that Relson preaches.
BRAZIL DIRECTORS
5th Degree Black Belt
Leblon, Brazil
Jean Vandersteen is the head instructor along with his two brothers of Vandesteen Jiu-Jitsu. Jean is a seasoned and successful competitor that mixes the traditional and new style of Jiu-Jitsu while emphasizes self defense in his teaching. He always encourages his students to train their self defense techniques with the same vigor as they do their sports competition techniques. Jean travels to America often to share his techniques with the rest of the federation academies.