Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Trainer Reginaldo Almeida of the Renzo Gracie academy took to Instagram to congratulate the 64-year-old thrash metaller and his fellow students on their promotions. Mustaine had previously earned his purple belt from the academy in 2021 and also has black belts in Taekwondo and Ukidokan karate. He joins another metal martial artist, Tool’s Maynard James Keenan, by obtaining his Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
“Watching these six men earn their Black Belts was emotional for me — because I know their stories, their struggles, their sacrifices, and everything they had to overcome to stand on those mats today,” wrote Almeida. “Each one of them showed up on days when life was heavy…on days when they were tired…on days when quitting would’ve been easier. But they kept going. That’s what makes a Black Belt. Not talent. Not strength. Heart. Consistency. Humility.”
Mustaine’s black belt promotion is certainly a positive sign considering that the musician has faced health ailments in recent years, including a battle with throat cancer in 2019. He’s indicated that Megadeth’s impending retirement is at least partially health related, so it’s good to see him still active on the mat.
Meanwhile, Megadeth are set to release their final album in January, and embark on the first dates of their farewell tour in February, starting with a Canadian run. Later in 2026, Megadeth will join up with Iron Maiden as support for the latter’s North American tour launching in August. Get tickets here.
View Reginaldo Almeida’s Instagram post congratulating Mustaine and others for their black belts below.
