Our Story
Sharpen Iron Academy “SIA” follows a martial arts family tradition started in 1925 by Carlos Gracie, and Hélio Gracie, the founders of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). SIA owners partner with instrumental members across the Worldwide BJJ network to stay close to the roots of this unique martial art. We employ only the best instructors, world-recognized athletes and champions to promote the art.
We have held world class seminars by Gracie family members such as Roger Gracie, Renzo Gracie, Rillion Gracie, along with other known practitioners such as Nick Diaz, Roberto Godoi, and Rodrigo Clark. These enhance learning and keep traditions even closer with one-on-one training and Q&A. SIA Plano location has been named “Best Gym for Men” two years in a row, in Plano, Texas. We pride ourselves in being a close knit family of families. We welcome everyone to become a part of our tradition of a healthy lifestyle, with the most efficient self defense system at its center.
Our Approach & Values
SIA’s name comes from Proverbs: ‘as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another’. We believe everyone has the ability to each day craft their own future, and ‘sharpen themselves’ thru interactions with others into better people. Some days we may be the nail, other days we are the hammer for each other. Not against each other. There’s a fire inside our SIA family that passionately burns for the commitment to transform lives. Everyone in our gym has been impacted in incredible ways we can hardly explain. Whether its due to an extreme lifestyle change, new relationships, using self-defense in a real life situations, medications no longer needed for treatment, or the numerous other things we hear; We’re in the business of changing lives on a daily basis…but we believe we also are better because of our students, and what we learn from them, as we do life, together.
Our Mission Statement
To reach as many people as we can, using Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a means to change lives for the better.
Competition Team Achievements
- Jiu Jitsu World League 2019 // Global Team of the Year
- Jiu Jitsu World League 2018 // Team of the Year
- IBJJF Worlds 2018 // Master 5 Blue Belt – Champion
- IBJJF Pan 2018 // Master 5 Blue Belt – 2nd Place
- IBJJF Worlds 2022 //Adult No Gi 3rd Place
Notable Awards & Qualifications
- Voted ‘Best Gym for Men’ in Plano // 2016
- Named ‘Best Gym for Men’ in Plano //2017
Professional Athlete – Black Belt
Henrique Rossi
Professor Henrique was a crazy kid getting in trouble for his ADHD all the time, and started training as a way to let it all out. He understands the many struggles of having wild kids. He loves teaching others how to focus energy on what’s important, and specializes in ‘crazy’.
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