Max McGarr is Head Professor of Renzo Gracie Academy's Reno location and a second degree black belt directly under Master Renzo Gracie and John Danaher. A two-time cancer survivor, two-time gold medal PanAm champion, and one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, Max has spent half his life training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, submission grappling, and Muay Thai.
He spent the last 16 years training directly with Master Renzo and John Danaher in New York City. Max taught fundamentals, advanced gi, no gi submission grappling, and MMA at the flagship Renzo Gracie Academy in NYC for over 10 years. He was a student favorite and held packed classes daily. Max holds a Bachelors in human movement and sports science, where he held an assistant teaching position in physics.
He spent the last 16 years training directly with Master Renzo and John Danaher in New York City. Max taught fundamentals, advanced gi, no gi submission grappling, and MMA at the flagship Renzo Gracie Academy in NYC for over 10 years. He was a student favorite and held packed classes daily. Max holds a Bachelors in human movement and sports science, where he held an assistant teaching position in physics.
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Renzo Gracie Academy has a long history founded on the shoulders of legends both here and gone. Renzo Gracie is one of those living legends from a long line of skilled Brazilian jiu jitsu founders and practitioners. A true martial arts legend, Renzo Gracie is a senior member of the famous Gracie family of jiu jitsu teachers and fighters who did so much to change the shape of the current state of martial arts instruction in America.
We have several separate and distinct programs designed to suit our students at different stages of their Brazilian jiu-jitsu education. This program marks the beginning of your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training. Students will learn to focus on mobility, coordination, body awareness, basic concepts, and beginning techniques.
Our Brazilian jiu-jitsu programs offer straightforward prices, world-class instruction, unlimited classes, no contracts, and no promotion fees. Programs are built to accommodate both relaxed and intense student training frequencies. We don't do long-term contracts or extra fees for belts. We keep it really simple.
While we do have certain rules and guidelines that may seem formal, there is a reason for it. A sense of respect and discipline is necessary in any sport or martial art that may be dangerous if taken lightly. Please abide by all Academy Etiquette and advice. Consistently seek to improve upon the skills you are learning and commit them to muscle memory.
Our focus - and what we are known for - is equipping our students with comprehensive "feet to floor" knowledge in both traditional and modern techniques. We train practically and technically, creating a solid foundation that we build upon with more advanced techniques, including takedowns and leg locks.
Reviews (10)
Ean McNeill
Dec 03, 2021
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As an academy that carries a prestigious name within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, Renzo Gracie Reno has found a way to create a fun and safe environment for new people to learn, while also producing absolute savants that compete on the world stage. The instruction is not only incredibly detailed, but is also effective at demonstrating principles fundamental to the martial art. Whether you are new and are looking for a place to start your Jiu-Jitsu journey, or are an experienced practitioner looking to sharpen your skills; Renzo Gracie Reno is a great place for you.
Kristin Sibrian
Dec 03, 2021
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Renzo Gracie Reno is by far the best Jiu Jitsu gym that we have had the pleasure of being part of in the 9 years that my daughter has been training. We have been here for three years and my daughter partakes in both, the kids and adult classes. Tim, the kids coach is very attentive, PATIENT, knowledgeable and Professional. Max McGarr our Professor is unsurpassed in his training techniques. He creates straight athletes! Being a parent of a 13 year old girl who has been in this full contact sport for many years, I have full faith, confidence and trust in all of our coaches and Professors here in
Erin Moya
Dec 02, 2021
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I highly recommend Renzo Gracie Reno. My husband and son both attend this gym. I watch the kids class often and I am constantly impressed with how patient Coach Tim is with the young ones. My son is 7 and has been learning so much from him. The gym is also extremely clean, and all of the coaches are extremely knowledgeable and professional. Our family definitely enjoys Renzo Gracie Reno and would recommend it for all ages/levels!!
Trevor Bach
Dec 01, 2021
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Best BJJ academy in town period, for adults and kids. Very friendly and welcoming to all ages and training backgrounds. Always a fun and safe first class for everyone too, come in and try it I guarantee you’ll enjoy it. Max and all coaches are professionals of the highest level and will always be there to guide you along.
Kennedy A.
Dec 01, 2021
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Great safe atmosphere to learn world class techniques from world class instructors, meet and bond with great people and grow your self not just physically but also mentally. . Ages range from 4 yrs old to 60+ yrs young. Some of the best people I've ever met in my life where through these doors and on these mats.
"There's more philosophy in jiu-jitsu mats than in any Ivy League school in America."
-- Renzo Gracie
"There's more philosophy in jiu-jitsu mats than in any Ivy League school in America."
-- Renzo Gracie
Ricardo Mancia Moreno
Nov 27, 2021
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World class instruction right here!! World class coaches!!
Doesn't get any better in Reno than Max Mcgarrs world class coaching.
Our city was blessed with a phenom in technique 🙌
We learn everyday. From the beginners to the most advanced, we all learn from this amazing academy!
Privileged to call it homeđź’Ż
Doesn't get any better in Reno than Max Mcgarrs world class coaching.
Our city was blessed with a phenom in technique 🙌
We learn everyday. From the beginners to the most advanced, we all learn from this amazing academy!
Privileged to call it homeđź’Ż
Jose Silvetre
Nov 12, 2021
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There are few events in your life that can really change at which direction your life will take and joining Renzo Gracie Reno was one for me. Max is truly an exceptional instructor and the students definitely exhibit what world class instructors can provide for their students. I consider myself lucky, didn't really do any prior research I just chose the gym closest to me and hit the jackpot.
Andrew Ollis
Nov 12, 2021
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Whether you are looking to get in shape, learn self-defense, or a competitive environment Renzo Gracie Reno sets the gold standard. Walking in the doors for the trial class was undoubtedly one of the best decisions i have made. At just 15 months of joining i couldn’t imagine life without the world class knowledge and relationships i have gained here.
Michael Moya
Nov 10, 2021
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Great atmosphere that’s built upon mutual learning. Egos are left at the door and it speaks volumes of the quality coaching by Max, Vince, and Elias. My son also attends the kids class and I can’t speak high enough about the level of patience that coach Tim has with the kids/teens. I recommend Renzo Gracie Academy Reno to anyone who wants to learn an art and focus on their physical/mental well-being. 5-Stars
Andrew Reyes
Nov 10, 2021
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Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
Ive been training jiu jitsu for about 7 years, Ive been to every academy in Reno. Renzo gracie Reno is by far the best academy in Reno. The level of instruction is beyond what you can get anywhere else, there is a large amount of safe training partners, and the facility is up to date and clean.
Ive been training jiu jitsu for about 7 years, Ive been to every academy in Reno. Renzo gracie Reno is by far the best academy in Reno. The level of instruction is beyond what you can get anywhere else, there is a large amount of safe training partners, and the facility is up to date and clean.