Meet Our Instructors

Gracie Humaita of Reno has a variety of different instructors from different backgrounds that encourage
multiple schools of thought. Click on a name below to meet your Instructors!

Alexandre Garcia

Alex is a Black Belt Instructor and Owner of Gracie Humaita of Reno.

Alexandre Garcia was born in October 28, 1975. Raised in the tough streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Alexandre was always very interested in learning martial arts. At age 9, he started taking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in a nearby Catholic school. That was Alexandre’s first contact with Jiu-Jitsu.

A while later, Alexandre attended a seminar hosted by Royler Gracie (one of the members of the family who developed the sport), and found out that one of Royler’s students (Professor Marcão) had just opened a school close by, where he started training immediately.

In December 2002, Alexandre went to South Lake Tahoe where he lived for a couple years. On a trip to Reno, Alexandre met his wife and decided to move there, where he also opened a small business to get his life going. After establishing himself, Alexandre, moved by his passion for the sport, sought to continue his training. Still under the Gracie family, he trained hard for several years, earned his Black Belt in Brazil, and then, very confident of his skills, started teaching Jiu-Jitsu. Right from the beginning of his teaching experience, Alexandre knew this was his passion in life.

Alexandre has won several tournaments in Brazil as well as in the United States. In addition, Alexandre was the head Jiu-Jitsu instructor at the the legendary UFC champion Ken Shamrock’s Lion’s Den. Alexandre then decided to do what he does best and open his own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school in Reno, Nevada.

Ryan Jennerjohn

Ryan Jennerjohn is a Brown Belt Instructor, active competitor, and co-owner of Gracie Humaita of Reno. Ryan is a Reno local and UNR alumni and began his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Journey in 2010.

Greg Carr

Greg began training jiu-jitsu in 2006 under 5th degree Black Belt and World Champion, Mauricio Villardo in South Florida. After moving to Charlotte, NC in 2009, Greg continued training under 5th degree Gracie Humaita Black Belt, Mario Aiello. As a brown belt, Greg began teaching classes and managing the academy. In 2017, shortly after moving to Reno, Greg received his Black Belt from his long-time professor, Mario Aiello. Greg has won many local and national tournaments over the years and now resides as an instructor at Gracie Humaita Reno under Professor Alexandre Garcia.

James Cervantes

​James Cervantes is a Purple Belt Instructor. James has received all belts through Alexandre Garcia.