Adam Benayoun

Early Life and Introduction to Martial Arts

Adam Benayoun was born on July 19, 1990, in New York City, USA. His first exposure to martial arts came at age 7 through an after-school karate class, though this initial experience did not deeply resonate with him. Instead, Benayoun gravitated toward athletics, excelling as a regional-level track and field athlete during middle school. His athletic foundation ultimately paved the way for his introduction to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2008.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training and Belt Progression

Benayoun began his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey in 2008 at Alliance NYC, training under renowned instructors Fábio Clemente, Lucas Lepri, and Babs Olusanmokun. After earning his purple belt from Lepri, Benayoun transitioned to the nearby Marcelo Garcia Academy (MGA), where he received his brown belt from Marcelo Garcia. On December 20, 2017, he was awarded his black belt by Ryan Hall, becoming only the fourth individual to achieve this prestigious rank under Hall.

Competition Style and Technical Influences

Submission-Oriented Open Guard

Adam Benayoun is widely recognized for his dynamic, submission-focused open guard, particularly his adept use of inverted guard techniques. His technical style is heavily influenced by Ryan Hall, whose innovative guard approach Benayoun adopted early in his career as a blue belt. Known for emphasizing fundamental concepts, Benayoun advocates simplifying complex positions—a philosophy clearly reflected in both his competitive performances and instructional methods.

Transition from Competitor to Coach

Benayoun has effectively transitioned from accomplished competitor to respected coach, maintaining an active presence in high-level tournaments alongside his coaching responsibilities. His gold medal victory at the 2024 IBJJF Miami Open underscores his continued relevance and competitive skill. Balancing competition and coaching allows Benayoun to integrate fresh, battle-tested techniques directly into his instruction, significantly benefiting his students.

Founding of Black Cat Jiu Jitsu Academy

In 2022, Adam Benayoun founded Black Cat Jiu Jitsu in Springfield, Virginia, establishing the first affiliate academy of 50/50 Jiu-Jitsu, led by Ryan Hall. As head coach and owner, Benayoun has cultivated a welcoming, student-centered training environment closely aligned with Hall’s teaching methodology and lineage. The academy is recognized for its inclusive atmosphere and emphasis on clear, effective instruction.

Teaching Philosophy: Simplicity and Clarity

Highly regarded for his instructional abilities, Benayoun emphasizes simplicity and clarity in teaching. He prioritizes mastery of fundamental techniques and stresses understanding the underlying principles behind each move. At Black Cat Jiu Jitsu, Benayoun excels at translating intricate techniques into accessible lessons, avoiding unnecessary jargon, and providing concise explanations. He extends his instructional reach globally through content produced with Digitsu and regularly conducts seminars to share his expertise.

Mentorship Under Elite Grapplers

Throughout his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu career, Benayoun has trained extensively under elite grapplers such as Lucas Lepri, Marcelo Garcia, and Ryan Hall. He frequently credits this mentorship for his significant technical growth and competitive achievements. As a coach and seminar instructor, Benayoun actively carries forward the philosophies and techniques of these influential mentors, passing their knowledge to new generations of practitioners.