Who We Are
Who We Are
About Us
At Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy we believe everyone should benefit from the incredible results hundreds of our team mates from around the world have gained. Regardless of age, gender or fitness level our goal is to deliver the highest level of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to the area. We provide a safe and fun atmosphere where students of all levels can thrive, gaining real-world self-defense skills, unshakable confidence, and disciplined focus. Alongside physical fitness, you’ll join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals, fostering growth and camaraderie as you train with top-tier instruction.
stan beck
owner
Stan Beck is the owner and head instructor of Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Salt Lake City, bringing over four decades of martial arts expertise to Utah. A direct student of Renzo Gracie for more than 28 years, Stan is a Renzo Gracie black belt who founded the first Renzo Gracie academy in Florida in 2008, adding to the academy in Weston with one in Lake Worth. He has a rich competition résumé. He was NY State champion in karate, also having fought MMA as well as championships in numerous N.A.G.A. and Grapplers Quest events, along with medals at the World Masters, Pan Ams and European Championships.
His martial arts journey began in childhood, spanning disciplines like Shotokan Karate, boxing, and Jeet Kune Do before earning his BJJ black belt.
Originally from Queens, NY, Stan has been instrumental in building successful academies and fostering tight-knit communities. His students have opened 7 academies throughout the U.S. At Renzo Gracie SLC, he continues his passion—empowering students through confidence, technique, resilience, and the renowned Renzo Gracie lineage. He invites practitioners of all levels to train in a supportive, high-energy environment.
stan beck
owner
Stan Beck is the owner and head instructor of Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu of Salt Lake City, bringing over four decades of martial arts expertise to Utah. A direct student of Renzo Gracie for more than 28 years, Stan is a Renzo Gracie black belt who founded the first Renzo Gracie academy in Florida in 2008, adding to the academy in Weston with one in Lake Worth. He has a rich competition résumé. He was NY State champion in karate, also having fought MMA as well as championships in numerous N.A.G.A. and Grapplers Quest events, along with medals at the World Masters, Pan Ams and European Championships.
His martial arts journey began in childhood, spanning disciplines like Shotokan Karate, boxing, and Jeet Kune Do before earning his BJJ black belt.
Originally from Queens, NY, Stan has been instrumental in building successful academies and fostering tight-knit communities. His students have opened 7 academies throughout the U.S. At Renzo Gracie SLC, he continues his passion—empowering students through confidence, technique, resilience, and the renowned Renzo Gracie lineage. He invites practitioners of all levels to train in a supportive, high-energy environment.
Shane Brenner
About Me
My martial arts training began in the 1980s with traditional karate. In 1993, at age 12, I started training in the pugilistic arts at Gene Lewis Boxing Club in Arizona.
By 1995, I was introduced to the grappling arts through high school wrestling. In 1999, I was a state placer and served as team captain.
That same year, I began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a local club affiliated with Northern Arizona University. I also trained in Muay Thai and cross-trained at various gyms.
In 2005, I began training under Jeremy Horn and spent five years under his instruction, competing in 10 professional MMA fights.
After that, I transitioned to focusing solely on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I earned my black belt under Pedro Sauer and Eddie Edmonds and bring over 30 years of martial arts experience to my training and instruction.
Shane Brenner
About Me
My martial arts training began in the 1980s with traditional karate. In 1993, at age 12, I started training in the pugilistic arts at Gene Lewis Boxing Club in Arizona.
By 1995, I was introduced to the grappling arts through high school wrestling. In 1999, I was a state placer and served as team captain.
That same year, I began training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at a local club affiliated with Northern Arizona University. I also trained in Muay Thai and cross-trained at various gyms.
In 2005, I began training under Jeremy Horn and spent five years under his instruction, competing in 10 professional MMA fights.
After that, I transitioned to focusing solely on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I earned my black belt under Pedro Sauer and Eddie Edmonds and bring over 30 years of martial arts experience to my training and instruction.
Matt Schuck
airman in the USAF
As a young airman in the USAF, Matt was introduced to Brazilian jiu jitsu in 2006 and quickly came to love the art for the main purpose of self defense. He trained across multiple different gyms over the years when traveling for the Air Force. This allowed him to gain knowledge from all different approaches and enhanced his skills dramatically. In 2022 he earned his black belt from Eddie Edmunds under Pedro Sauer. He has a love of training and teaching the techniques of Brazilian jiu jitsu and self defense.
Matt Schuck
airman in the USAF
As a young airman in the USAF, Matt was introduced to Brazilian jiu jitsu in 2006 and quickly came to love the art for the main purpose of self defense. He trained across multiple different gyms over the years when traveling for the Air Force. This allowed him to gain knowledge from all different approaches and enhanced his skills dramatically. In 2022 he earned his black belt from Eddie Edmunds under Pedro Sauer. He has a love of training and teaching the techniques of Brazilian jiu jitsu and self defense.
Clayton Anderson
police officer
I have been training mixed martial arts since 2008. I found a deep passion for Jiu-jitsu in 2014 and never looked back. I've certified as a POST defensive tactics Instructor for the State of Utah, and certified as both a level 1 & 2 instructor in Gracie Survival Tactics. I'm currently a police officer and have the opportunity to employ jiu-jitsu in real-world scenarios on a weekly basis. My passion is developing students' skills to prepare them for the street, build confidence, and show them that Jiu-jitsu can better you in all parts of your life.
Clayton Anderson
police officer
I have been training mixed martial arts since 2008. I found a deep passion for Jiu-jitsu in 2014 and never looked back. I've certified as a POST defensive tactics Instructor for the State of Utah, and certified as both a level 1 & 2 instructor in Gracie Survival Tactics. I'm currently a police officer and have the opportunity to employ jiu-jitsu in real-world scenarios on a weekly basis. My passion is developing students' skills to prepare them for the street, build confidence, and show them that Jiu-jitsu can better you in all parts of your life.
Daniel Gomm
Purple Belt
Dan is a purple belt with 8 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been teaching both kids and adults for the past 4 years. As a dedicated instructor for children ages 4–16, Dan focuses on building solid fundamentals in a supportive and active learning environment.
Dan began teaching after his own kids developed an interest in jiu-jitsu and has since developed a passion for helping others grow through the sport. In local competition, he has earned silver and bronze medals in the Masters division.
Teaching Approach:
Emphasizes proper technique, consistent effort, and making training enjoyable. Believes jiu-jitsu is a great way to improve physical fitness, health, and self-confidence at any age.
Daniel Gomm
Purple Belt
Dan is a purple belt with 8 years of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has been teaching both kids and adults for the past 4 years. As a dedicated instructor for children ages 4–16, Dan focuses on building solid fundamentals in a supportive and active learning environment.
Dan began teaching after his own kids developed an interest in jiu-jitsu and has since developed a passion for helping others grow through the sport. In local competition, he has earned silver and bronze medals in the Masters division.
Teaching Approach:
Emphasizes proper technique, consistent effort, and making training enjoyable. Believes jiu-jitsu is a great way to improve physical fitness, health, and self-confidence at any age.
Shawn Ellingson
purple belt
Shawn has been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu formally for 16 years. He likes to run very rigorous and energetic classes, with emphasis on defensive techniques and principles. He began his studies under Professor Eddie Edmonds, and Mestre Pedro Sauer Association.
Shawn also holds the rank of Godan in the Japanese Art of Aikido.
Shawn Ellingson
purple belt
Shawn has been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu formally for 16 years. He likes to run very rigorous and energetic classes, with emphasis on defensive techniques and principles. He began his studies under Professor Eddie Edmonds, and Mestre Pedro Sauer Association.
Shawn also holds the rank of Godan in the Japanese Art of Aikido.
Stan Beck
Owner
Stan Beck embarked on his martial arts journey as a young child, beginning with judo and getting serious about it at age 13 with karate. His training expanded to boxing and later Jeet Kune Do. In 1998, soon after Renzo Gracie moved and established his first U.S. school in Manhattan, Stan joined as one of his first students. Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu became his enduring passion, inspiring him to open and own two academies in Florida for 14 years. Moving to Utah in 2019, he now seeks to share his knowledge to the Salt Lake City community. Stan is now a 4th degree black belt under Renzo Gracie himself.
Stan Beck
Owner
Stan Beck embarked on his martial arts journey as a young child, beginning with judo and getting serious about it at age 13 with karate. His training expanded to boxing and later Jeet Kune Do. In 1998, soon after Renzo Gracie moved and established his first U.S. school in Manhattan, Stan joined as one of his first students. Renzo Gracie Jiu-Jitsu became his enduring passion, inspiring him to open and own two academies in Florida for 14 years. Moving to Utah in 2019, he now seeks to share his knowledge to the Salt Lake City community. Stan is now a 4th degree black belt under Renzo Gracie himself.
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