“I dropped dead while training at my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy on June 17, 2009” ~ Larry Shealy
Larry Shealy is a survivor and speaker who has overcome abuse, divorce, job loss, and multiple life-threatening medical crises: A crippling disability, SCA-Sudden Cardiac Arrest, and Septic with MRSA.
With his quiet faith, relentless optimism and determination, he helps others discover hope in the hardest chapters in their life. His message: “I have been there. time and time again, and every setback I have had has become a stepping stone to a higher purpose in life….so…no matter what the circumstance may be, put your game face on and..... NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE UP!
Larry Shealy - The Resilient One
Christian family man, 4th Degree BJJ Black Belt Academy owner/instructor…who helps people rebuild identity, faith and strength, after life knocks them to their knees.
Larry Shealy
4th Degree Black Belt
Professor Larry Shealy is a dedicated martial artist and the lead instructor at Hendo BJJ. With a journey that began in November 1994 at a Rickson Gracie Seminar in Jacksonville, FL, Larry has devoted his life to mastering and teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He is a 4th degree Rigan Machado black belt and a certified Rigan Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor. Larry's teaching extends beyond the traditional scope of BJJ. He has shared his knowledge with the military, including the Marines, Army, and Navy, as well as local police and the S.W.A.T. team in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Alongside his wife Gail, he has trained hundreds of women in self-defense tactics, empowering them to take control of their safety and well-being. After successfully running a BJJ Academy in Neptune Beach, FL since 2001, Larry moved with his family to Hendersonville, North Carolina in the fall of 2019. He is now the owner and main instructor at Hendo BJJ, which opened in December 2021. Larry is a taskmaster on safety and proper jiu-jitsu technique, known for his passion for training and his love for his students.
