Instructors

To train with a Gracie is to train with the best. Professor Alex Faria started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 under BJJ legend José Leão Teixeira, also known by his nickname: “Zé Beleza.”

After earning his Brown Belt under Zé Beleza in 2001, Alex Faria moved to London to train with Roger Gracie – a 10 time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion. Professor Alex earned his Black Belt from Roger in 2009, became head instructor at the Roger Gracie Academy, and was Roger’s personal training partner. While in London, Alex had the  added privilege of training under Roger’s father Maurício “Maurição” Motta Gomes, one of the “Famous Six” legendary Rolls Gracie black belts.

Alex has been featured several times in BJJ magazines alongside Roger Gracie. Due to his notoriety as a Roger Gracie head instructor and black belt, he has also taught seminars in Brazil, Spain and California, as well as in London.

Professor Alex has fought and won several prestigious championships.

Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Roger Gracie > Alex Faria

Professor Andre Ferreira Gomes is a black belt under Roger Gracie and has been training Jiu-Jitsu for over 18 years. Originally from Brazil, Professor Gomes has been an instructor at Gracie Barra in Goias, Brazil; Gracie Barra in Samora Correa, Portugal; Roger Gracie Academy in Oxford, UK; Alamayoz School in Al Ain, Emirates Arabic United; and Roger Gracie Academy in Barcelona, Spain. Professor Gomes received his black belt from Roger Gracie in 2011. He is an accomplished competitor who has received medals in numerous internationally recognized competitions. Professor Gomes comes to Gracie Gym Richardson to build our competition team, our children’s program and to continue to compete on a national and international level. Professor Gomes has a wife and two sons.

Lineage: Carlos Gracie > Carlos Gracie Jr. > Roger Gracie > Andre Gomes

Ryan is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Flyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2009, he has also competed for Shark Fights and the MFC. Ryan teaches the strength and conditioning classes at Gracie Gym Richardson as well as professional and amateur MMA fight training. He is an avid grappler, striker and outdoors man. When not active in fight camp he enjoys spending time with his family and watching surreal comedic sketches.