Full Bio:
With over three decades of experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Chris Lund has seen the evolution of the art from its early days in the U.S. to the dynamic, global phenomenon it is today. His journey began in the early 1990’s when he was first introduced to Jiu-Jitsu under the tutelage of Relson Gracie and the legendary Gracie family. While training at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy of Hawaii, Chris also had the opportunity to train alongside Royce Gracie, the first UFC champion, and learn directly from Grandmaster Helio Gracie, the founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu,

Chris’ journey continued under Chris Haueter, a member of the “Dirty Dozen”, the first group of non-Brazilian Black Belts in BJJ. Renowned for his conceptual approach, Professor Haueter instilled in him the grit of the first generation of BJJ in America with a “thinking man’s” approach to the art.

Chris continued his evolution under Renato “Charuto” Verissimo, a UFC veteran and BJ Penn’s Jiu-Jitsu coach, who instilled in him the fluidity and creativity of high-level Jiu-Jitsu. Charuto ultimately awarded Chris his Black Belt and continues to be his Jiu-Jitsu professor, most recently promoting him to 4th degree Black Belt in 2023.

Committed to lifelong learning, Chris has also been mentored by Dean Lister, a legendary leg lock specialist and multi-time ADCC champion. Known for his game-changing philosophy-“Why ignore 50% of the body?”-Dean has played a key role in refining Ohana’s leg lock curriculum.

Chris’ Martial Arts journey expands beyond Jiu-Jitsu with his training in Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali under two of the most prominent instructors in the JKD sphere, Guro Burton Richardson and the legendary Guro Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee’s protege. Chris was honored to earn teaching certifications in both Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali under Guro Richardson and Guro Inosanto.

With a focus on technique, flow, and maintaining a lifelong practice, Chris strives to make Jiu-Jitsu accessible to practitioners of all ages and backgrounds. He is proud to have introduced the art of Jiu-Jitsu to the northern suburbs, opening Lake County Illinois’ first Jiu-Jitsu Academy in March of 2003.

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“Super friendly students and Chris, the head coach is a great Instructor. I highly recommend everyone to visit Ohana Martial Arts. Great Jiu-Jitsu and great people”.
-Bernardo Faria, 5X Jiu-Jitsu World Champion

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“A technician of the art….Chris Lund has both technical ability and coaching ability, rare qualities that capture the essence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu”.
-Chris Haueter, Dirty Dozen BJJ Black Belt

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“Quantity and quality in one mat! An awesome team with good vibes”.
-Yuri Simoes, 3X ADCC World Champion

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