About Head Instructor-Brad Hatcher
Mr. Brad Hatcher has been training in Martial Arts since 1978. His training began with Isshinryu Karate(an Okinawan style) in which he has trained constant since. Mr Hatcher currently holds the Rank of 8th degree Black belt(Red/White belt) In isshinryu Karate. As well Soke and 10th dan in Tatsuo Goshin Ju-Jutsu
Mr. Hatcher was always interested in learning different styles of fighting, he also trained in Judo Do ,earning a 1st degree black belt in this style.
In the early 1990's he become interested in Grappling styles and studied Aikido and Small circle Ju-Jitsu. Later turning to the Study of Judo and Small Circle Ju-Jitsu under the tutelage of Sensei Robert Stines.
He was introduced to the Gracie Style by his friend via video tapes and started to practice the techniques(this was prior UFC 1). In 1993 he become a student of Master Rickson Gracie and trained extensively with Rickson at his Academy in CA. During this time he trained with Many of the Gracie family members such as Relson, Royce, Royler, Rorion, Ralf, Cesar and Renzo Gracie. As well as other notables such as Pedro Sauer, Luis Heredia, Chris Saunders, Dave Terry and David Kama.
In 1995 after earning his Blue belt(1st stripe) from Rickson, He was asked to be a Representative of the 1st Rickson Gracie American Jiu-Jitsu Assoc.(later becoming the Rickson Gracie International Jiu-Jitsu Assoc.)
Mr. Hatcher hosted the 1st Gracie Jiu-Jitsu seminar in the State of Tenn, with Black belt Pedro Sauer. He met Luiz Palhares(5th degree black belt) in Rickson's garage in CA during a private lesson, Luiz and him became friends and Mr. Hatcher would sit in on the children's classes at Rickson's Academy in Pacific Palisades. Luiz was at the time a instructor at Rickson's Academy and a 5th degree and a legend in Brazil.
So happen, Luiz Palhares would move to Nashville, TN around 2001-2002. Holding the rank of Brown belt under Rickson and Chris Saunders. Mr Hatcher would start training with Luiz Palhares as he was a little more then two hours away.
Mr. Hatcher would become the very 1st affiliate of the Luiz Palhares Jiu-Jitsu Assoc.
In 2003 Mr. Hatcher would become the 1st American Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black belt in the State of Tenn, as well Luiz Palhares 1st American Black belt.
Today Mr Hatcher holds the Rank of 5th degree black belt in Gracie Jiu-jitsu and is directly under GrandMaster Rickson Gracie. Mr. Hatcher teaches the original Gracie system of defense, teaching all aspects of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, self defense, ground fighting, throws and weapons retention.
