Jean Jacques Machado Promoted To Red-Black Belt

Over Memorial Day weekend we had the pleasure of hosting Rigan Machado for a weekend of training here in Seattle.  On a break at the gi portion of the seminar Rigan had taken off his top and belt to use the facilities and left it on his bag where Brian and I were captivated by it for what seemed like minutes.

"Can you imagine receiving that belt from the creators of this art?" asked Brian.

"Brother, I can barely imagine a purple belt, let alone a red-black!" I quipped back.

The red-black belt.  A sign of dedication, perseverance, determination, and over and above all a symbol of your undying work to promote the art and sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  25 years as a black belt actively promoting the art.  Rickson Gracie promoted Jean Jacques Machado to the rank of red-black belt Tuesday June 6, 2011.  Much thanks to Kid Peligro for breaking the news!

"I am honored to receive this belt from Rickson Gracie." - JJM



Considered by many to be possibly one of the most technically talented snipers ever in grappling:


Congratulations on a milestone from Seattle's NW Jiu Jitsu Academy Professor Machado!