04.06.2009 Gracie Barra strong for WorldsFinal training session united over 30 black belts in Irvine
The Gracie Barra competition team’s last training session before the 2009 World Championship took place this Wednesday afternoon, at the team headquarters in Irvine, California. More than 30 black belts, as well as the athletes from other belts, took to two mats to bring to a close the team’s preparations. Under the command of Marcio Feitosa, stars like Roger Gracie, Braulio Estima, Mario Reis, Samuel Braga, Victor Estima, Flavio Almeida, Kayron Gracie, Romulo Barral, Lucas Rocha, among others, sweated up their gis.
Bráulio (in back) and Roger during training
Accompanied by father Mauricio Gomes, Roger Gracie also trained and found time to speak with GRACIEMAG.com: “I’m ready and much better prepared than I was last year.” As always favored to win the absolute (and, of course, the super heavyweight), Roger also spoke of the absence of the one who is indubitably his greatest adversary: “Xande being out didn’t disappoint me, since I’m sure we’ll still face each other in other championships. Beyond that, the championship has many other stars who will uphold the high level.” The knee injury that took the current absolute champion out cleared the way for a possible final among friends, as Roger points out: “I think there’s a great chance there will be a final between two Gracie Barra athletes, since Romulo Barral and Braulio Estima are also coming in strong.”
 Roger Gracie and Flávio "Cachorrinho" Almeida
Training by his side, Braulio Estima is also rooting for an in-house final: “I hope I’ll be having a good day. I’ve prepared a lot for this Worlds, but only come match time will it be the moment of truth,” evaluated Estima, who should he come face to face with Roger, will not be put off: “We train together at least once a week, over in England.”
Master Carlinhos speaks to team
Master Carlos Gracie Jr appeared at the end of the two-hour training session to promote three team integrants. Roger Gracie received the second stripe on his black belt, as did GB Australia teacher Marcelo “Vietcong” Rezende. Now GMA member Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhaes received his fourth stripe. Carlinhos spoke to the team and wished everyone good luck at the Worlds.
The black belts after training
The Worlds 2009 began this Thursday and GRACIEMAG.com promises complete coverage with all the excitement to fill the CSU Long Beach pyramid, in California. Click here to check out the brackets and stay tuned.
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