The Gracie tradition
Renzo Gracie
An ADCC champion and mixed martial arts pioneer, Renzo founded the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York and helped bring Brazilian jiu-jitsu to generations of students in the United States.
The people behind the practice
GOOD PEOPLE.
High standards.
Experience matters.
So does how you share it.
A place for first-time students and serious athletes starts with the people in the room. Discipline, humility and attention to the individual set the tone.
Meet founder and coach Jason Kalvesmaki. Additional coaching profiles are coming soon.
Founder & Coach · Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
JASON
KALVESMAKI.
Second-degree black belt
- Under
- David Branch
- Affiliation
- Renzo Gracie
Twenty years building and scaling technology businesses. Twenty years on the mats training jiu-jitsu, wrestling and MMA. Jason brings a long-term commitment to both the work and the people around him.
He believes the life skills combat sports teach carry far beyond the mat. Lion’s Den is his way of investing in the community: an inclusive academy for children taking their first steps, adults starting something new, and professional athletes pursuing their next challenge.
A place to train.
A community to grow with.
JASON’S JIU-JITSU LINEAGE
KNOW WHERE
IT comes from.
Knowledge passed from teacher to student.
A direct connection to the people who shaped the art.
Renzo Gracie and John Danaher taught David Branch. David Branch awarded Jason Kalvesmaki his black belt.
The analytical approach
John Danaher
A black belt under Renzo Gracie, John is known for his systematic approach to jiu-jitsu. His coaching has shaped leading grapplers and MMA athletes, including Gordon Ryan and Georges St-Pierre.
BLACK BELT UNDER RENZO GRACIE & JOHN DANAHER
Combat proven
David Branch
A black belt under Renzo Gracie and John Danaher, David is a former two-division World Series of Fighting champion and UFC veteran. He brings experience in both jiu-jitsu and professional MMA to his teaching.
Founder & Coach · Lion’s Den
Jason Kalvesmaki
SECOND-DEGREE BLACK BELTJason received his black belt from David Branch.
That teaching lineage continues here.
Photography credits are listed in our image information.
The standard in the room
ABILITY.
CHARACTER.
Both matter.
Teach with intention.
The details deserve attention. So does the person learning them.
Make room for the beginner.
Your first day belongs here. Questions are part of learning.
Set the example.
Responsibility, respect and humility are standards to practice together.
Make room for the work
FIND YOUR PLACE.
New to training or ready for your next chapter. Tell us what you’re looking for.
Get started Talk to Lion’s Den