Bre Anderson
May 5, 2025
“We feel incredibly grateful to be part of the Gracie Renzo family. Thiago and his family not only bring world-class experience to every class, but they also lead with so much heart. The care, love, and support they show for our family — especially our twin 6-year-old boys — has been nothing short of amazing. Safety is a clear priority in every class. Thiago creates a structured, respectful environment where the kids learn proper technique while staying safe, supported, and seen. As a mom, I have so much peace of mind knowing that my boys are in such good hands. One day at school, there was a serious incident where two kids were targeting a friend of my son’s — punching and kicking him while he was on the ground. My son was the only one in the class who had the skills and confidence to safely step in and pull the others off. That moment reminded me why this training is so valuable. It’s not just about jiu-jitsu — it’s about character, courage, and compassion. My husband is also an instructor at a different gym in Salt Lake and has trained with Thiago personally. He’s observed many gyms over the years and says Thiago runs the best-led kids class in the entire state. We’ve also done personal defense and jiu-jitsu privates with Thiago, and the growth we’ve seen in our boys — both physically and emotionally — is incredible. They are always cheering my boys on, celebrating their milestones, and treating them like family. We are truly so thankful for the love, support, and intentional instruction Thiago and his family provide. We couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. If you’re looking for a place where your child will not only learn self-defense but also gain confidence, discipline, and be truly cared for — this is the gym. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend it.”
