Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine Earns Black Belt In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu At Age 64

Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has added another major achievement to his résumé, officially earning a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at the age of 64.

Mustaine received the honor through his training at a Renzo Gracie–affiliated academy, with instructor Reginaldo Almeida recently acknowledging the milestone. The accomplishment comes despite Mustaine being open in recent years about age-related injuries and health issues playing a role in Megadeth’s eventual plans to retire from touring and recording.

Even so, Mustaine’s passion for martial arts clearly remains intact. Long before stepping onto the mats for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the thrash metal icon had already earned black belts in both Taekwondo and Ukidokan karate, making this latest achievement yet another chapter in a lifelong dedication to combat sports.

Mustaine is also not alone among veteran metal musicians continuing to pursue high-level martial arts later in life. Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan similarly earned his own black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in early 2024, highlighting a growing crossover between heavy music and disciplined combat training.

For Mustaine, the achievement stands as further proof that even as his career with Megadeth approaches its twilight, his drive for personal growth and mastery hasn’t slowed down.

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A post shared by Reginaldo Almeida (@reggiemetaltrainer)

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