Our Lineage
Our Lineage
Helio Gracie
Helio Gracie was a 9th Degree Red Belt and one of the most important figure in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu history. His lineage is among the strongest in Jiu Jitsu. He is regarded as a father of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Grandmaster Francisco Mansor
Grandmaster Francisco Mansor is a Jiu Jitsu Red Belt (9th Degree). He is one of only six men outside the Gracie family to receive the rank from Helio Gracie.
Claudio França
Claudio França pioneered the teaching of BJJ in California and holds a 6th degree Black Belt from Grandmaster Francisco Mansor. Professor França also earned a black belt in Judo from Gama Filho University in Rio de Janeiro.
John Villarruel
Head Instructor
John “Magoo” Villarruel is a first-degree black belt under Claudio Franca and Co-Founder of Gilroy BJJ. He also holds black belts from American Self Defense Academy under Master Mark Daniels and Kuk Sul Do under Grandmaster Yang.
Black Diamond Coaches
John “Magoo” Villarruel
Head Instructor – Black Belt
John Magoo is a first-degree black belt under Claudio Franca and Co-Founder of Gilroy BJJ. He also holds black belts from American Self Defense Academy under Master Mark Daniels, and Kuk Sul Do under Grandmaster Yang. John is currently a coach of 6 IBJJF World Champions and holds his own medals in the following:
Gold
• 2x BJJ All Star
• 2x American Cup
• US Open
Silver
• 2x US Open
• IBJJF San Jose International Open
Bronze
• BJJF Pan American
• IBJJF San Francisco International Open
Ryan Jennerjohn
Instructor – Black Belt
Ryan is a Reno local and UNR alumni. Ryan first began martial arts journey with Tae Kwon Do as a teenager. He loved the art and started competing. By the time he was an adult, he had started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and developed a passion for competing and eventually teaching. Ryan has been competing at higher levels in the sport for several years now.
Superfight Record (4-1)
American Cup Champion
U.S. Open Champion
2x NAGA Expert Champion
Proudly Serving our Community of Reno, NV
Whether you’re looking to take self-defense courses, fight in BJJ competitions, or just looking for a new workout, there’s a place for you at Black Diamond BJJ. We offer a wide variety of courses, including youth and teen classes, women’s self-defense, private classes, and much more! Stop by and experience the thrilling and engaging martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. When you’re ready, call us or sign up online to start your classes. We teach all levels of martial artists. There’s a spot for everyone on our mat.