05.03.2008 GRACIE Magazine #132What Jiu-Jitsu can do for your kids
More than ever before, Jiu-Jitsu academies around the world are discovering the pluses of teaching the gentle art to kids. Carlos Gracie was already recommending the sport for children back in 1948. Sixty years later, GRACIE Magazine decided to delve deep into the question. We went after people who had practiced Jiu-Jitsu as toddlers, now adults, masters and parents. They painted a clear picture of how important Jiu-Jitsu is during childhood. And GRACIE Magazine presents its readers with the verdict.
That Jiu-Jitsu keeps on growing, everyone knows. The 2008 European Championship that took place in Lisbon at the end of January, once again was the stage for a demonstration of force on the part of the sport. With a record number signed up, the competition served its role of fostering the sport in the Old World and revealing names likely to shine on the world scene. GRACIE Magazine was present in Portugal and brings you the best from the event.
He deserves congratulations. Marcio Feitosa, three-time black belt world champion, ADCC champion, chief instructor at Gracie Barra America, reaches 20 years of Jiu-Jitsu in 2008. Happy with all he’s done, Marcinho received GRACIE Magazine for a chat bringing up the past, evaluating the present and projecting the future.
In New Zealand, where he was born, he practiced several sports, until he suffered a tear to his knee, requiring surgery. A medical blunder left him lame, as he himself says. He became a weight lifter and moved to the United States, where he earned his graduate degree from the Columbia University. One day he saw Renzo Gracie on television and figured ground fighting could help him with his bouncing gig at a New York nightclub. He was right. He started practicing, developed a taste for it, and is now a black belt and instructor. Find out who this thinker of Jiu-Jitsu is in the GRACIE Magazine profile.
From Birmingham, in the north of England, the fighter from the Northeast of Brazil Braulio Estima sent in a training program for those who don’t like fighting from the bottom. Perfect your sweeps in seven days.
Ricardo Almeida had his MMA return with a win after four years away from the ring. His physical conditioning, as he himself says, was better than ever. GRACIE Magazine readers too have Cachorrao’s secret weapon, Martin Rooney, at their disposal. This month, the trainer shows how uniting elements you used to train separately can help you become a more versatile fighter.
In the section dedicated to the GRACIE Magazine Association, we hoist our flag in California and visit two associates who have been doing great work. Ricardo Franjinha and Shawn Williams tell their stories.
In the Agenda, the immortal words of Nelson Rodrigues; two schools restructuring for the new year; Ronaldo Jacare in Right and Wrong; the importance of discipline for success in the business of Jiu-Jitsu; and Tici goes green.
To finish, Vitor Shaolin recalls his days as a spectator; and Tarsis Humphreys announces that 2008 will be his year with a slick move in In the Academy.
Enjoy your reading and see you next month.
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