ABOUT | New Market Jiu Jitsu

Meet your Coach

Gabriel Retana is the owner and head instructor at Six Blades New Market. He earned his blackbelt from Xande Ribeiro on February 17, 2024. Gabriel started his training in 2015, after graduating with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Over the last decade Gabriel has continued to pursue education in movement through certifications in personal training and Budokon Mobility.

When embarking on your

Jiu-Jitsu journey, having the right instructor is crucial. Coach Gabe stands out as the best beginner-level and fundamentals teacher you could ask for, ensuring you have a long and successful path in this art.

Here's why:

Deep Knowledge and Understanding: Coach Gabe possesses an extensive understanding of Jiu-Jitsu, his deep knowledge ensures that beginners of all ages get a strong and comprehensive foundation.
Precision in Feedback: He provides specific, actionable feedback focusing on the individual needs of the student. This helps beginners understand not only what they need to improve on, it accelerates their learning process.
Patience and Persistence: Understanding that true skill development takes time, Coach Gabe models patience and persistence for his students, in his own practice as well as in his teaching.
Connection and Communication: He builds strong connections with his students, taking time to understand their individual learning styles and motivations and creating a supportive growth environment.
Inspiring and Motivating: Coach Gabe's passion for Jiu-Jitsu inspires his students to push their limits while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and a love of learning.
Attention to Detail: Coach Gabe understands attention to the small details makes a significant difference in each students progress. His meticulous approach lays the foundation for advanced learning and success in Jiu-Jitsu.

Choosing Coach Gabe as your instructor means you're setting yourself up for a long and successful Jiu-Jitsu journey. His expertise, dedication, and personalized approach make him the ideal guide for beginners of all ages, helping them build a strong foundation and a deep love for the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

About Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu

Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu was founded by the legendary brothers Saulo and Xande Ribeiro. Our lineage originates from the purest form of the Jiu-Jitsu art.

In the early 90s, the brothers Saulo and Xande Ribeiro began their martial art journey at the Associacao Monteiro de Jiu-Jitsu in Amazonas, Brazil, under the instruction of the Monteiro brothers. Who are, respectfully, students of legendary Royler and Rickson Gracie. During this initial experience, Saulo decided to relocate to Rio de Janeiro to train directly under Royler. Training with Royer, Saulo developed a strong relationship and studied under the world-famous "creator" of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Helio Gracie. In 1995, Royler honored Saulo with the coveted promotion of Black Belt. Likewise, Xande dedicated most of his time traveling to Rio de Janeiro to train with his older brother, Saulo and the Gracie Masters at the honorable Gracie Humaitá.

In 2001, Saulo awarded Xande his Black Belt. In 2002, the Ribeiro Brothers moved to the United States, where Xande was catapulted as a primary pioneer of the modern style of Sport Jiu-Jitsu in the country. He established himself as one of the most accomplished competitors in our sport and a globally renowned instructor. His prestigious accolades as a 5th degree Black Belt include 7-time Black Belt World Championships, ADCC Champion, and an IBJJF Hall of Fame inductee. Xande is the founder and active leader of Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu Association – with legions of students who operate affiliated academies throughout the world.