GST Master Instructors

Rener Gracie is the CEO of Gracie University, and under his leadership, GST has become the leading jiu-jitsu-based defensive tactics program in the world. Even though he's not a law enforcement officer himself, his 20+ years working side-by-side with local, state, and federal agencies have made him keenly aware of the work that needs to be done in order to overcome the social, political, and economic challenges standing in the way of higher standards in defensive tactics across the country.

Evandro is a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt who was born and raised in Brazil. After several years of success at the elite BJJ competition level, Evandro immigrated to the United States and joined forces with Gracie University. He was handpicked by Ryron and Rener to help lead the GST program based on his ability to connect with and captivate any audience. Evandro’s profound knowledge, infectious enthusiasm, and deep gratitude for law enforcement officers make the GST course a life-changing event for all those lucky enough to learn under his leadership.

Tom began his law enforcement career with the Montgomery County Police Department in 1994. After serving as a patrol officer, field training officer, and background investigator, Tom became an instructor at the police academy where he taught defensive tactics to both in-service, as well as recruit officers. In 2019, Tom was awarded a black belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Then, after 25 years of service, Tom retired from law enforcement to teach GST full time. If you're lucky enough to learn from Tom, his deep pool of knowledge and his love for people will leave an impact on you that will last long after the course is over.

Allan retired as the lead Defensive Tactics instructor at the Louisville Metro Police Department after 21 years of service in order to spend more time traveling and teaching GST across the country. He started learning jiu-jitsu with the Gracie Family in 1994 and opened his first BJJ school in 1996. In 2016, his school became the first Gracie University Certified Training Center in Kentucky, and in 2022, Allan was promoted to 4th degree black belt by Ryron and Rener. As a GST Leader, Allan has a special way of explaining techniques that makes them very easy to learn and so fun to practice regardless of your experience level.

Nate has over 29 years of combined law enforcement and military experience. After serving over 7 years in the U.S. Army, Nate became a police officer, detective, and then an FBI Special Agent. He has over 16 years of defensive tactics and firearms instructor experience. He is a black belt in BJJ with over 28 years of grappling experience. His teaching style is smooth and incredibly encouraging. It doesn't matter if your brand new to jiu-jitsu or you're a seasoned grappler, you'll never forget the first time you share the mat with Nate.

John has been teaching martial arts since 1989 and specializes in building safety and security protocols for thousands of clients with an emphasis on defensive tactics for law enforcement. John holds multiple black belts in various martial arts disciplines and currently owns a Gracie University Certified Training Center in western New York. To compliment his calm and professional demeanor, John has a unique ability to make the techniques work for every student, regardless of their age or physical ability, that makes learning from him fun and extremely encouraging.

Charlie retired from the Arlington Texas Police Department with 29 years of service, where he served as the Defensive Tactics Coordinator. Charlie served as the agency's subject matter expert in use-of-force analysis/litigation and policy development. In addition to instructing GST courses around the country, Charlie serves as Gracie University's Director of GST Operations. With over 15 years of GST teaching experience and nearly double that behind the badge, the courses Charlie leads provide students with a one-of-a-kind learning experience that will completely transform the way you think about defensive tactics.