Brock Francis

Brock’s introduction to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu came through the kids’ Bullyproof program while living in Charleston, SC in 2017. After doing some research on various BJJ programs, he decided that he wanted his two young girls to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu because of its reputation for being professional, structured, safe, effective and focused on self-defense. Unable to find a Gracie Certified Training Center nearby, he enrolled his daughters in GU’s online program and began training them at home, using GU’s virtual instruction videos. The three of them fell in love with the GJJ system together and the experience sparked an interest in Brock to begin his own jiu-jitsu journey. After moving to Maryland in 2019, he enrolled at the closest GU CTC he could find, which happened to be in Leesburg, Virginia, where he began training under black belt Marco Moreno.

After earning his blue belt, Brock enrolled in GU’s Instructor Certification Program and began teaching as an Assistant Instructor for Marco. At the beginning of 2022, a CTC opened nearby in Frederick (HanMi Martial Arts/GJJ Frederick), so he made the decision to move to that location to continue his training and teaching. In July of 2024, HanMi/GJJ Frederick closed its doors, and Brock opened Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Frederick, just a few months later.

In addition to keeping his daughters on the mats, Brock was also able to introduce his wife, Julie, to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and helped her earn her Combatives Belt back in 2021. Brock is grateful for the opportunity to share this incredible martial art with his family members and the community here in Frederick!