Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine just scored his jiu-jitsu black belt under Reggie Almeida at Gracie Barra BJJ & Self-Defense in Spring Hill, Tennessee. Mustaine, 64, has long promoted martial arts as part of a healthy lifestyle and continued to train while battling throat cancer back in 2019.
The metal icon is one of six practitioners to earn the coveted belt during last week’s ceremony.
“It was a day that touched my heart,” Almeida wrote on social media. “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. 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,” Almeida added. “Not talent. Not strength. Heart. Consistency. Humility. I’m proud of you not just as athletes, but as men. You’ve grown as teammates, training partners, leaders, and examples for our whole academy. Seeing you tie that belt around your waist today meant more to me than you know. Congratulations, my brothers. Enjoy this moment… you earned every inch of it.“
Megadeth kicks off its 2026 tour on Jan. 17 in La Vergne, Tennessee.