Coach Clifton is a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Professor Thiago Reinaldo. His love for traditional martial arts began as a kid when he started taking karate. The foundation laid during those childhood years made him a lifelong fan of both martial arts and combat sports in general. He tried different sports and other gyms as an aduIt, but never found anything that truly clicked. It wasn’t until he bought his home in Stafford in 2019 and saw the Gracie Barra sign while driving past that he thought about starting that lifelong journey. Eventually he took his first class at GB, began training every day, and hasn’t looked back since.  

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not just a sport or a hobby; it is a lifestyle. Coach Clifton believes that part of the lifestyle is helping those around you by sharing the art of jiu-jitsu with them. Around June 2023, Coach Clifton completed his ICP coaching certification and began assisting in the kids’ Little Champions 1 classes.  After a few months, he began assisting, and occasionally teaching the 6am GB1 Fundamentals classes.  And, as his experience in coaching grows, so too does his love for jiu-jitsu.  

About 5 months after beginning his jiu-jitsu journey, Coach Clifton began representing the academy in competitions. So far, he has competed in 15 competitions with 13 medals to show for it, including 6 gold, 5 silver, and 2 bronze medals.  

Coach Clifton’s notable accomplishments include: 

Blue:
🥇2021 IBJJF International Master North America
🥇🥈 2022 IBJJF Charleston International Open
🥉 2022 IBJJF Pan American Championship
🥈🥈2022 IBJJF Washington DC International Open 

White: 
🥈2021 IBJJF Charlotte International Open 
🥉2021 IBJJF Pan American Championship  

Lineage: Mitsuyo Maeda > Carlos Gracie > Reyson Gracie > Osvaldo Alves > Henrique Machado > Thiago Reinaldo > Clifton Barney