Ronny Lis

Ronny Lis is a professional martial artist and jiu-jitsu black belt who has nearly a decade of teaching experience. He has studied Brazilian jiu-jitsu for more than 14 years, beginning his training with Master Instructor Declecio Paulo in 1995. Ronny is certified by Master Paulo and was awarded his black belt in 2005. A native of Brasilia, Brazil, Ronny sucessfully operated five jiu-jitsu academies before moving to the United States in 2009. He teaches students from ages 6 to 60, and at all levels of interest and experience in martial arts.

As important, Ronny is the progeny of an impressive Brazilian martial arts tradition: He traces his lineage directly to Mitsuyo Maeda, one of the pioneers who introduced jiu-jitsu to Brazil and gained renown as an instructor to the Gracie family.

Maeda – perhaps better known in martial arts circles as “Conde Koma” or “Count Combat” – also taught Luiz Franca, a skilled master who shared what he learned with Oswaldo Fadda. In 1950, Fadda – a ninth-degree red belt – established the Fadda Academy in Rio de Janeiro. One of his most accomplished students was Deoclecio Paulo, a red belt, who is more widely known as “Master Deo.” He trained military police for the Brazilian Embassy in Chile before moving to Brazil and establishing his competitive jiu-jitsu team.