The Dirty Dozen
The First 12 Non Brazilians to Earn their BJJ Black Belts
The “Jiu Jitsu Dirty Dozen” is a name often used to describe the pioneers of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world, being the first 12 Non Brazilians to earn their Black Belts.
Dirty Dozen Members under Rigan Machado
- Bob Bass
- Chris Haueter
- Dave Meyer
- Rick Williams
- Rick Minter
- John Will
Dirty Dozen Members under Rickson Gracie
- David Kama
- Chris Saunders
- John Lewis
- Rick Lucero
Under Royler Gracie
- Craig Kukuk
Bob Bass
One of the best grapplers of his generation, Bob Bass did the unthinkable at the 1995 Pan American Championship (the 1st official Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Pan Am tournament), defeating the jiu jitsu prodigy Márcio Feitosa of Gracie Barra at the brown belt division. Bass had many great results as a competitor, later founding the South Bay Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Dave Meyer
DAVID MEYER arrived at the Machado school already a black belt in traditional jiu jitsu, quickly adapting and becoming a strong competitor in the BJJ scene, reaching an honorable 3rd place at the World Jiu Jitsu Championship, adult black belt open weight division (1998). Meyer is believed to be still active as a senior (Master 3) competitor, having conquered a Pan American title (2011) and a Master & Senior World silver medal (2012) in the division.
Rick Williams
RICK WILLIAMS was another “monster” forged inside the Machado Academy in the mid 90’s. A former wrestler, Rick won the Pan American Jiu Jitsu Championship in 1996 (adult brown belt), going on to work with his fellow Rigan Machado black belt Bob Bass, at the South Bay Academy for many years.
Chris Haueter
Chris Haueter is the originator of the Combat Base position, of which his famous home gym is named as well. An active competitor and legendary coach, Chris earned his black belt in 1996 along with Dave Meyer.