Meet our Owners

Brea Ellwanger is a 2nd-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, multiple-time world champion, Pan-American, and European champion. She co-owns and operates Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu alongside her husband, Rafael Ellwanger da Silva, leading the academy’s women’s program, GEMS. Beyond the mats, Brea is a top-level barrel racer, competing in elite events such as the Ruby Buckle and Pink Buckle. She also owns Ace Tack, a horse apparel brand, and manages BR Ranch, where she raises and trains performance Quarter Horses.

Rafael Ellwanger is a 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, world champion, and founder of Gracie United Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which operates 32 locations across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. A former #1-ranked competitor in the world, Rafael has coached 18 world champions and UFC fighters, including full fight camps. Alongside his wife, Brea Ellwanger — also a world champion black belt — he runs successful academies, hosts international training camps, organizes competitions, and manages BR Ranch, where they raise and train performance Quarter Horses.