Shawn Michael Williams

Professor Shawn Williams is the founder and head Jiu Jitsu professor of Renzo Gracie Nashville, which runs academies in Brentwood and Belle Meade. A black belt under Master Renzo Gracie and one of Renzo's first black belts, he gives the academy a direct connection to the Renzo Gracie lineage and is described by the school as one of the biggest names in professional grappling. He has developed a comprehensive curriculum rooted in the Renzo Gracie system that combines proven fundamentals with modern techniques, which he has used to train some of the most accomplished MMA and UFC athletes. Williams leads the academy alongside Muay Thai head coach PJ McMahon, and the instructors who teach under him include several of his own black belts, among them Johnny, Lance and kids program director Dan.