Filmmaker and lifelong martial artist Guy Ritchie has just earned his third degree on his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt – a major milestone awarded by Roger Gracie, on behalf of Renzo Gracie.
Under the IBJJF system, a third degree represents nine years of time spent as a black belt, on top of the decade (or more) it typically takes to earn the belt in the first place.
It’s one of the clearest markers of long-term dedication to the art.
Ritchie has been training BJJ since the early 2000s, already holding a black belt in Shotokan Karate before he stepped onto the mats.
His inspiration came from the iconic Rickson Gracie documentary Choke, which sparked a wave of new practitioners around the world.
He began his Jiu-Jitsu journey in London under Roger Gracie and Mauricio Gomes, though his rank has been issued through Renzo Gracie in recent years.
Roger presented the new stripe on the set of Season 2 of “Mobland”, the British crime series that Ritchie is directing.
And standing nearby was fellow Hollywood BJJ actor Tom Hardy, a purple belt who has been vocal about his own love for the sport!
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