Henry Akins is Jiu Jitsu master instructor, the third American to receive a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt from legendary fighter Rickson Gracie. He is a notable Vegan Athlete and former trainer of star Ronda Rousey, in addition to many other notable past and current students. He is currently an instructor and co-owner at Dynamix MMA in Los Angeles, California.

Akins grew up in Oklahoma, where he witnessed many fights in which trained wrestlers dominated their peers, instilling in him the desire to find a martial art which used the ground. Henry’s step-father introduced him to Thai Boxing at an early age, which was followed with training in Taekwondo. Akins left his home in Oklahoma the mid 1990s to seek out Rickson Gracie in West Los Angeles, and began training under Gracie in 1995 while also working as the academy’s secretary. Akins was awarded the level of black belt in 2004, when, during a training session, Gracie paused, walked over and picked up a belt which he then handed to Akins. Akins credits Kung Fu Theater and Bruce Lee as childhood inspirations.

Akins trained under Rickson Gracie from 1995 until 2010. After starting as the secretary in 1995 and eventually teaching, Akins became the head instructor or “Professor” at the Rickson Gracie Academy from 2005 to 2008 before resigning due to a back injury. He opened his own school, Dynamix Martial Arts, in 2011, where he is the head instructor in West Los Angeles, California, and teaches alongside former students Antoni Hardonk and Vladimir Matyushenko.

Akins has been the primary instructor of many notable career MMA athletes, including Antoni Hardonk, Kamal Shalorus, Ronda Rousey, Vladimir Matyushenko, Jared Hamman, Stefan Struve, and Kron Gracie, whom he trained through brown belt.

Akins notes that Jiu-jitsu was developed for practical street fighting with an emphasis on taking an opponent to the ground for one-on-one submissions, and then formed the basis for MMA style fighting. Known as “the Jiu-Jutsu Super Computer,” Akins is the foremost authority on invisible or “hidden” jiu-jutsu, a means by which methodical body posturing and key leverage points during grappling inflicts a maximum amount of pain. This is the style practiced by Akins teacher, Rickson Gracie, and was the form envisioned by the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jutsu, Hélio Gracie.

Akins was recently interviewed by Chuck Rylant where he discussed many subjects from early days at Rickson’s academy, to opening his own academy. Akins views Jiu-Jitsu as a form of meditation for dealing with personal problems.

Jiu-Jitsu has provided Henry with more than the ability to defend himself. He said confidence is the most common side effect of training, but confidence is a big part of feeling good about yourself.

“Jiu-Jitsu has been such an amazing spiritual journey. I’ve developed a much better understanding of myself and it has taught me self-love.”

Henry explained that what you learn in Jiu-Jitsu transcends into life and offers a perspective to live by. When you struggle on the mat you learn to overcome hardship.

“You learn that you’re going to make mistakes and you’re going to tap, but you’re not going to die,” Henry said. “You learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations and that you can get through it.”

People develop confidence through Jiu-Jitsu from the obvious ways – being able to defend yourself and losing weight – but friendship is another important aspect.

“It has created so many amazing relationships. For the most part, I’ve met all my close friends through Jiu-Jitsu.”

Henry added that self-assurance makes you more attractive to the opposite sex, but he cautioned that confidence comes from more than just feeling like the alpha in the room. Confidence also comes when you no longer need validation from others to feel good about yourself.

“It’s complicated,” Henry elaborated, “because confidence is about how you perceive yourself, but that can sometimes be influenced by how others perceive you.”

“When I was younger, people’s opinions had more effect on me,” Henry said. “Now that I’m older, I’ve learned that people will always have their own view of me. Many times it comes from their own life and it really has nothing to do with me.”

Henry explained that no matter what you do, there will always be haters, and the more successful you are, the more critics you will acquire.

“I never try to offend anyone, but if someone doesn’t like me, that’s on them,” Henry said. “At the end of the day I like myself and I’m not here to get you to like me.”

Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents

💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win? 💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers? It’s not your age. It’s your strategy. If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you. 🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:

Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu

Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.

Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.