Renato started training Jiu Jitsu in 1974 with two top quality instructors, Geni Rebello and Elias Martins at the Academia Serrana in Teresopolis. When he reached purple belt Renato Tavares moved to Rio de Janeiro and started training under Carlson Gracie, receiving his brown and black (in 1995) belts from the BJJ legend. During his time training at Carlson Gracie gym, he was also fortunate enough to be taught by great figures of Jiu Jitsu such as Sergio Souza, Marcelo Alonso and Carlson Gracie Junior. In 2002 Renato Tavares was invited to come to the USA by a student of his named Jeff Davis, to teach in Kentucky.  He also fought at the World Extreme Fighting 12 in Ohio. He started training at American Top Team (ATT) with Ricardo Liborio, Marcelo and Conan Silveira. Renato also has his own team (the Renato Tavares Association) with over 15 academies throughout the country in which he has formed several black belts in the USA and has continued to compete.