Description

American BJJ and MMA coach; founder of Straight Blast Gym International.

Teachers (2)

• person
  Chris Haueter

  swordsBrazilian jiu-jitsu Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Thornton's own statement; Haueter's academy and Haueter's own words agree

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  (1993)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Thornton's own statement; Haueter's academy and Haueter's own words agree

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “I received my black belt in 2001 from my coach, Chris Haueter.”

  — BJJEE. (2021-03-10). Black Belt Explains What Receiving His Fifth Degree Means To Him. BJJ Eastern Europe (BJJEE)link history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “He met his main coach, Chris Haueter in that same year.”

  — (2019-01-26). About Matt Thorntonlink history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  ““My first black belt, Matt Thornton, is among the best coaches and innovative thinkers currently bound to earth.” – Chris Haueter”

  — (2019-01-26). About Matt Thorntonlink history info
• 
  Rickson Gracie

  swordsBrazilian jiu-jitsu Probable

  Probable

  Blue belt from Rickson stated by Thornton's academy and BJJ Heroes; no account from Rickson

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Blue belt from Rickson stated by Thornton's academy and BJJ Heroes; no account from Rickson

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “In 1993 Matt received his blue belt from the legendary Rickson Gracie.”

  — (2019-01-26). About Matt Thorntonlink history info

  “it was he who promoted the young American to blue belt in 1993.”

  — BJJ Heroes. (2021-01-03). Matt Thornton. BJJ Heroes link history info

Lineage

• Brazilian jiu-jitsuChris Haueter ← Rigan Machado ← Carlos Gracie Jr. ← Rolls Gracie ← Carlson Gracie ← Carlos Gracie · 6 generations

Ranks (1)

• swordsBrazilian jiu-jitsu

  receipt_longBlack belt Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Thornton's own statement; Haueter's academy agrees

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  BJJ Ranking System (2001)

  granted by Chris Haueter

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Thornton's own statement; Haueter's academy agrees

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “I received my black belt in 2001 from my coach, Chris Haueter.”

  — BJJEE. (2021-03-10). Black Belt Explains What Receiving His Fifth Degree Means To Him. BJJ Eastern Europe (BJJEE)link history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Matt Thornton received his black belt from his coach Chris Haueter in 2001.”

  — Matt Thorntonlink history info

Students (2)

• 
  Gunnar Nelson

  swordsBrazilian jiu-jitsu Probable

  Probable

  Nelson's own site only

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  (2006–2007)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  Nelson's own site only

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Gunnar got his BJJ blue belt in April 2006 and purple belt in June 2007, both under Matt Thornton SBGi (with some great help by John Kavanagh and Karl Tanswell).”

  — (2009-09-30). Gunnar a black belt under Renzo link history info
• 
  John Kavanagh

  swordsBrazilian jiu-jitsu Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Kavanagh's own statement; Thornton's academy names him among Thornton's black belts

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Kavanagh's own statement; Thornton's academy names him among Thornton's black belts

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “I was VERY lucky to meet Matt Thornton at a strip club in SA at a pivotal point in my life…which led me to where i am.”

  — BJJEE. (2020-01-19). Meet John Kavanagh, Pioneer Of BJJ in Ireland & Conor McGregor’s Coach. BJJ Eastern Europe (BJJEE) link history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “As a coach he has awarded fifteen of his own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belts. That list includes famed UFC coach and the father of MMA in Ireland, John Kavanagh.”

  — (2019-01-26). About Matt Thorntonlink history info

Sources

Identifiers