You cannot miss this opportunity to train with one of the best instructors I have ever had the pleasure of spending time with! Rener Gracie returns to the Seattle area for a series of four seminars over the weekend of September 27-28th. A few of you may recall my review of Rener's excellent Back Mount Mastery from last fall, which was the first time I trained with him and frankly I was blown away at how good of a teacher he was at such a young age. A testament to growing up on the mat amongst legends who just so happen to be your family. And I cannot think of a better activity/art/sport to get the whole family involved in then grappling!
A little insight into Rener's training philosophy and approach:
Mahalo and respect to mi amigo Craig Hanaumi for getting Rener to the Pac NW every year! You will not want to miss this folks reserve your spot with Craig ASAP: hanaumicraig@gmail.com / 206-412-0384.
Rolls Gracie died way before his time in a tragic hang gliding accident in his early 30's. His mat prowess and skills are the marrow that legends are born from. Needless to say there is little training footage of him out there, but recently this short clip surfaced of Rolls training with Rickson (again, little footage of this legend as well). And though only a couple of minutes long one can glimpse into the history of the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Vale Tudo (MMA for you new kids).
I have had the pleasure on many occasion to sit down with Rigan Machado, Carlos, and Roger Machado and talk to them about the history of our art, and one common theme is prevalent with them... the respect and admiration they have for Rolls! Rolls was a sponge according to Rigan. An absolute beast who would look past all bias' to learn how to grapple better. Studying with Samboists, Judoka, and western wrestlers Rolls never passed on an opportunity to better his understanding of the art. And clearly he was a red-black belt in the art of the "stache!"
L-R standing - Nick / Brett / Kamau / Jordan / Rachel. Kneeling- Brian / Webb / Scrappy Phil
NWJJA took five fighters to NAGA "Seattle" and by days end we walked away with five medals! A huge congrats to all whom stepped up and had the courage to fight on the mat. Your coach, your fellow training partners, and myself could not be more proud. Way to represent!
Brett Smith - Silver no gi advanced
Big Kamau - Gold blue belt heavyweight
Jordan Z - Gold advanced no gi
Rachel (not sure of your last name) - bronze in no gi beginner (I believe Rachel's first tournament)
Nick Skinner - Bronze no gi beginner (Nicks first tournament)
Wanted to offer the best of luck to Jordan, Dutchess, Kamau, and Nick whom are all fighting at NAGA's "Seattle" (which is really in Bremerton) Tournament. Play your game, fight your ass off, and have some fun! Also a quick reminder that there are no classes this weekend for both NWJJA and Three Harmonies.
This is NAGA's first tournament in the Pac NW and I am curious as to how the turnout will be since for some inexplicable reason the powers that be decided to hold this tournament on the other side of the sound in Bremerton! Unfortunately I will be out of town but someone please update me on how we do!
Jordan was busy having a baby last belt promotion so Brian did not get a chance to formally promote him in front of everyone. But last night at SIMA Brian presented Jordan with his Feixa Azul! Congrats on both the kiddo and the promotion, well deserved, you've been rolling really well!
I see that Xande has been working the Kimura grip game I developed for him;) Thanks to my broski Matt for sending this my way, we see Xande working various transitions into submissions utilizing the Kimura grip. To your left you can see the man whom this is named after himself using the Kimura grip in a standing position. Gives a nice clear shot of how you are gripping and grabbing. The plan is to use this game to bring home some medal in a couple weeks!
Study this, lots of little gems and details in this clip:
There will be no class on Saturday May 18th. I apologize for any inconvenience. 
I see that Xande has been working the Kimura grip game I developed for him;) Thanks to my broski Matt for sending this my way, we see Xande working various transitions into submissions utilizing the Kimura grip. To your left you can see the man whom this is named after himself using the Kimura grip in a standing position. Gives a nice clear shot of how you are gripping and grabbing. The plan is to use this game to bring home some medal in a couple weeks! 
