Breaking Barriers: Michelle Cassady Makes History as Illinois’ First Female Royce Gracie Black Belt
By - Andrew Cassady, Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb
Michelle Cassady has achieved a truly historic milestone, earning her Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt directly from Royce Gracie himself. This accomplishment makes her the first and only female Royce Gracie Black Belt in Illinois and one of only nine women worldwide to hold this distinction.
A Legacy of Excellence
To understand the magnitude of this achievement, one must first understand who Royce Gracie is. A pioneer of modern martial arts, Royce Gracie introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the world stage through his legendary victories in the early Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events of the 1990s. His success forever changed the combat sports landscape, proving that leverage, technique, and composure could overcome brute strength. Today, the Royce Gracie Black Belt remains one of the most respected ranks in martial arts—a symbol of mastery, perseverance, and character.
An Elite Test Few Ever Complete
Unlike many martial arts systems, the Royce Gracie Black Belt is not awarded based on years of training or simple progression through ranks. Candidates must pass one of the most demanding tests in the world of martial arts—a test known for pushing practitioners to their physical and mental limits. The exam evaluates self-defense proficiency, situational awareness, composure under extreme stress, and adherence to the Bushido 7-5-3 Code, a moral framework embodying courage, respect, and integrity. The pass rate is notoriously low, with many taking it multiple times over several years before succeeding. Michelle passed on her first attempt.
A Mission Beyond the Mat
Michelle’s achievement is not only personal—it represents her lifelong mission to empower others through self-defense, confidence, and discipline. That mission is deeply personal, rooted in her own journey of growth, resilience, and self-belief. Michelle’s passion for teaching stems from her desire to help others—especially women—find their strength, protect themselves, and build confidence that carries into every part of life. Together with her husband, Andy Cassady, also a Royce Gracie Black Belt, she co-owns and operates the Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb. Their academy welcomes students from age 3 to adult, focusing not on competition, but on building leaders—cultivating confidence, character, and resilience that translate far beyond the mat.
In 2025, Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb
was also recognized among the Top 300 Martial Arts Academies in the World, a distinction that reflects the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence, community, and authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction. “Our focus is not on competition,” Michelle explains. “It’s on creating leaders—helping people grow stronger in mind, body, and spirit. Jiu-Jitsu is the vehicle, but the goal is a better life.”
About Royce Gracie Academy of Macomb
Founded on the principles of authentic Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, the academy offers programs for children, teens, and adults centered on self-defense, confidence, and leadership. It continues to serve as a cornerstone for families seeking personal growth through martial arts.