Mark has trained jiu jitsu since 1996, as one of the first students at the original Renzo Gracie Academy in New York City. He received his 5th-degree black belt from Renzo Gracie at Team Renzo Gracie's 30th anniversary.
He is the highest-ranking American-born Renzo Gracie black belt in Connecticut. He also trained extensively with John Danaher, the coach behind many of the most notable names in MMA and grappling.
Over three decades he has worked with five UFC Hall of Fame fighters and champions, including Georges St-Pierre, Chris Weidman, Frankie Edgar and Matt Serra, along with jiu jitsu champions Roger Gracie and Gordon Ryan.
He still trains at Renzo Gracie Academy NYC to keep his own teaching sharp.
Mark is also Executive Producer of Reality Fighting at Mohegan Sun and co-founder of the Lions Youth Foundation, which brings jiu jitsu into high schools.
Carlos. Renzo. Milford.
- Carlos GracieFounder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Renzo GracieGrandson of Carlos Gracie. MMA pioneer. Team Renzo Gracie spans 20 countries and more than 300 academies.
- Professor Mark CerroneOne of Renzo's first American students. Training since 1996.
“My friend Mark opened up a school in Connecticut. If you want to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, that's the place to be.”
Georges St-Pierre, two-division UFC championTrain with Mark
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