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Los Angeles Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai, Kettlebells - Renzo Gracie LA / 5 Star Martial Arts

Posted on Nov 26, 2009 Last Updated Jan 26, 2012 Posted by administrator

5 Reasons You'll Love 5 Star

1World Class Instruction. Our head instructors Shawn Williams and John Spezzano taught for many years at the world famous Renzo Gracie and Dan Inosanto academies, respectively. With backgrounds in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, collegiate wrestling, Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do and more, we pride ourselves in offering a depth of instruction you won't find anywhere else.

2Safe Environment. At 5 Star, we treat each other like family. We reinforce an attitude of smart, injury-free training so you can get the most out of your time here and continually progress as a martial artist.

3Fun & Fitness. Why run 5 miles when you can burn up to 500 calories in a single grappling or kickboxing workout? Our unique blend of calisthenics, high-intensity drills and live sparring will get you into fighting shape in no time.

4Self Defense. On the street, anything can happen. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai are proven to be two of the most street-effective martial arts in the world, regardless of your size and strength.

5Competitive Training. If you're serious about putting your skills to the test, you won't be disappointed. We train for competition year-round, and our team members have taken home gold from highly prestigious grappling tournaments like the BJJ World Championships, Best of the West and more.

5 Star Martial Arts for Kids

We recently began offering a Kids program for the aspiring martial artist aged 3 1/2 to 15. Martial arts are a wonderful way to teach children discipline and respect while developing their self esteem and physical fitness. Schedule a free lesson below and we'll work with you to develop the right program for your child.

What People Are Saying

"I've learned more with Kru John over the past year than I have in many years of martial arts training. He's the epitome of a professional instructor - talented martial artist, brilliant teacher, and patient with his students."
- Ben Cohen, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai
"I love the attitude and team mentality we have here. Everyone is hard-working, respectful and willing to help each other out. And of course, Shawn and John are two of the most talented and friendly martial arts instructors you'll ever meet."
- Jeff Kuo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
"Shawn Williams has an uncanny ability to explain complex techniques in simple terms, all while maintaining a smile and cracking jokes. Under his instruction, I've seen beginners and advanced students excel more than they thought they could - I know I have."
- Austin Mao, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai
"5 Star Martial Arts is a great place to learn about yourself. The level of care and detail in the instruction is unparalleled. They also bring in great people which makes training all the more fun!"
- Christina Kim, BJJ and Muay Thai
"The Thai Fit class is my favorite as Kru John pushes your technique and stamina to its limits. The 45 minute pace is a challenging yet fun one, since I've started this class my cardio stamina has increased many times over. This class is a great way to get in shape!"
-Galen Szeto, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai
"Having participated in many Muay Thai programs, I can confidently say that I've never experienced a program so complete. The concern Kru John has for his Muay Thai students is exceptional, and he will guide you on your path whatever your goals are."
- Will Shimerman, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai

5 Star Instructors
Shawn Williams is a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Renzo Gracie, and was an instructor at the Renzo Gracie Academy in New York for several years. His grappling career achievements include medalling at prestigious grappling events such as Grapplers Quest, the Pan Ams and the ADCC trials, as well as working with MMA greats such as Rodrigo Gracie, Matt Serra and Georges St. Pierre. Shawn was also an assistant coach for Team Georges St. Pierre on Season 12 of the Spike TV show The Ultimate Fighter.
Shawn is the owner of Five Star Martial Arts serving the Mid-City, Miracle Mile, Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, downtown and Korea Town neighborhoods of Los Angeles.
John Spezzano is a certified instructor of several martial arts including Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, French Savate, Filipino Martial Arts, Silat and Wing Chun. He was an instructor at the Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts for 14 years and teaches defensive tactics to military and law enforcement organizations around the world, as as well as self-defense to the civilian community.
John is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Professor Shawn Williams, and an RKC certified Kettlebell instructor under Pavel Tsatsouline. John has written numerous articles for martial arts magazines in the US and abroad and is the author of The Martial Arts / Kettlebell Connection published by Black Belt Magazine.
John heads up the Muay Thai and Kettlebell programs for Five Star Martial Arts.
Clarrel Pope has been practicing martial arts since he was 5 years old and teaching since he was 15. His teaching experience includes Muay Thai, Capoeira, Filipino Martial Arts, Shotokan, and Jeet Kune Do. He is now the Kids Head Instructor for 5 Star Martial Arts, and also teaches at UCLA and local schools in the Hancock Park area. He is ready to teach the kids the respect he has learned in his 26 years of martial arts to make their mind, body and spirit strong!
"In the past few years I have trained under Shawn, I have seen in him a genuine passion for the art of jiu-jitsu and a need to constantly learn, improve and strive for perfection. Many students develop similar attitudes. To me, this type of constant inspiration creates for an ideal environment for a BJJ school." - Steve Chung, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt
"I've trained at a handful of gyms in LA and have had the best experience by far at 5 Star. Kru John Spezzano is an excellent instructor, and really gives each student the amount of personal attention they need to reach their goals." - Josh Karchmer, Muay Thai student
"My 5 year old son had his free intro class this morning at 5 stars and loved it. The kids instructor, Clarrel is outstanding. Not only is my son learning self defense, jiujitsu and kickboxing, he's also learning discipline and respect. If any of you have kids, I highly recommend trying the class." - Robert Chu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt

5 Star Programs
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Discover the art of chokes and joint-locks! Originated in Japan and honed to perfection by the legendary Gracie family in Brazil, the self-defense system now known as BJJ has become synonymous with "martial arts that actually work."
At 5 Star, we offer beginner and advanced lessons with and without the Gi (the traditional training uniform), as well as special Judo and Wrestling takedown classes.
Click here to schedule a free Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lesson.
Kids ProgramMartial arts training is a fun and exciting way to develop a child's discipline, self-esteem and physical fitness. Our goal is to teach kids practical self-defense while instilling in them the values of respect, non-violence and personal development.
Click here to schedule a free Kids lesson for your child (ages 3 1/2 -15).
Muay Thai Incorporating punches, kicks, elbows and knees, the devastating power and effectiveness of Muay Thai has made it the de-facto striking system in the mixed martial arts (MMA), as well as a popular favorite among fitness enthusiasts.
In our Muay Thai program, you'll learn proper striking technique, movement, clinch work and defense. Our rigorous pad drills and conditioning exercises are not for the faint of heart!
Click here to schedule a free Muay Thai lesson.
Kettlebells The kettlebell is an incredibly versatile device that can be used to improve your strength, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning. They're an excellent way to help anyone gain and maintain a high level of overall fitness, martial artists in particular!
Click here to sign up for a free Kettlebell Fitness lesson.

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