GREG RIVERA

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Gregorio Marcelino Rivera has had training in Boxing, High School Wrestling and started his BJJ career in 1994 at the start of the big UFC explosion. He watched as 177lb. Royce Gracie decimated larger opponents from other styles such as Karate, Kung Fu, Judo and Wrestling and was simply amazed at the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He started training at Caesar Gracie’s academy in Pleasanton Ca. Shortly after, Ralph Gracie came to visit Caesar’s academy and trained for a while before opening his first ever BJJ school in Mountain View, CA. This happened to be Gregorio’s place of residence so he started training under Ralph and has been with him ever since ultimately receiving his black belt from Ralph. He continues to teach and train with his students on a daily basis even though he has overcome many physical hardships from training over the years. Some include many surgeries and a partial paralysis covering the entire left side of his body. Many Doctors have told him in the past that he would never play any type of sports and that physical activity would be very limited but through his tough mental attitude and determination he has recovered quite well and continues to be active.

   Currently teaching at Chino Hills Ralph Gracie, his teaching style is a direct descendant from Ralph Gracie himself where strength, technique and mental will are dominant factors as well as the priority to finish with a submission. Though he has not competed at many tournaments (as there weren’t that many when he was coming up) he has placed 1st place blue belt at the US Open and Joe Moriera’s National Tournament (the largest tournament of the year back then).  He's recently competed at the 2012 Black Belt at the Masters and Senior World Championships and lost in the final by 1 advantage point claiming a silver medal.
   From the early days of Jiu-Jitsu Gregorio has trained with some of the best Grapplers/Jiu-Jitsu players including Ralph Gracie, Ryan Gracie, Gordo Correa, Igor Gracie, Rolls Gracie Jr, Renzo Gracie, Brad Jackson, Gabriel Costas, Nino Schembi, Marcio Fetosa, Robert Drysdale, Dave and Dan Camarillo, Mikyo Riggs, BJ Penn, Reagan Penn, JD Penn, Cameron Earl, Kurt Osiander, Jason Collard, Luke Stewart, Benny Dariush, Sean Roberts to name a few. He continues to be a student of BJJ to help evolve the sport and be the best teacher/student he can. BJJ to him is like breathing is to many.