Primate Jiu Jitsu academy owner Professor Matthew Vernon stems from one of the most prestigious lineages in all of BJJ. Matt Vernon received his black belt from Professor Christian Derr, a 1st degree black belt under the legendary Jean Jacques Machado. Jean Jacques Machado was awarded his Coral Belt (7th degree black belt) by Rickson Gracie who is widely reknowned as the best BJJ fighter in history. Rickson is the son of Helio Gracie, founder of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu we know and love today.
Helio Gracie > Rickson Gracie > Jean Jacques Machado > Christian Derr > Matt Vernon
Professor Matt Vernon is one of the most well-respected BJJ athletes in the region. He has been training and competing in grappling sports for nearly his entire life and is on a constant quest to evolve, refine, and test his technique. He has dedicated his life to sharing his technical knowledge and undying passion, respect, and love of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with his students.
Professor Christian Derr is the academy owner and head instructor of Clinch Martial Arts in Owasso, Oklahoma. Professor Derr has been training and competing in martial arts for over two decades. It was the inviting, encouraging dynamics at Clinch Martial Arts, cultivated by Professor Derr, after which Professor Vernon modeled his own academy.
Legendary Professor Jean Jacques Machado is one of the most admired and respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the world. Between the years 1982-1992, he captured every major title and competition award. Professor Machado an 11x Rio de Janeiro Jiu Jitsu State Champion, 11x BJJ National Champion, and 4x BJJ American Champion to name only a handful of his competitive achievements.
Master Rickson Gracie is a BJJ Red Belt, the highest awarded belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He was inducted into the Legends of MMA Hall of Fame in 2014 with an undefeated record in BJJ, Vale Tudo, and MMA.
Master Helio Gracie and his brother Master Carlos Gracie are widely accredited as the founders of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Helio was smaller than his brothers which made him inclined towards a martial art in which a smaller, less powerful practitioner could overcome a larger, stronger one by applying proper technique. With roots in Kodokan Judo, influence from Mitsuyo Maeda’s grappling, and years of constant refinement, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was born.
Professor Matt Vernon is one of the most well-respected BJJ athletes in the region. He has been training and competing in grappling sports for nearly his entire life and is on a constant quest to evolve, refine, and test his technique. He has dedicated his life to sharing his technical knowledge and undying passion, respect, and love of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with his students.
Professor Christian Derr is the academy owner and head instructor of Clinch Martial Arts in Owasso, Oklahoma. Professor Derr has been training and competing in martial arts for over two decades. It was the inviting, encouraging dynamics at Clinch Martial Arts, cultivated by Professor Derr, after which Professor Vernon modeled his own academy.
Legendary Professor Jean Jacques Machado is one of the most admired and respected Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners in the world. Between the years 1982-1992, he captured every major title and competition award. Professor Machado an 11x Rio de Janeiro Jiu Jitsu State Champion, 11x BJJ National Champion, and 4x BJJ American Champion to name only a handful of his competitive achievements.
Master Rickson Gracie is a BJJ Red Belt, the highest awarded belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He was inducted into the Legends of MMA Hall of Fame in 2014 with an undefeated record in BJJ, Vale Tudo, and MMA.
Master Helio Gracie and his brother Master Carlos Gracie are widely accredited as the founders of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Helio was smaller than his brothers which made him inclined towards a martial art in which a smaller, less powerful practitioner could overcome a larger, stronger one by applying proper technique. With roots in Kodokan Judo, influence from Mitsuyo Maeda’s grappling, and years of constant refinement, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was born.