Owners: David Maver

Martial Art: BJJ

How did you choose your school name?

Anyone that has ever been around Renzo knows how charismatic and caring he is to his students. So it was an honor to name the academy Renzo Gracie Warwick.

How long have you been teaching?

I've been teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 2009, but I didn't open up my own academy until August 2018.

What is your student creed or mission statement?

We don't have one written out, but honestly, it's that we truly are a family and we all care about each other. We have an amazing academy.

Who or what inspires you?

My family, I have 5 kids. I see how much my kids and my wife sacrifice so I can live my dream and teach BJJ for a living. Every day I wake up and I'm so thankful for that. They inspire me to be the best at what I do.

What is something special or unique about your school and/or students?

Friday night team dinner. Every Friday night we train so hard, it's the hardest night of the week and then we follow it up with team dinner at one of the local restaurants. Everyone loves it and looks forward to Fridays.

What made you choose FUJI Mats for your facility?

This was a no brainer. When you think about a Renzo academy, you see that familiar blue basement with FUJI Mats. Fuji can customize the mats and make such high-quality durable mats. I waited years to open up my academy, I wanted all quality products in it so I choose FUJI. Also, they are completely affordable and a bargain.

What is the most rewarding part about working in the martial arts field?

Seeing my students succeed. That could be winning a tournament, winning a single match at a tournament, catching a new submission in practice, landing a new job, getting into their dream university, losing weight, getting off drugs or alcohol, anything that improves their lives. It's cliche but BJJ does change lives, that's why COVID-19 has been so devastating.

If you could give one piece of advice to other martial art school owners what would it be?

Easy, if this isn't your passion and you don't live to be on the mats then don't open up. This is not an easy business and your students will see right through you if you don't have passion. I am literally on the mats constantly and teaching all the time. I work 7 days a week and at least 70 hours a week, but honestly, I don't even notice it. I love what I do and time goes by so fast when I'm there. Every weekend I'm at tournaments and every class I bring it. I'm so fired up and I treat it like my first class. I truly love seeing my students succeed, whether it's on the mats, a relationship, landing a new job, or getting into their dream college. This motivates me so much. I truly love my students.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL:

I'm sure you hear it all the time, but their's no academy like Renzo Gracie Warwick. It truly is a family. We train so hard but everyone is always looking out for each other. Everyone is always trying to improve each other. So many of our members have gotten each other jobs, they are now roommates, dating, and just always trying to improve each other lives. It's amazing to watch as an instructor. Our academy is BJJ/Grappling only. No striking or strength and conditioning. We try to specialize in one thing and be the best we can at it. Also, the building is so cool and has so much character. We are on the top floor of a historic building in 1888. Just check out the ceiling in the picture. They are the original tin ceiling from 1888. Such amazing detail and craftsmanship.