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Master Helio Gracie Passes Away

January 29, 2009

While logging into Facebook tonight, I was faced with sad news from one of the BJJ groups that Master Helio Gracie had passed away.

I tried to find more information straight away and finally found the following report on the Gracie Mag site.

This sad information is brought directly from www.graciemag.com

It is with great sadness that GRACIEMAG.com announces the passing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie. At 95 years of age, the great icon and one of those most responsible for Jiu-Jitsu’s success in Brazil and the world died this morning, at Beneficencia Portuguesa Hospital, in Petropolis, mountain region of Rio de Janeiro.

“I created a flag from the sport’s dignity. I oversee the name of my family with affection and nerves of blood,” said the Professor, as his last worlds.

The Master will be buried this Thursday afternoon, at 5 pm, at the Chapel of the Petropolis municipal cemetery.

Helio Gracie’s last public appearance occurred in December of last year, during a belt-promotion ceremony held by Gracie Humaita at the Guanabara Yacht Club.

In October, Helio Gracie celebrated his 95th birthday at the Gracie Humaita academy, in Rio de Janeiro.

In one of his most famous interviews, published in the special 100th issue of GRACIEMAG, the professor had declared: “I’ve already told my sons that when I die I want there to be a party. No drinking, no debauchery.”

All workers at Gracie Publishing, the company responsible for GRACIEMAG, NOCAUTE and GRACIEMAG.com are in mourning and express their condolences and sadness to the bereaved family, his wife Vera, sons Rorion, Relson, Rickson, Rolker, Royler, Royce, Rherica, Robin and Ricci.

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He has changed the world of martial arts and everyone who knew of him respect, appreciates and thanks him for what he gave.

Everyone from Gracie Barra Channel Islands sends their deepest condolences to all the family and friends of Master Helio.

Rest In Peace

Written by Malcolm Davidson · Filed Under General Information, Global News | 3 Comments 

Gracie Invitational 2009

January 24, 2009

EFNSports.com – Gracie Invitational 2009
Venue:London, United Kingdom
Date: Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd May 2008

Registration will begin in early Feb

Event Schedule:
Competition starts at 9:30 am both days

The Gracie Invitational is Europes 2nd largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament, but has the largest live audience of any other Grappling tournament in Europe. There are up to 8 matted areas in the tournament zone and with over 600 athletes set to take part plus the 25,000 plus spectators that are expected at Seni09 show.

Competitor Information:
All competitors are asked to be at the venue way before 10am in order to collect any outstanding tickets and to check your fight time at the ExCel centre. Please bring a form of picture ID (driving license or passport) for you to compete.

Coaches, parents and guardians, please show some restraint when your student/son/daughter are fighting. We are here to set an example to the young in this world and swearing, violence or berating the officials will only lead your student/son/daughter to be disqualified and for you to be escorted from the venue. Please show some discretion.
No registration on the day!! Registration will be closed on the Wednesday before the event. If you miss it you will have to wait until next year!!!
Contact: www.efnsports.com

Written by Malcolm Davidson · Filed Under Competitions, General Information | 1 Comment 

European BJJ Championships 2009

January 21, 2009

The 2009 European Brazilian Jiu Jitsu championships will be taking place on January 30 through to Februay 1.

The event will be held at “Complexo Municipal Esportivo do Casal Vistoso”, Rua João silva, Lisboa, Portugal.

This event has fighters from all over the world taking part and is a real testing ground for BJJ.

We have two fighters from the academy taking part in The European BJJ Championships 2009 and both have been training extremely hard and are looking forward to the competition.

Matt

Matt

The first student from the accademy is Matt Norris, a blue belt and he will be fighting in the Master Heavyweight Blue Belt division and the Masters Absolute Blue Belt division. I spoke to Matt about this upcoming competition and he says that he is really looking forward to it.

Russell

Russell

The second fighter from the accadmy taking part is Russell Allchin who will be fighting in the Senior Heavyweight Blue Belt division and the Senior Absolute Blue Belt division. Again, Like Matt, Russell is looling forward to the competition and has also put in a lot of work preparing for the event.

I am hoping to find a little bit of time to talk to both Matt & Russell prior to them heading off to Lisbon so we can get a short interview so we can find out what it’s like to train for an event like this and if there’s a specific game plan etc.

I saw Matt & Russell training last week and both are looking on top form. You need to be extremely dedicated and put in a lot of time if you expect to do well in an event as big as this and if dedication was the only thing needed, both fighters will come back very happy.

Everybody at the club wishes both of them the very best of luck and hope to see them return with some great results.

EUROPEAN OPEN JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP 2009
DIVISIONS

Junior (16/17 year-olds)

> Only bluebelts
> Men and Women
> 16 and 17 year-olds will compete in the same division
> Athletes born on 1992 and 1993 are eligible to compete
> Fight time: 5 minutes
> Open class available for middle weight or above
> Check the weight list

Adults

The division is open for everyone above 18 years.

Fight time:

> bluebelts – 6 minutes;
> purplebelts – 7 minutes
> brownbelts – 8 minutes
> blackbelts -10 minutes

Masters (30-35)

> Athletes born between 1974 and 1979
> Fight time: Bluebelts – 5 minutes
> Purple/brown/blackbelts – 6 minutes
> Men only
Seniors 1 (36-40)

> Athletes born between 1969 and 1973.
> Fight time: all belts – 5 minutes
> Men only

Seniors 2 (41-45)

> Athletes born between 1964 and 1968.
> Fight time: all belts – 5 minutes
> Men only

Seniors 3 (over 46)

> Athletes born in 1963 and before.
> Fight time: all belts – 5 minutes
> Men only

Women adult

There will be six weight divisions (check weight list)

Brown and blackbelts will compete in the same division

Adults only

Fight time:

> Bluebelts – 6 minutes
> Purplebelts – 7 minutes
> Brown/blackbelts – 10 minutes

Written by Malcolm Davidson · Filed Under Competitions, General Information | 3 Comments 

Tutorials Coming Soon

January 11, 2009

Hi all

Just a quick note to let you know that we will shortly be uploading some technique tutorials.

These will range from very basic to advanced techniques.  Rob Staples and Jason Davidson have already been up to the academy and run through about 9 different techniques using spider guard and cross guard from various positions.

Lots of photographs were taken of the session and we hope to have a few of the techniques uploaded soon.  We are just waiting for the tutorial notes to be written up to go along with the photographs.

For now, here are a couple of photographs from the session with Rob & jason and we look forward to getting the rest uploaded soon.

Sweep from technique

Sweep from another technique

Written by Malcolm Davidson · Filed Under General Information | Leave a Comment 

The Path To Blue Belt

January 8, 2009

This article was found on eZine articles and I thought it was a well observed.  For that reason, I am using it on this site.

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Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – The Path To Blue Belt

One of the first things which I read in my studies of the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, is that most practitioners make it as far as the coveted blue belt, and then quit. Having felt the journey of this path myself, I couldn’t imagine how someone could build such a valuable foundation of skill and knowledge without gaining that drive to reach, and to surpass, and to excel. How could anyone not aspire to the ultimate goal of black? In my short time, I have developed such a love of the game, its intricacies, and its practicalities that I, myself, will never give it up. How long it takes for me to get there is of no consequence.

So, I did some digging on the matter. After all, one of the most important facets of the road to blue is the longevity of the warrior. One must truly wish to stick it out, and must also be apprised to the many gains, both mental and physical, of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The first item to be addressed is patience. Many have heard the token saying “patience is a virtue”, and in the case of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, this couldn’t ring more true. This is not a path which can be travelled overnight. Far too many find themselves in a sprint to the finish line, only to learn that they haven’t the fuel to finish the trek. This is one of the most common reasons why practitioners of BJJ do not last, trying to win it all over night and burning out. Allow yourself the rest you need to remain whole. This includes the rest of the mind. One of the most highly overlooked items on this journey is the true understanding of fundamental techniques. It is not about how many taps you get, or about how often you win. Rather, it is about having the knowledge and capability to reach into the toolbox and to retrieve an answer. This is the essence of blue, and this takes time, regardless of how much you abuse your body and your mind.

The second is, as I previously alluded to, stressing the fundamentals. Far too many make the mistake of feeling like their instructors are gauging them solely upon how often they are forcing their opponents to tap. Because of this, many over develop single aspects of their game, instead of seeking improvement in the areas which they are not as formidable. Keep this in mind, a skilled instructor can pinpoint progress with extreme accuracy based upon many other items, such as how you move, what you are looking for in your escapes, positions, submissions, and so on, how much energy you are exuding, and your form displayed in executed moves. All in all, your mind is far more applicable to the path, than is your prowess on the mat. In fact, sparring while in your academy should be a way for you to explore your options, play with technique, and seek improvement, as opposed to providing a place where you are simply looking to win.

Finally, branch out. Do not think that you are chained only to the knowledge and teachings of one. Watch videos, attend seminars, and seek lessons from other Jiu Jitsu academies. Most of all, seek to adapt in style and in technique. The beauty of Jiu Jitsu is in its progressive manner, as well as its adaptation to the character and mind of its beholder. Jiu Jitsu works for us all in its own way, and in our own way. Procure, if you can, a training partner to ensure that you receive the time, outside of the academy, to apply to specific areas of you game. This will allow you the opportunity to mold a game unique only to you. And most of all, have fun on your journey in BJJ. It has so much to offer, and ultimately, you will find yourself at a place where the mind, the body, and the spirit come together.

Benicio Cruz is a blue belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu and trains in MMA. He has provided a one stop resource for all your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gear, visitBrazilian Jiu Jitsu Hub.

Written by Malcolm Davidson · Filed Under Articles | Leave a Comment 

Braulio returns March 09

January 1, 2009

Happy New Year to you all,hope you all had a great Christmas.

Now 2008 is behind us, which turned out to be a good year for the club with a gold from seni 08

new gradings for students,and the regular seminars from Braulio Estima.

What better way to start off the New Year  then to announce the return of Braulio, with dates

to be confirmed but it’s hoped to be around the middle of March, so if you can all pencil that

in your new diarys or note it on your phones this will be the first one of the year.

Training resumes as normal week commencing 5/1/09 until then enjoy the rest of the holiday.

Written by Jason · Filed Under General Information | Leave a Comment