Master Relson Gracie

Relson Gracie, the 2nd oldest son of Helio Gracie, moved to Hawaii in 1988. He began learning jiu-jitsu at 2 and entered his first competition at the age of 10. He was the Brazilian National Champion for 22 years straight, and during this period went undefeated. He became so popular that he attained the nickname "Campeao" or "Champion" among his friends and fans.

Upon his arrival to Honolulu, it was with great pleasure that Relson introduced the art of Gracie Jiu-jitsu to the Aloha State. Relson along with his brothers Rorion, Rickson, Royler, and Rolker help prepare their younger brother Royce for the first several Ultimate Fighting Championships. This no-holds-barred competition was formed by Rorion Gracie to showcase the brilliant fighting and self-defense style of Gracie jiu-jitsu to the world. What had already been developed and tested in real life competition and fighting since the 1920’s in Brazil has now changed main stream martial arts in the U.S. and the rest of the world forever.

Relson Gracie in his early years was known for his many street fights and the brutal and unpredictable style in which he engaged those fights. Now many years retired from competition Relson’s philosophy reflects his father’s, which is to train for self defense and personal advancement. Relson currently hold the rank of 8th degree red and black belt under Helio Gracie. Relson enjoys teaching classes in Hawaii and has become quite fond of the island life. Relson travels to FightWorks regularly to conduct group seminars, demonstrations and private classes.

Dan Wallen

Brown Belt under Relson Gracie

Dan Wallen is an official instructor at Fightworks and a Brown Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Relson Gracie. Mr. Wallen was a gold medalist at the 2003 Budweiser Jiu-Jitsu World Cup and took Silver at the Gracie Arnold World Submission Championships (Blue). In 2005, Mr. Wallen won Gold at the Yamasaki and Copa Atlantica Jiu-Jitsu Championships and Silver at the Capital Classic (Blue). In 2006, Dan won gold in his division and secured gold, silver, and bronze in various absolute divisions in two East Coast Grappling Championships (Purple). In 2009 as a Brown, Dan took Silver at weight and Absolute Bronze at the American National Championships and Bronze at the IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championships.. In addition to his studies in Jiu-Jitsu, Mr. Wallen holds a Black Belt in Hap Ki Do under D.C. Song.

Dave Patton

Brown Belt under Relson Gracie

Dave Patton is an official instructor for Fightworks. He is a Brown Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Relson Gracie and an avid competitor. In 2003, Mr. Patton took Gold at the Gracie Nationals. In 2004, took Gold in at the Gracie Arnold World Submission Championships and the Copa Atlantica Jiu-Jitsu Championships (Blue). In 2005, Mr. Patton again won Gold at the Gracie Nationals and Gold in multiple divisions at the Gracie Arnold Worlds (Blue). A conditioning machine and true enthusiast for the sport, Dave is a role model for the Fightworks competition team. In addition to his Jiu-Jitsu addiction, Dave is one of the most celebrated arm wrestling competitors in history having won numerous world championships.

Matt Almborg

Brown Belt under Relson Gracie

Matt Almborg is an official instructor for Fightworks. He is a Brown Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu under Relson Gracie. Like many, Matt began his grappling career in high school wrestling. He then made the transition to Jiu-Jitsu in 2002. A veteran of many competitions, including Gold at the Gracie Arnold World Championships, "Borg" can be found on the mats at Fightworks most days. In his spare time, Matt has also enjoyed cross training Judo.