Capital MMA & Elite Fitness founder, Jeremy Lafreniere, became a student of Royce Gracie in 1997. Since opening Capital in 2001 in Alexandria, VA, Jeremy has invited Royce to teach Gracie Jiu-Jitsu seminars to members and friends on dozens of occasions. Every time Royce visits the Washington DC area, his experience, knowledge and insights are greatly appreciated by both seasoned practitioners and those brand new to the gentle art.

Royce first taught the kids class at the Alexandria, VA location, and the coaches were immediately amazed by how every child was fully engaged in the seminar — yet Royce didn’t speak a word for the first 15 minutes! After that he continued to keep the kids captivated, teaching them proven self-defense techniques and incorporating mastery drills. The kids learned a lot, and everyone present was entertained by Royce’s rapport with Capital’s youngest members.

Next, Royce taught Alexandria’s adult students. It was a menu of self-defense, throws, and grappling techniques. When the seminar concluded it was pictures and autographs, plus an impromptu free private class to several Washington DC police officers after telling Royce about recent encounters.

On Sunday Royce taught seminars to kids and adults at the Takoma, MD location.

Royce was also featured on the Fight Philosophy Podcast, so stay tuned to learn more about this living legend in an upcoming episode!

Shoutout to Musa Visual Media, LLC for the amazing pictures!