Lineage:
Mitsuyo Maeda –> Carlos Gracie Sr. –> Helio Gracie –> Carlos Gracie Junior –> Renzo Gracie –> Alex Henley

Along with being a seasoned instructor, referee, and commentator, Alex has traveled to and trained and/or competed in numerous other states and countries, including: (states) Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, New York, Texas, (countries) Canada, Colombia, England, France, Holland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and of course the United States.

Although BJJ competition doesn’t rank as high as everyday training or teaching for Alex, it’s a close second, so he competes often to keep his skills sharp and break out of his routine. Alex is a veteran of numerous IBJJF Opens, IBJJF Masters Worlds, Pans, Euros, F2W Pro, and many other smaller events.

Competition isn’t for everyone, but it does take you out of your comfort zone and gives you some real life experience in using your knowledge when under pressure – Invaluable if you’re ever in a real self-defense situation.

Competition Record:

Alex’s BJJ Beginings

Early on in my BJJ journey, I did not feel particularly gifted and I kept injuring myself (I was kind of a spaz). I was beginning to question if I was even cut out for BJJ… Was I tough enough? Could my body hold up? I may have even quit at that point had it not been for two factors.

1. I signed up for a year contract and didn’t want the hassle of getting out of it, and
2. I was lucky enough to have started my journey with my good friend, Eric, who pushed me to stick with it.

Shortly after, I was feeling like I belonged again and SO happy I stayed. And I highly recommend starting with a partner so you can learn together and keep each other excited. (PS. Eric and I have continued to come up through the ranks together and he also owns a gym in Taylor, TX.)