Veteran actor, comedian, model and martial artist Rhasaan Orange, who is best known in the BJJ community for playing 27-time World Champion Renato Laranja, was awarded his Black Belt at 10th Planet HQ in Los Angeles last night by 10th Planet Founder Eddie Bravo. In addition to Orange’s promotion, Bravo also promoted longtime students Scott Ross, Rob Rodriguez, and Eric Ramey to 10th Planet Black Belts. Orange, a life long martial artist, started training in karate as a child in New York City under the tutelage of his father, Gerald Orange, who also taught karate to Robert DeNiro and Joey Diaz.
So….tonight I was part of what, in my humble opinion, was one of the finest black belt promotion classes 10th Planet has ever seen – with Eric Ramey, Robert Rodriguez, Rhasaan Orange, and Renato Laranja
Posted by Scott Ross on Monday, August 24, 2015
Although Orange has achieved success in show business and modeling through roles on Sesame Street and Days of Our Lives, he has reached legendary cult hero status in the BJJ community with his hilarious, brash and arrogant Renato Laranja character. As Laranja, Orange has jokingly mocked and heckled the top of the BJJ and MMA food chain including Andre Galvao, Chris Weidman, Nate Diaz, and Joe Rogan. He has also collaborated on several skits and projects with his coach Eddie Bravo, including the short film Return of the Death Knuckle.
Congrats to Rhasaan, Scott, Rob, and Eric on your promotions to Black Belt!
Happy Birthday, Rhasaan! Love you!