Outside of acting, Paul Walker had not only an interest in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but also a steadfast dedication to the martial arts fighting system developed by the long storied Gracie family.

Having trained under instructor, mentor and one of the most sought after coaches in the world, Master Ricardo Franjinha Miller at Paragon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu near his home in Santa Barbara, California, and also under Ronn Shiraki at the great Relson Gracie’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Honolulu, Hawaii, Walker dreamed of one day receiving his black belt.

I love it. It’s not easy sometimes. It’s a good outlet. It keeps you competitive, competitive with yourself. You know the guy that’s been tapping you over and over and over again, and to finally tap him once or twice is a sense of accomplishment. And knowing that next time he’s coming at you that much harder, you have to be at your best.

Paul Walker had reached the level of brown belt before his untimely death in a car crash on November 30, 2013. Although he did not achieve his dream in life, he would achieve that dream shortly after he left us.

Two weeks after his death, Walker was posthumously awarded the black belt he had so longed for by his long time trainer, Ricardo Miller.

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Actor Paul Walker began his career guest-starring in several television shows such as The Young and the Restless and Touched by an Angel. Walker later gained prominence with breakout roles in coming-of-age and teen films such as She’s All That and Varsity Blues. In 2001, Walker gained international fame for his portrayal of Brian O’Conner in the street racing action film The Fast and the Furious, and would reprise the role in five of the next six installments. He also starred in films such as Eight Below, Timeline, Into the Blue, Joy Ride and Running Scared.