ADAM BENAYOUN
JIU JITSU BLACK BELT
ABOUT
Adam was born and raised in NYC and began training in 2008 under Lucas Lepri, Fabio Clemente and Babs Olusanmokun. Being a skinny high school student at the time, Adam became enamored by the idea of technique being superior to strength and began competing early and often to put the jiu jitsu he was learning to the test. After receiving his blue and purple belts, Adam accepted a teaching position at an academy in Hawaii where his love of sharing the martial arts with others began to develop.
Upon returning to New York, Adam began training under the legendary Marcelo Garcia where he earned his brown belt. During his time at MGA, Adam won multiple international titles including the Pan American, European and New York Pro championships.
While training full time, Adam instructed Jiu-Jitsu at Evolution Muay Thai where he further honed his teaching skills, doing his utmost to assist his students in achieving their martial arts goals. In 2017 Adam moved to Virginia to train with Ryan Hall at Fifty/50 Martial Arts Academy and to pursue his dream of reaching the next level. Adam is the 4th person to receive a Black Belt from UFC standout and American born Jiu Jitsu legend Ryan Hall.
As a black belt, Adam has developed into both a detailed instructor and world class competitor at the international level. Adam's varied experience and passion for helping others make him a fantastic guide for beginner and advanced students alike. Apart from teaching and competing in Jiu Jitsu, Adam has become a valuable resource as an MMA corner having cornered bouts in the UFC, ONE FC, FURY FC and more.
Currently Adam is the head instructor and owner of Black Cat Jiu Jitsu in Springfield, Va.
ACCOLADES
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Polaris Squads Champion (team USA)
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IBJJF Miami Open Champion (2024 black)
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IBJJF NO GI World 3rd Place(2023 black M1)
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IBJJF NO GI PAN 2nd Place(2022 black)
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IBJJF New Orleans Open Champion (2022 black)
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IBJJF Austin Open Absolute Champion (2022 black)
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IBJJF Tennesse Open Champion (2021 black)
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IBJJF Orlando Open Champion (2021 black)
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IBJJF Oklahoma City Open Champion (2020 black)
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IBJJF Atlanta Open 2nd Place (2020 black)
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IBJJF Denver Open Champion (2019 black)
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UAEJJF Canada Pro Champion (2015/2018/2019 black)
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UAEJJF NY Continental Pro 2nd Place (2019 black)
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IBJJF New York Spring Int. Open Champion (2018 black)
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Emerald City Invitational 155 lb Tournament Finalist
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3rd Coast Grappling 155 lb Champion
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IBJJF Charlotte Int. Open Champion (2017 brown)
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IBJJF New York Spring Int. Open Champion (2015, 2017) brown
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IBJJF Pan American Champion (2016 brown)
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IBJJF European Champion (2016 brown)
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IBJJF Pan American 3rd Place (2015 brown, 2011 blue)
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UAEJJF Abu Dhabi World Pro 2nd Place (2015 brown)
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IBJJF New York BJJ Pro Champion (2015 brown, 2014 purple)
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IBJJF Boston Summer Int. Open Champion (2015 brown, 2012 purple)
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IBJJF New York Summer Int. Open Champion (2014 brown)
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IBJJF Pan No-Gi Champion (2014 purple)
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IBJJF Pans No-Gi Championship 2nd Place (2010 blue)
BLACK CAT
Black Cat Jiu Jitsu was founded by Adam Benayoun in 2022 and is a martial arts academy dedicated to teaching Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to students of all ages and skill levels. Since its founding, the school has become a cornerstone of the local community, offering high-quality instruction in a welcoming and
inclusive environment. Our mission is to empower individuals through martial arts,
fostering discipline, confidence, and personal growth. For more information on how to train at Black Cat visit www.blackcatjiujitsu.com
COACHING
Adam Benayoun has been coaching Jiu Jitsu for well over a decade and is highly sought after for both his in person coaching and online courses. If you're interested in working with Adam whether it be seminars, private lessons or online coaching you've come to the right place.
TESTIMONIALS
“Adam Benayoun is a world class black belt and fantastic Jiu-Jitsu mind with a wealth of competitive experience and success. In addition to his competitive exploits, Adam has honed his abilities as a technician and instructor over more than a decade spent learning daily under and alongside some of the greatest athletes and coaches in our sport. I feel fortunate to have the benefit of his insight in my own training and I am certain that, regardless of level, he can help you, too.”
RYAN HALL / JIU JITSU BLACK BELT
"I met Adam when I returned to Jiu Jitsu following a seven year hiatus. He has been my mentor and instructor ever since. Adam is not only an incredibly talented black belt, but a great teacher. He has the unique ability to teach to all levels, explaining the specific details of each technique in a simple easy to follow manner. He also helps to ensure his students gain a greater understanding of where these techniques fit into the larger picture. It has truly been an honor and privilege to study under his tutelage."
RORY SPIEGEL / JIU JITSU BLACK BELT
"Adam is probably my favorite guy to have in my corner for a big match. He is always clear and concise with his instructions and he always gives off a sense of calm, regardless of the situation, and in turn I’m always able to stay level headed because of this. More importantly though, Adam is always someone I feel comfortable around both on and off the mat, and is someone that is always open to giving advice and sharing his vast knowledge of the sport. His good attitude, ability to help others and of course, his technique make him an incredible instructor and mentor to be led by."
GIANNI GRIPPO / JIU JITSU BLACK BELT
SPONSORS
