02/05/12

Sapo celebrates victory after coming close to finishing by arm-and-neck choke. Photo: Nick Laham, UFC

When mounted by your opponent, you have to keep your cool like the “seven Jiu-Jitsu aces taught here on GRACIEMAG.com (click here). Out of anxiousness to get out from bottom position, a fighter may end up exposing himself and ending up in some attack, like an arm-and-neck choke, for example.

At UFC 143 this Saturday in Las Vegas, Rafael Sapo got rocked and dropped and was taking a beating on the ground but recovered, floundered his way out from bottom position, and sent Michael Kuiper sailing through the air. Now on top and in the mount, Sapo sunk an arm-and-neck choke that he maintained until the final bell. Now if Michael Kuiper has his Jiu-Jitsu game up to par, he could have escaped the hold and not needed to be saved by the bell. How? Here’s how:
THE ARM SPELLING YOUR DOOM CAN BE YOUR SALVATION

Kurt Osiander is a Ralph Gracie black belt and gentle art scholar. In this video, Osiander demonstrates how the important part is to not leave your arm astray, but even if you can’t get it free, he teaches a last-ditch escape using the elbow and a slip of the hip.

02/2/12

A little over a week ago Gracie Barra South student Ben Ninja Peco made headlines when he saved a women’s when she suddenly collapsed of a stroke.
Ben was able to remain calm and perform CPR reviving the women back to life. The medical magnet high school student revealed that his interest in medicine came through his interest in martial arts.
Professor Rafael Ellwanger, who recently awarded Ben his purple belt, said that not only is Ben an assistant instructor but he is also the most dedicated student he has with Ben not having missed a practice in 5 years.
Peco served as a great example of the importance of staying calm and thinking under a stressful situation. A lesson that is invaluable in both Jiu Jitsu and life.

02/1/12

Congratulations, GB Team!
Now all of us are BJJ European Champions, after winning the Adult Championship among schools, last Sunday in Lisbon, Portugal.
GB scored 71 points, nine points ahead of the school in second place, according to IBJJF official ranking.
The formidable scoring in the adult division was not an accident – GB was second in the Novice division, second in Masters & Seniors and second in Juvenile.
Professors Victor Estima (GB UK) and Rodrigo “Pimpolho” Fajardo (GB Curitiba), champions in black belt adult division, were two of the most applauded athletes during the four days of championship.
“Now we’re planning to go even stronger for the Pan-Ams”, celebrated Professor Marcio Feitosa.

01/20/12


January 17 is a very important date for Gracie Barra, as we celebrate the birthday of our founder, Master Carlos Gracie Jr.
Carlos Gracie Jr. was born in January 17, 1956 and grew up heavily influenced by his family of fighters.
Son of the pioneer of Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil, Carlos Gracie Jr. is a mentor for thousands of people all over the world, and his vision and leadership have a deep impact in the way Jiu-Jitsu is shaped today.
Everyone who carries a “Red Shield” in his uniform is proud of Master Carlos legacy, that still is gaining momentum towards his dream of having a Gracie Barra school in every city in the world.
Thanks, Master Carlos, every member of our community is lucky and honored to follow you.
Gracie Barra Team

01/16/12

And you thought the Gracie’s were limited to jiu jitsu.

The growth of the sport of MMA has not only captured the attention of international corporations, it’s training methods are catching on with professional athletes of other sports. Chargers Fullback Lorenza Neal, Steelers Offensive Lineman Max Starks, and Viking’s Defensive End Jared Allen have all clocked time in MMA gyms as part of their off-season regiment. And now, a member of the New York Giants coaching staff has begun using the fundamentals of Gracie Jiu Jitsu to turn Eli Manning into a record-breaking quarterback…
To read the entire article Click Here

01/15/12

It's pretty impressive whenever a student of the Gracie Barra school of Brazilian jiu-jitsu gets a black belt.
Even more impressive is when one of those students is 78.
Gene Pace was awarded his black belt Thursday night during a ceremony after his regular twice-weekly class and sparring session at the Costa Mesa studio.
More than 100 of Pace's friends and supporters showed up to see his milestone.
"It was overwhelming. And last night..." Pace started with a pause, then laughed. "Well, it was a little emotional."
The Whittier resident has been training under the Costa Mesa school's founder and instructor, Mike Buckels, for more than 15 years.
"He's Mr. Consistency. He never misses a class, not ever," said Buckels, who holds a black belt in jiu-jitsu, as well as kru in Muay Thai kickboxing.
In those 15 years, before Pace, Buckels had only awarded one other jiu-jitsu black belt, and it was to another instructor.
"The best way to describe Gene is that he just executes what you teach him to do," Buckels said. "If you show him a move, he will go after that move."
Although Buckels admits that he is careful whom he pairs with Pace, as an older student Pace is not one to underestimate
. "Gene can still pick me up — and I'm a 180-pound man — and toss me to the ground," Buckels said. "He practices with people as much as 55 years younger than him."
Pace fell into the Brazilian practice after signing up for a martial arts course for fitness — and to humor his grandchildren.
"I thought to myself, 'Well, OK, they can't kill me, and besides, maybe I'll learn something,'" Pace said, laughing.
"Once I got started, I had to think, 'Do you just walk away [and] embarrass your grandkids?'" Pace continued. "Nah, you can't be disrespectful like that. And everyone just stuck with it."
Pace's interest in martial arts transferred to jiu-jitsu after meeting Buckles and liking his style of teaching.
A lot of that style resonated with Pace's finish-what-you-start attitude.
"The things learn you here are discipline and techniques, which you apply to situations, but you never walk around like a peacock," Pace said. "But, as Mike says, if someone won't back down, you finish it.

12/24/12

The New year is just around the corner and we know you must be planing all kinds of great things to accomplish in 2012. But just in case you haven’t set your Jiu-Jitsu resolutions yet, we put together a list of some suggestions for you. Here it is:


Train More Often


Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu training is perhaps the ultimate total body workout. It requires the use of mind, body, and spirit at all times. It is a high-energy cardio workout that builds incredible endurance. At the same time, it is a mental “chess” game that forces you to improvise, to think under pressure, and to keep your emotions under control. Combine the cardio benefits of training with the mental discipline involved, and you have the perfect stress reliever!

Get your Next Belt


Create a list of smaller, more achievable steps to reach your next belt rank. Your list should include deadlines to help you complete each task on schedule. Once each step is complete, mark it off your list.

Achieve Perfect Attendance


Your class attendance can greatly influence the benefit you get from your training. Mark your calendar with the dates and times of your classes for the year. This will not only help remind you of classes, but ensure that you don’t schedule other events during training time. Also, remember to check out your attendance card once in a while to keep track of your progress.

Understand that you don’t have to be the next world champ!


No pressure! Just be yourself and do your best. But always do your best. The least you will get from it is to learn a lot of Jiu-Jitsu and have tons of fun! But who knows… maybe you’ll become the next Roger Gracie!

Get in Shape


Just do it! Train BJJ, eat well, have a good night’s sleep… You will be in great shape before you know it!
Be less aggressive when you practice with your Partners
Keep it cool! Try to slow down your roll sometimes. Allow your partners to enjoy training with you. You don’t have to act like you are invincible. Self-control and respect for others are always appreciated on the mats.

Follow the steps


Have you ever been asked to do something in class and your first thought was, “No way”? When you tell yourself something often, the subconscious mind starts listening and believing it. Convince yourself you can do something, and the doing becomes that much easier.
Make Jiu-Jitsu an Outlet for your Problems, Not a Source!
Remember! You are here to have fun, make new friends and learn the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Don’t make your training part of your problems but part of the solutions!

Happy New Year’s from the GRACIE BARRA FAMILY!

HOLIDAY / NEW YEARS SCHEDULE


12/23/11

11/20/11

Hi Everyone,

We want to wish you all a happy thanksgiving! We hope you have an amazing holiday with your loved ones!
We will be open until Wednesday for Thanksgiving day! We will be closed on Thursday until Sunday.
Let's enjoy our training sessions and get ready to be pack some weight on thanks giving and come back with full force Monday to burn all the extra weight.

Cheers!

GB Knox Team

09/24/11

ADCC started today, great matches took place in London, the spectator was not disappointed, high level of Brazlizian Jiu-jitsu and the semi-finals are defined.

Semifinals:
66kg
Rafael Mendes x Robinho
Cobrinha x Jeff Glover

77kg
Semifinais:
Marcelinho x Kron
Calasans x Leozinho
88kg
Semifinais:
Toquinho x Lovato
Galvão x Popovitch

99KG
Semifinais:
Xande Ribeiro x João Assis
Rodolfo Vieira x Dean Lister

99+
Semifinais:
Fabrício Werdum x Roberto Cyborg
Vinícius Pezão x Gerardi Rinaldi

Gracie Barra was well represented at ADCC, Braulio putting a good show and demonstrating great techinical level against Jacare, dominating the entire.

09/22/11

ADCC is taking a place this weekend in London and GB KnoX will have a BBQ this weekend and also to watch the ADCC .

09/15/11

ADCC is one the most renown Grappling tournaments is taking place next week , We have two athlete representing GB , Romulo Barral and Braulio Estima . The most exciting matching this years is about to happen in London September 24th , Braulio vs Jacare, Unfortunately Roger Gracie will not be competing on this edition . Check out great training session happened in London .

08/23/11

This weekend our student Mike Truitt went to chicago to compete at IBJJ tournament, most respect organization. Mike competed for the first time on heavier division and had a great perfomance. He got 2nd place after three great matches. Congratulations to Mike .

08/02/11

Great news for all the competitors and BJJ , IBJJF is improving in every aspect for next year, you can check the new changes on IBJJ rules at the Gracie Mag Website

6/23/11

Gracie Barra is replacing its famous “Organized like a team, fighting like a Family” slogan with one more all-inclusive and in line with its current group efforts: “JIU-JITSU FOR EVERYONE!” The old motto will now be assigned to GB’s competition department, the Gracie Barra Competition Network. Nice article with depth Gracie Barra new slogan.

5/2/11

GB Knoxville got together this Sunday for great brazilian style BBQ at Huff's House. We had great food and a lot of fun .

4/11/11

Professor Braga had a great time teaching in Philly and our team did a great job in Atlanta competing this weekend . Good job everyone, Keep working hard .

4/4/11

GB Knoxville always looking for improvements and fit best to students, Our evening class are from 6pm until 7pm.

3/29/11

Starting next week, We are changing our schedule to make easier for everyone, It's not a major change. We are going back to our old schedule on evening classes, starting from 6PM until 7PM the good new is We will be adding another black belt class to our schedule . Stay tuned.

3/29/11

Good news from Pan ams , Michael Truitt had an amazing performance at the Pan Ams demonstrating great technical level dominating his opponents but his last match had everything under control plus was ahead on scoreboard but unfortunately was surprised ... Good Job Mike !! Michael always has been training and put his time on the mats and got his reward keep training and you will have great results ....

3/15/11

Great no-gi Class today Looking forward to our training tonight and black belt class!!

3/14/11

Professor braga is going to Houston on 22nd for a seminar at Draculino schoool, It will be a honor for him to teach a class at his instructor

3/07/11

Professor Braga is going to in Nashville friday teaching class at Fit Nashville

3/06/11

Professor Braga had a great time in Nashville this weekend great seminar at Nemesis, Good job everyone!

Professor Braga was browsing this morning and found an amazing about regular questioning about BJJ. Check it out

3/1/11

Gracie Barra Knoxville was competing in Chicago this weekend , Professor Samuel Braga was leading his team to amazing performance . Mike Truitt beat a silver medalist at world championship last year . Corey did a great job until got injured on his 3rd match. Good job Gracie Barra Knoxville .

2/22/11

Professor Braga would like to congratulate all his student competed this weekend in Louisville . Good job everyone.

2/06/11

We are glad to announce our training this weekend, Gracie Barra Knoxville will be offering Tournament camp during saturday from 10:00 AM until 4PM, We will have lunch break, everyone will have lunch together and come back to school to discuss about BJJ and We will be doing BJJ studying. We will be resuming our training with drills and more..... . Everyone is welcome! It's a open for everyone bring your friends and enjoy! For non-member it will cost only $25 /person. See you Saturday !

1/26/11

Professor Braga is planning a tournament camp for all lvl and everyone is welcome.

12/29/10

We are having class tomorrow morning , Come join ous for a great training session .

12/24/10

12/23/10

New years is so close also the resolutions for it. Great article on Graciemag about it : Resolutions for 2011


  1. Train consistently (without worrying about evolving) After all, learning is not a linear progression. Beginning tennis players whack the ball around every day, and then all of a sudden they're winning professional matches

  2. Get to know your body better The GRACIEMAGs on the Gracie Diet are out there, so lack of information is no excuse.

  3. Learn to surf (or snowboard, or rock climb, or hang glide) A good Jiu-Jitsu stylist needs other sources of adrenaline. Choose yours.

  4. Perfect your self-defense As we already know, Jiu-Jitsu is not just a fun pastime or a game of chess. It's essentially a way to defend yourself. It's thus no use having an impassable guard if you don't know how to get out of a head lock.

  5. Practice more defense than attack As the master puts it, when you're the anvil, take it. When you're the hammer, strike. You can't be the hammer if you've never been the anvil.

  6. Compete Sure, not everyone enjoys competing. But even if it's just an internal championship, even if just once, it helps you know yourself better.

  7. Travel Jiu-Jitsu is important in that it opens your mind, as it is in that it lets you get to know other places. Follow the example of the sport's stars, and travel.

  8. Thank your parents and family Another important value inherent in Jiu-Jitsu is family. Don't go thinking you control time and that you can do it later. Show gratitude to yours whenever possible, and the turning of the year is a good pretext for taking such initiative.

12/22/10

Protect your kids with Jiu-Jitsu

Great article about Kids doing jiu-jitsu and footage with Renzo Gracie.

12/16/10

We are having regular classes today

12/10/10

Tomorrow Professor Braga will be teaching a seminar to raise funds for Thiago, Thiago has a cancer if you would like to join this cause and donate go to Draculino website has a button on top right corner.

12/01/10

Professor Braga had a great training session today looking foward to train tomorrow .

11/26/10

We are having normal class on Saturday , I hope to see everyone on the mats !

11/26/10

We are having classes Friday 11AM and Saturday 10 AM , I expect to see everyone on the mats . Happy Holidays .

11/17/10

Danny from Nemesis MMA(Murfreesboro/TN) came visit Professor Braga today providing a great training to Professor Braga and his students .

11/15/10

Professor Braga had a great time in Murfreesboro .

11/12/10

Professor Braga just arrived in Murfreesboro is looking forward to see his friends and watch couple fights later on .

11/08/10

Professor Braga will be teaching a seminar in Murfreesboro/ TN this weekend to raise funds for his friend Thiago Silva , Thiago is light feather weight and he is fighting against cancer . Come help him on this fight !

11/07/10

Professor Braga and his students had a great training week and Professor braga is glad to see all his student training hard .

11/04/10

Professor Braga had a great morning class and looking forward to the evening class .

10/30/10

Professor Braga is proud of his students: Mike and Dustin for their amazing performance at USGrappling Tournament .

10/27/10

GB knoxville had a great time at Romulo Seminar . It was an amazing seminar .

10/19/10

Romulo seminar this weekend. Everyone is excited about it .

10/18/10

10/15/10

Professor Braga had a great morning class and training session . Good job everyone.

10/14/10

Thiago is one of Draculino students and He is fighting cancer , The donation will helping a lot . We have a donation page set up for Thiago now and a paypal account if you go to www.graciebarratx.com in the top right corner under the blue header there is a "Donate" button click it and add any amount you like to Donate to Thiago.

10/12/10

Professor Braga is proud of his student , Dustin Dyer feather weight won open weight class on Purple belt division .

10/12/10

Professor Braga had great morning class looking forward our evening class , Good job today everyone !

10/11/10

Professor Braga is glad to back after a long weekend. Professor had a great time and would like to thank everyone supported the seminar.

10/09/10

Professor Braga had great seminar at GB Fort Myers . Its time to enjoy the nice weather .