Congrats To Our New Blue Belts

Team:

We'd like to say congratulations to Matt, Rob and Derick for an outstanding performance on their blue belt test today. They each displayed tremendous technique and understanding of the fundamentals of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu during their 2.5-hour effort. They represent our Academy and the art well. 

Kron Gracie At Fall Training Camp 2009

Team:

Just received word today that Red/Black Belt Fabio Santos will unfortunately be unable to attend the Fall camp due to a scheduling conflict.

In his place, however, will be Kron Gracie, who will serve as one of the guest instructors at Master Pedro Sauer's Fall Training Camp at Louisville Martial Arts Academy on Nov. 20-22. You will not want to miss this year's camp. Details are as follows:

Schedule
Friday: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Cost (members)*
$185 for all sessions (four total)
$90 single sessions (each session is three hours)
$140 all-day Saturday (six hours total)

Cost (non-members)
$195 for all sessions
$95 single sessions
$150 all-day Saturday

Payments can be made through the online store. For more information call Mike Horihan at 865-696-8000.

*members must have ACTIVE individual membership in the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association. Membership number must be shown to receive the discounted rate. In addition, you're also registered to win an Association Gi through pre-registration. Winner will be announced at the camp.

Feeling Jiu-Jitsu

Team:

Here's an excerpt from an article featuring Saulo Ribeiro, six-time world jiu-jitsu champion. Take a minute to think about how this relates to your own training. It's sound advice...

"If you think, you are late. If you are late, you use strength. If you use strength, you tire. And if you tire, you die." 

This is one of my favorite quotes, and it means that all jiu-jitsu must be based on how you feel your opponent. The timing to make a decision is not based on what you think you should be doing. It is about your body recognizing the move and automatically doing it. It's about muscle memory. For example, when someone is passing your guard, you feel he is passing so you cannot wait to decide what to do. There is no time for thought -- only reaction. 

This is one thing I developed a long time ago from my teachers -- my jiu-jitsu would be based on reaction. When you react, you don't give your mind the time to get filled with emotions. You are devoid of anger, fear, and frustration; you are simply moving. If your opponent is pushing your elbow and you're tired and almost hurt, it doesn't matter because you are reacting already; you haven't given yourself time to get upset. That's why I follow this motto: no mind. If you do not think, you must feel your opponent and react accordingly. 

Master Pedro Sauer Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Demonstration

Team:

Below is an excellent demo of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu self-defense -- both standing and ground techniques -- by Master Pedro Sauer. Thanks to black belt association affiliate Matt Strack for the great find!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29dK0gwRRek

Turning Gi Choke From Mount Position

Courtesy of Master Pedro Sauer Black Belt Keith Owen...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg8eO_voBdQ

To Move Like A Tiger

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FWjxN-vcts&feature=player_embedded

Blending Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Judo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwGMeZFqal8&feature=player_embedded

Master Pedro Sauer Awards Yellow Belt to Bradley Wilson

Team:

It's an honor and a pleasure to be able to deliver this news: Master Sauer along with instructor Scott Smith today awarded Bradley Wilson his yellow belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. As you all know, Bradley has been in the fight of his life for more than 30 days. The young man has battled leukemia and is making great strides towards a full recovery.

Thank you all for continuing to pray and keeping Bradley and the Wilson family in your thoughts. In addition, the funds donated by all of you went to purchasing Bradley an Association gi and plenty of jiu-jitsu gear. We cannot wait for him to get back on the mats.

Last but not least, thanks to Master Sauer for taking time out of his schedule to pay this young man a visit. As you can see by the photos below, he was surprised and beyond happy.

See you all on the mat!

Happy Birthday, Grandmaster Helio Gracie

Team:

Take a moment today to reflect on the life and legacy of the father of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, Grandmaster Helio Gracie. With a focus on pure self-defense, he once said that jiu-jitsu is the triumph of human intelligence over brute strength.

Without him, we wouldn't be where we are today.

Thank you, Grandmaster.

Why fear death? I don’t need anything, I don’t have anything, I don’t want anything. I think it’s silly for somebody to be scared of dying. One should be afraid of being born. I have already told my children when I die I want a party, with no alcohol, no hell raising [general laughter]. But I want a party with music, food… I don’t know if you guys believe in reincarnation, but we all go and come back until the day we no longer have to return. My brother [Carlos Gracie, already deceased] used to say the fellow only stops returning to Earth when he mingles with the Whole. Even when you’re thinking just a little bit wrongly, you come back to continue evolving. Hell, my friends, is right here on Earth.