Manny Gonzales

About

My name is Manny Ray Gonzales — also known as Manuel Ray Gonzales II and Manuel Gonzales. I'm a 3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and the Head Instructor and Co-Founder of Ralph Gracie Sacramento, a BJJ academy in North Natomas, Sacramento, California.

I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2003. A year later, in 2004, I began coaching — at 16 years old. Not because I had everything figured out, but because I fell in love with jiu-jitsu and felt a pull to share it. Twenty years later, that pull hasn't changed.

In July 2012, I received my black belt from Ricardo Guimaraes under the Ralph Gracie Association. I've since earned my 3rd degree — a milestone representing over two decades of consistent work, teaching, and growth on the mat.

I founded Ralph Gracie Sacramento to bring world-class instruction to the Natomas community. Alongside co-owner and black belt Katie Dees, we've built a gym where anyone — beginner or advanced, any age, any background — walks in and is genuinely welcomed.

Manny Gonzales — BJJ Black Belt, Sacramento

20+

Years Training

20+

Years Teaching

3rd

Degree Black Belt

2012

Black Belt Earned

Also Known As

Manny Ray Gonzales
Manuel Ray Gonzales II
Manuel Gonzales
Manny Gonzales

BJJ Lineage

Where I Come From

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, lineage is everything. It represents the unbroken chain of knowledge passed from master to student. Mine traces through some of the most respected names in the history of the sport.

Carlos Gracie Jr.

Gracie Barra Founder

›

Roberto "Gordo" Correia

Half Guard Pioneer

›

Ricardo Guimaraes

Ralph Gracie Association

›

Ralph Gracie

Ralph Gracie Association

›

Manny Gonzales

Black Belt · 2012

I received my black belt from Ricardo Guimaraes in July 2012 under the Ralph Gracie Association. I now hold my 3rd degree — and I carry this lineage forward every day through the students I teach at Ralph Gracie Sacramento.

How I Coach

What I Stand For

I've been coaching for over 20 years — and the things I believe about teaching have only gotten clearer with time. These are the principles I bring to every class.

🎯

Fundamentals First

The basics done well beat flashy techniques every time. My curriculum is built on the foundational movements that work at every level — for beginners and black belts alike.

🤝

Respect & Professionalism

Ego is left at the door — for students and for me. I run a clean, organized, professional program where every person is treated with the same respect from day one.

🌱

Everyone Belongs

I started teaching at 16. I've worked with beginners, competitors, kids, women new to martial arts, and adults returning to physical activity after years away. There's room for all of it here.

📞

Accountability

I answer calls, I return messages, and I follow through. Good coaching means being present on the mat and being accessible off it. I hold myself to that standard.

Ralph Gracie Sacramento

The Gym I Built

Ralph Gracie Sacramento is located at 4000 Truxel Rd in North Natomas, Sacramento. I co-founded it with black belt Katie Dees to bring authentic Ralph Gracie jiu-jitsu to the Natomas community — and to build a place where anyone can walk in and belong.

Manny Gonzales teaching BJJ class at Ralph Gracie Sacramento

Adult BJJ

Gi and no-gi for ages 16 and up. All skill levels. 90-minute classes built around technique, drilling, and live rounds.

Kids BJJ

Ages 5 and up. Fun, structured 45-minute classes that build confidence, discipline, and real skills — in a format kids actually love.

Women's BJJ

Sacramento's only women-only BJJ class, led by black belt Katie Dees. All levels welcome. A true safe space to learn and grow.

Visit Ralph Gracie Sacramento →

First class is always free. No strings attached.

Community

Natomas Is Home

I didn't open a gym in North Natomas by accident. This community is home — and building something that serves it has always been the point. Jiu-jitsu is the vehicle, but what I care about is what it does for people's lives.

Over the years, I've watched jiu-jitsu transform people: the kid who came in timid and walks out with real confidence, the adult who found fitness and friendship they never expected, the woman who discovered how strong she actually is. That's what 20 years of teaching looks like up close.

Ralph Gracie Sacramento is not a revolving door. We have students who have trained with us for years — families who send their kids, then stay and train themselves. That kind of loyalty is earned through consistency, care, and a genuine commitment to doing right by the people who trust you with their time.

That's the standard I hold myself to. And it's the standard I'll keep holding myself to as long as I'm on this mat.

What Students Say

The Community Speaks

"I walked in with zero experience and felt welcome from day one. Manny breaks everything down so it makes sense no matter your level."

Alex R.

Training since 2019 · Adult BJJ

"The women's class changed my life. I was nervous about trying a combat sport, but the environment Manny and Katie created made it safe and fun. I've never felt stronger."

Sarah M.

Training since 2021 · Women's BJJ

"My kids love it here. They've learned discipline, respect, and they're having a blast. Best decision we made as a family."

David K.

Training since 2020 · Kids BJJ

"I tried three other gyms before finding Ralph Gracie Sac. The instruction quality and the community here are on another level."

Maria L.

Training since 2018 · Adult BJJ

Get In Touch

Come Train With Us

Whether you're curious about jiu-jitsu, a journalist, a fellow instructor, or just want to say hello — I'm reachable. Your first class is always free.

Visit the Gym → Email Manny

Ralph Gracie Sacramento · 4000 Truxel Rd, North Natomas, Sacramento, CA 95834