Instructors of Gracie New Jersey Academy

Professor David Adiv - Black Belt 3rd Degree
RGDA Association Co Founder/ Head Instructor

  David Adiv was born and raised in Israel and his love for the Martial Arts developed early. He studied the art of Judo and went excel as a student, then a competitor, winning many international titles, and became a highly sought after Instructor.

   David moved to the United States and was sharing his knowledge of Martial Arts by teaching Judo. During this time period he had the fortunate opportunity to meet and train with Professor Rickson Gracie, who recognized Professor Adiv’s talents and abilities and arranged for him to get together with his brother, Professor Royler Gracie. David, the teacher now became an avid student. David studied directly under Royler and absorbed as much Jiu-Jitsu as he could. David realized the value and strength in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and moved to Brazil to further his understanding and knowledge of the art. While training with Royler, David had the opportunity to train with all of the great instructors, competitors and students associated with Gracie Humaita. This includes Grand Master Helio Gracie, Professor Rickson Gracie, Saulo Ribeiro and many more.

   David would split his time spending six months in the USA and six months in Brazil studying and teaching Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In 1995 his talent, hard work and abilities were recognized as he received the honor of being part of Royler Gracie’s training team, David had earned the honor of accompanying Royler and Rickson to Japan for Royler’s first Vale Tudo match. Ever since then, David has traveled the world as an integral part of the Royler’s training team. His knowledge and technique have allowed him to also become part of Professor Royler Gracie’s creative team and he is featured along with Professor Royler Gracie in two of his bestselling books: “BJJ Submission Grappling” and ‘Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Submission Essentials” (with Grand Master Helio Gracie).

On his own Professor David Adiv is an accomplished BJJ competitor. He has competed in many tournaments distinguishing himself with his technical and methodic style. At the “First Annual Rickson Gracie International Tournament” David not only brought home the Gold Medal but also won the award for most technical fighter. David has also competed and done well in the Pan-Ams and World Championships.

All Professor Adiv’s experiences have helped him to develop into and be recognized by many as one of the most technical Black Belts in the world. He is able to teach all aspects of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Self-defense, Sport Jiu-Jitsu, Submission Grappling and Vale Tudo (NHB). David is also highly sought after Instructor for Law Enforcement, the Military, Air Marshals and more. The RGDA Real Defensive Tactics System has been taught at Law Enforcement Departments at Federal, State and local levels.

David has also spearheaded the development of the Royler Gracie-David Adiv Jiu-Jitsu Team in the US. Through seminars, affiliated instructors and the annual Royler Gracie Championships, the organization has seen a tremendous increase in members in the past years. As a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and as Royler’s top representative in the United States, David carries on the tradition of the Gracie family.