Meet The Founders

Co-founders
Fernando Ferreira & Jeremiah Fox


Jeremiah Fox is a Renzo Gracie black belt under Mike Jaramillo.
Fernando Ferreira is a brown belt under Jeff Gallardo & Jeremiah Fox

Our Partners

  • Established in 1996, the Renzo Gracie Academy in Midtown Manhattan continues being one of the world’s leading schools in martial arts.

    “We are not in the business of martial arts. We are in the business of building confidence. Confidence not only to defend yourself—we help build the confidence required to face life.”

    ~ Master Renzo Gracie | Founder

    Renzo has fought all over the world for organizations such as UFC and Pride Fighting Championships. He pioneered Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the United States in the 1990’s when he founded the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City, being one of the cornerstones of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America. Today RGA has over 70 active affiliates across the globe.

    He has established himself as one of the most renowned BJJ instructors and mentors in the sport with his signature combination of charisma and intelligence. He has guided UFC champions such as Matt Serra and Frankie Edgar, Roger Gracie a 10x Jiu-Jitsu world champion, John Danaher the Jiu-Jitsu coach to UFC Champions Georges St-Pierre & Chris Weidman and ADCC Champion Gordon Ryan.

  • We Defy provides combat veterans coping with military connected disabilities a long term means to overcome their challenges through Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and fitness training.

    Core Values:

    WE ARE COMMITTED to our country, to creating a better life for our veterans and their families, our team, and accomplishing our mission by providing training and support.

    WE EMPOWER through integrity, discipline, personal accountability, mental and physical development, improved coordination, flexibility, adaptability, confidence, patience, and selfless service.

    WE EVOLVE and expand our reach with the help of our volunteers, our sponsors, and approved training facilities to stay relevant and effective for the long term.

    For more information visit WeDefyFoundtaion.org

“

If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants.

- Isaac Newton