Pe de Pano promotes first American black belt, Michael Sergi. Photo: Personal Archive

Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz promoted his on of his students to black belt over the weekend of April 26 – 27 at the 2014 IBJJF Boca Raton Open in Florida. This is the first American he has promoted to black belt

The student, Michael Sergi of GMA Serg BJJ was given his black belt after winning gold in the brown belt masters 2 medium-heavy division.

He says, “I was happy about my performance and winning gold, but I was overwhelmed with joy when Marcio wrapped the black belt around my waist on the podium. I am proud to achieve the belt and even more proud that Marcio trusted me enough to make me his black belt. I know he has high expectations. I have a lot more work to do now.”

Learn more about this new black belt and his GMA academy Serg BJJ in Savannah, GA, visit www.sergbjj.com