Kemail Verhoeven has lived and worked for five years in the United States. During this period Kemail came into contact with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Submission Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). After a bet, with trainer and coach George Sernack,  that he lost about what was the most effective martial arts, Kemail started training BJJ in May of 2005 at Renzo Gracie Denville, New Jersey under George Sernack. Additionally, Kemail has trained several years at the Renzo Gracie Academy in Manhattan, New York City under Renzo Gracie, Gregor Gracie, Igor Gracie, Rolles Gracie, John Danaher and Rafael "Gordino" Correa. ​

 

Kemail had the opportunity to train with many greats of the art, including the aforementioned instructors and furthermore with Roger Gracie, Leo Vieira, Frankie Edgar, George St. Pierre, Gordo, Charles "Silverfox" Pravec and many others. ​

 

Kemail is currently a third degree black belt.

 

​Accolades from Kemail March 2014, promoted to black belt by George Sernack June 2011, promoted to brown belt by Rolles Gracie June 2008, promoted to purple belt by Renzo Gracie March 2006, promoted to blue belt by Igor Gracie ​.

 

Competition results

World Championships Masters 2024, 2nd place black belt, Master 6

European Masters 2024, first place black belt, Master 6

European Masters 2019, first place black belt, Master 5

European Championship 2017, 3rd place black belt, Master 4

PanAms Championship No Gi 2015, 3rd place black belt, Master 3

European Championship 2014, 1st place brown belt, Master 4

European Championships 2012, 2nd place brown belt, Master 3

Nogi Open German Championship 2012, 2nd place brown belt adults

European Championship in 2010, 1st place weight category and 2nd place open class purple belt, Master 3 Open Brazilian championships (Brasileiros) 2009, 1st place purple belt, Master 3

New Jersey state championships in 2008, 2nd place purple belt adults

Naga Battle at the Beach 2007, 1st place blue belt Naga Battle at the Beach 2005, 3rd place white belt