About Legion Academy

The First Gracie Black Belt School In The Myrtle Beach Area

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on efficiency of movement, and leverage, versus power and size of the opponent.

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu was brought to Brazil in the early 1900’s and modified by Helio Gracie to better fit his one hundred and twenty pound frame. He focused on the use of leverage and technique to overcome bigger and stronger opponents.

The US Secret Service, Navy Seals, and most other Special Forces units have recognized this art form as the most effective form of hand-to-hand combat.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective martial art for controlling and subduing an attacker. This has been proven in mixed martial arts, “MMA” competitions for years.

This art started to gain it’s fame in Northern America In 1993 with the emergence of Mixed Martial Arts competitions, namely the UFC. Royce Gracie dominated every martial artist that he confronted. At 176 pounds Royce defeated professional boxers, Tae Kwon Do masters, kickboxing and Karate masters as well as wrestlers. All of his opponents were larger in size, some weighing more than 260 pounds. Royce did not use power, and he rarely used punches. Superior technique is what he relied on to defeat his opponents.

Our classes focus on helping students understand how to maintaining a dominant position on an opponent using as little effort as possible and submitting an opponent with control.

Jiu Jitsu is an incredible workout that is fun, will make you lose weight, and get you in amazing shape!

Our school offers instruction in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Self-Defense, Wrestling, Muay Thai, Kickboxing. We are available for groups and private instruction.

About Shane Briggs

Gracie blackbelt | Jiu Jitsu Instructor | Gym Owner

In 1991 Shane Briggs began his training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu while stationed in the Republic of Korea while serving in the United States Army. He relocated from Monterey California to Myrtle Beach in 1994 to work as an ocean lifeguard. Shane was introduced to the Relson Gracie style of Jiu-Jitsu in 2000. He started teaching in 2002. Shane and his team have been competing in jiu jitsu since 2000 all over the east coast winning many titles. He also trained in Judo and Karate since childhood. Shane teaches classes and private lessons 6 days a week.