Professor Shane Brown, M.A., B.Ed.
2nd Degree Royce Gracie Black Belt
Canada’s First Royce Gracie Black Belt Professor (RGBBP)
Shane Brown has been an active member of the martial arts community for over 30 years and is one of only two Canadians recognized as one of the world’s First 100 Royce Gracie black belts (RGBB). Shane received his black belt directly from Royce Gracie and in the presence of the late, Grand Master Pedro Valente Sr (2015). Shane has also earned 3rd degree black belts in karate, kobudo (weapons) and Japanese jujutsu under the late, Richard Kim, Hanshi, of the Zen Bei Butoku-Kai and Sensei Richard Marshall (1994, 1997 and 2000, respectively).
In 1993, after the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC™), Royce Gracie and Gracie Jiu-jitsu reached world-wide fame by demonstrating how a modern-day warrior (martial artist / personal protection practitioner), must become proficient on the ground, specifically with Gracie Jiu-jitsu / BJJ. In the summer of 1999, Shane travelled to California and began training under Royce Gracie at the world famous Gracie Academy™.
Those earlier years at the Gracie Academy™ were an amazing opportunity for Shane to learn and train with an incredible group of Gracie Jiu-jitsu pioneers, including: Ryron and Rener Gracie, Jon Burke (RGBB#2), Mark Baumeister (RGBB#6), John Crouch (RGBB#7) and Ed O’Neill. Sensei Brown also had the honour to receive instruction from Grand Masters Helio and Rorion Gracie when, on special occasions, they would teach classes. Upon returning to Canada in 1999 (after the first of many summer training tours), Gracie Dojo™ began when Shane opened a Gracie Jiu-jitsu and Karate Club at the University of Victoria.
Professor Brown is the first person in Canada to receive his Professor / Instructor bars on his black belt from Royce Gracie (RGBBP - 2019). He is the Head Instructor at the Gracie Dojo™ Headquarters in Surrey, B.C.
Professor Gabe Kremler, M.Ed., B.Ed.
Royce Gracie Black Belt Professor (RGBBP)
Gabe Kremler has been training in the martial arts for over 20 years and is one of Canada’s first Royce Gracie black belts (RGBB#111 - 2017). Gabe began his journey in the martial arts in 1997 taking private lessons in karate and personal protection from Shane. In 1999, Gabe became Canada’s first Gracie Dojo™ student and in the summer of 2001, Gabe travelled to California with Shane and began his training under Royce Gracie.
Gabe is a leader in the education and coaching arenas and has a M.Ed. in Coaching Studies, a B.Ed. degree in Physical Education and Humanities and is a certified teacher in BC. He has taught and coached in both the elementary and secondary levels and is currently a school administrator in Victoria, B.C.
Gabe has trained with and taught students with some of the best law enforcement agencies throughout North America, including Canada's National Police Force, municipal police services and Canadian and US Military personnel. In 2004, Gabe earned his black belt in karate from Shane and Sensei Richard Marshall. In 2017, Gabe became the second Canadian Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt to receive all of his belt rankings (blue, purple, brown and black belt) from the legend himself, Royce Gracie.
Gabe is the Head Instructor for Gracie Dojo™ in Victoria, B.C., and enjoys teaching Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and sharing his passion for the martial arts with his students. Contact him to book a private lesson, or to find out about the group class schedule at graciedojovic@gmail.com.
As of 2023, 30 years after the creation of the UFC™, only seven Canadians have earned the privilege to wear a Royce Gracie Black Belt: Todd Smith (RGBB#65), Shane Brown (RGBB#93), Gabe Kremler (RGBB#111), Warren Lee (RGBB#114), Garry Doucet (RGBB#130), Rick LeBlanc (RGBB#175) and Emma Hamilton (RGBB#191). You can be next - come try a free complementary class at Gracie Dojo™.
We are Canada's First & Finest for providing Personal Protection / Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in a Fun Fitness for Life environment. You owe it to yourself to come try a complementary class from our certified instructors. See you on the mat.