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RENE SOUSA

Rene is black belt under Zach Maslany of 10th Planet Bethlehem. Rene started training jiu jitsu at a Gracie Academy affiliate in Phillipsburg, New Jersey when he was in sixth grade. Within six months he was helping to run kids’ classes and was an assistant instructor in adult classes. After five years of diligent training and teaching, Rene earned the rank of blue belt at the age of 16. He had traveled to California as well to train at the infamous Gracie Academy in Torrance. The Gracies were very aligned with exactly what Rene felt jiu jitsu represented and he tried to soak in every detail he could during his time in California. A couple of months after receiving his blue belt, Rene was invited to train at 10th Planet Bethlehem, which had only recently opened. The first day that Rene rolled with Zach, JM and Grace he walked off his mat and told his father that is where he was wanted to train. The atmosphere and the scientific approach to the “arte sauve” that Zach and JM had told him everything he needed to know and from then on he trained at 10th Planet Bethlehem while finishing up high school and then going on to college. While in college he started the King’s College Jiu Jitsu Club to share his knowledge and make sure he continued to grow with his jiu jitsu, while wrestling at the D3 level and keeping his grades up. Rene currently teaches at 10th Planet Bethlehem, continuing to share his passion and energy for jiu jitsu with everyone he meets. Now he is looking to share his expertise with the students at 10th Planet Allentown. An avid competitor, Rene has thrown down on many big stages and has been featured on UFC Fight Pass in events such as the RISE Invitational. Rene also offers private lessons, so you can contact him directly if you’re interested in having him help you with your game.

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Notable Accomplishments Include:

  • 10th Planet Bethlehem Black Belt

  • Who’s Next Reality Show Contestant

  • Buggy Choke master

  • High Rollerz BJJ Finalist 2021 Brown/Black Belt Division

  • 2x FUJI BJJ Pro Champion

  • RISE Invitational Superfight winner

  • Former D3 Collegiate Wrestler

  • Finishers Open 2 - 185 lb second place winner

  • SAGC Endurance Format winner

  • SOGI Superfight winner

  • Multiple Time UGC Superfight winner

  • 2x NAGA Expert Champion