Jeremy Akin (Founder)
“My life has been a crazy journey filled with some extraordinary people, incredible adventures, and hard-learned lessons. I began all of this hoping to learn how to fight so that one day I could defend myself and others. I thought there was some magic technique to overcoming anything. Little did I know, the things that allow us to overcome and endure tough times are only learned through struggle…“
Our Mission
At Profectus, we strive to create a culture of progress, passion, growth, and integrity through a thriving community aimed at bettering ourselves through the art of Jiu-jitsu. We know that most people sometimes feel uneasy due to a lack of confidence in their personal safety. At Profectus Jiu-jitsu, we help you develop the mental skills, problem-solving ability, functional movement, and mindset to calmly deal with difficult situations. This feeling of calm confidence allows you to be more patient, more forgiving, and more effective in dealing with all of life’s challenges.
The Profectus Lineage
Helio Gracie—The Godfather of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—was born on October 1st, 1913. He, along with his brothers, developed Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, also known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He began teaching Judo at age 16, and this led to him developing the classic Gracie family style of Jiu-Jitsu. He had a decorated professional fighting career, fighting Judoka, Wrestlers, & Boxers, and it was through his success that the art of Jiu-jitsu began to proliferate around Brazil. He was known to submit much larger and more athletic opponents.
Rolls Gracie was the son of Carlos Gracie, but was raised by his uncle Helio. He was a legendary teacher, leading to the development of “The Famous Five,” his first five black belts that were known for their incredible fighting skills. Rolls is called the “Father of Modern Jiu-jitsu,” as he continued the development of BJJ by incorporating freestyle, Greco-Roman, and Sambo techniques into the art. He tragically passed away in a hang-gliding accident in 1982.
Through the 80’s and 90’s, Rickson Gracie was considered to be one of the world’s greatest and toughest fighters, and he was inducted into the Legends of MMA Hall of Fame in 2014. He holds a professional MMA record of 11-0, and a professional Jiu-Jitsu record of 8-0, though he is alleged to have an amateur record of over 400-0. The only registered loss he had was in a Sambo tournament in 1993.
Master Luiz Palhares began in Rio de Janeiro in 1977 under Master Rolls Gracie. After Rolls’ untimely death, Luiz began training under his cousin and adopted brother, the legendary Rickson Gracie. In 1984, at the age of 25, Luiz was awarded his black belt by Helio and Rickson Gracie. He is a Brazilian National Division and Open Weight Champion, as well as a 3x Pan-American Champion. He was awarded his Red & White Belt in 2018 and is currently an 8th Degree Red & White Belt. Professor Jeremy Akin began to train with Luiz in 2003(?) and became the first American to go from white belt to black belt under Master Luiz.
