A few days ago, BJJEE.com was the first media to run the story about David W. Arnebeck, an owner of 3 martial arts schools who was sentenced for molesting a 15 year old back in 2013.

After his sentencing, Arnebeck continued instructing martial arts to minors.

In 1996, Arnebeck was convicted of a prostitution-related misdemeanor in Minneapolis, according to court records.
David Arnebeck, is a second degree Rickson Gracie black belt and has an affiliate school under him. He is also involved in Rickson’s JJGF.

On 10th, February, 2015: After 19 years of training in Gracie Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), David Arnebeck was promoted to second Degree Jiu Jitsu Black Belt from Rickson Gracie. Last weekend, Rickosn was pictured training with Arnebeck:

Instructor Guilty of Sexual Misconduct with Minor Trains with Rickson Gracie

The fact that Rickson Gracie chose to continue training Arnebeck after his conviction provoked a wide backlash from prominent members of the BJJ community, including his own black belts Henry Akins and Brandon Hetzler. Even Pedro Sauer had something to say about it:

Henry Akins (Rickson Gracie black belt):

Arnebeck answered:

To which Akins replied:

Two years ago, Brandon Hetzler (Kron and Rickson black belt( had told the JJGF and Rickson Gracie about Arnebeck’s past but nothing happened. He wrote on his Facebook:

Sadly Rickson knew about this incident for years. In fact, I personally sent Rickson and Tony Pacenski (who was running the JJGF) emails regarding David Arnebeck two years ago. I tried to do this in a private manner and I sent them the articles and the facts. They both said nothing was gonna be done about it. I then called Rickson Personally and explained it to him. Rickson said he already talked to David and he beileives him and he wasn’t going to do anything about it. At that point I asked to be removed from the JJGF as I wanted no part of that. Then recently I saw the picture of David Arnebeck doing a private lesson with Rickson at his house. This really upset me and I knew that I needed to bring this to the public.
I hope that Rickson just talked with David and believed him without checking the facts.
I hope that if Rickson sees the actual facts he will do what is right.
Maybe the BJJ community as a whole can come together and help Rickson to see the seriousness of this matter.

Rickson still hasn’t made a statement and his instgram profile is deleting all negative comments.

Ty Gay, a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Ryron and Rener Gracie made a video calling out Rickson directly for supporting Arnebeck:

“Rickson! Why don’t you answer me? It’s hard for a “God” to bestow their greatness upon us when he sets himself so high upon there…I got an idea. How about you come on down from there for a second and let’s have an adult conversation about this and let’s not ever allow people that have been convicted of prostitution or touching kids, around the mat. Can we just do that? Is that too much to ask? You couldn’t pay me enough to let that dude walk in my house. If all these court documents are true… What are you doing? Please rebuttal this Rickson. Please set me straight because I am crushed and right now, you seem like a fraud. And this David guy, shame on you…