Last week the Jiu-Jitsu community in Philadelphia attended a seminar for a student of Jared Weiner at BJJ United who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. They raised over $10,000.

Because of the disastrous Supertyphoon Haiyan in the Philippines that hit last week, many are in need and  we can help to fund relief efforts. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, there are currently 3,621 deaths, 12,165 injured, 1,140 missing and many homeless.

Check out these events coming up that will give you the opportunity to donate to various outlets. If you are not local or cannot make the events, there are other opportunities to support:

Rolling for Philippines – Sunday, Nov. 17 San Jose, CA

At Heroes Martial Arts is holding an open mat on Sunday, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 460 S Market St. San Jose, CA. They are asking for a minimum $20 donation and black belts like Samir Chantre, Osvaldo Queixinho, Bryant Pangelinan, Alan “Gumby” Marques, Matt Darcy, Jeremy Adkins, Sergio Silva, Julio Echeverria to name a few will be present also. Instead of conducting a massive seminar however, they will be available for “privates” at the rate of $2 per minute. Call 408-288-8857 for more information. If you can’t make it you can donate online at: http://www.crowdrise.com/rollforthephilippines/ which goes to the American Red Cross.

Roll for the Philippines – Saturday, Nov. 23 Peoria, AZ

There will be an open mat at Siege MMA on Saturday, Nov. 23 with all proceeds donated to the relief. It will run from 1 – 3 p.m. at 14131 W. Rio Vista Blvd. #9 Peoria, AZ. They are asking for $20 or more if possible. Call 602-680-3467 for more information.

Seattle Martial Arts Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fundraiser and Auction  – Sunday, Nov. 24 Seattle, WA

Seattle martial arts and crossfit schools will come together on Sunday, Nov. 24 for a fundraising event with lunch and a silent auction. It will run from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at MKG Seattle: 10714 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA. Workshops will run from 10 a.m. on with a Filipino lunch available for $10 donation per plate from 2 – 3:30 p.m. For more information visit http://www.mkgseattle.com/fundraiser/

Roll4Relief – Sunday, Dec. 1 San Diego, CA

Michael Liera Jr. and his family have set up open mat fundraiser for the BJJ community in San Diego, CA. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arena MMA: 3350 Sports Arena Blvd. San Diego, CA. It will be a day of music, Jiu-Jitsu, food, prizes for family and friends. They are asking for a $25 mat fee for donation. More information can be found at their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Roll4reliefhaiyan

Northwest GrappleThon for Philippine Disaster Aid – Friday, Dec. 6 to Saturday, Dec. 7 Edmonds, WA

There will be a 24-hour grapplethon to raise money at Gracie Barra Edmonds which is twenty minutes south of downtown Seattle. It will run from 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9681 Firdale Ave, Edmonds, Washington 98020.

“We wIll charge a fixed amount to participate, in this case, $30, and then people are welcome to solicit pledges from co-workers, family, and friends based on how many rolls you get, or how long you can go, etc. I’m feeling that “a dollar a roll” is a reasonable ask. If you aren’t a Jiu-Jitsu person, a “roll” is a 5-10 minute “live” sparring session with another person. How tough it is really depends on the participants, but it can be extremely draining and painful when your opponent is way better than you are. So, if you think it sounds like an awfully hard dollar, you are probably correct. If you’d rather do it based on time spent, $6-$10 is probably fair for an hour. We will also be doing T-shirts for the participants, and you will receive one with your donation of $50 or more. There will also be prizes available for the participants, and if you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to griff@edmondsbjj.com and we can discuss it directly.”

“Braver & Stronger” Fundraiser T-Shirt by Gawakoto, Meerkatsu and Scramble – Pre-order ends Monday, Nov. 18 Online

To raise money for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Phillipines, Gawakoto has teamed up with Meerkatsu & Scramble to produce this one of a kind shirt featuring all three artists’ work. Pre-orders for the first batch will be taken between Thursday 14th until Monday 18th. Tees will begin shipping roughly two weeks after. This way the money from the shirt can be donated quicker. Donations will go to Disasters Emergency Committee.

To order go to: http://store.gawakotoclothing.co.uk/Pre-Order-Fundraising-Shirt-Stronger-Braver_p_45.html 

Any other events or fundraising opportunities? Let us know!

Manuel ‘Beats’ Diaz holds seminar for his road to Copa Podio. Photo: Babette Romero

On August 15, the brown belt under GMA member Caio Terra who will be on his way to Brazil soon held his first seminar.

Manuel Diaz is set to participate in the Copa Podio Middleweight GP in the green group alongside Renato Cardoso, Travis Stevens, Paulo Miyao and Jaime Canuto.

In order to gain financial support for his endeavor to Rio de Janeiro, Manny held a seminar at a Caio Terra affiliate academy in Hayward,CA. Caio Terra himself was present for the event as well as Osvaldo Queixinho and Samir Chantre who recently returned from the IBJJF Las Vegas Open with gold medals.

The road to Copa Podio is one paved with support and hard work for Manuel Diaz who we will see in action on Sunday, September 8. More information at www.copapodio.com

Manny teaches guard work at his seminar on August 15. Photo: Babette Romero

JT Torres works a pass at the 2013 IBJJF Las Vegas Summer Open. Photo: Ivan Trindade

JT Torres recently won the black belt middleweight division at the IBJJF Las Vegas Summer Open this past weekend. After being on a seminar tour, he took to the mats in Sin City to get his competition fix. Traveling from his Atos academy in San Diego, CA under GMA member Andre Galvao, he proved his abilities with two matches ending in a gold medal.

JT spoke to GRACIEMAG about his matches and what he’s looking forward to in the near future:

GRACIEMAG: You’ve been on a tour of seminars around the states since June, so what was your motivation to finally compete again?

 JT TORRES: My motivation came back honestly shortly after arriving in San Diego. Before moving to San Diego it was a hectic and troubling time in my life, to the point where I could not focus on BJJ and considered calling it quits. Once I got over to the West Coast I was able to really let go of everything and clear my mind and refocus on my love for BJJ.

What were your matches like and how did you defeat both opponents? Was one tougher than the other?

My matches went really well. I was beating my first opponent before submitting him with a bow and arrow choke from the back. And then in my final match I was able to get the sweep and take the mount towards the end of the match and win 6-0. Both opponents were tough but I think Carlos Diego Ferreira was a little bit more experienced competition-wise.

Did you notice a difference between the middleweights and the usual lightweights that you go up against? Did you compete in the open weight?

The big difference I noticed was the speed. I feel that the lighter guys have the speed advantage. I did not compete in the open weight only because I am planning on competing a lot these upcoming weeks and did not want to risk injury fighting the bigger guys.

What is your focus these days? Will we see you participating in the no-gi season?

My focus these days are definitely no-gi. Professor Andre Galvao and my teammates Rafael Mendes and Keenan Cornelius are all fighting the upcoming ADCC, so I am in there everyday training with these guys in preparation for ADCC. Yes, you guys will definitely see me fighting in this year’s no-gi season! Hopefully ADCC as well If I can get an invitation for the 77 kg division!

Roger Gracie will fight again in Asia, and may return to the UFC with two good wins. Photo: Strikeforce

Without renewing his contract with the UFC after a decision loss to Tim Kennedy last July 6, Roger Gracie, 31, is closer to One FC, an organization based in Singapore.

He, who had a good first round before losing stamina following a 15 kg drop in weight for the bout, should now return to his home, the light heavyweight division (under 93kg).

“In the next fight he will return among the light heavyweights,” said Jorge “Joinha” Guimarães, in a conversation with Brazilian news portal R7. “I talked to Dana White and Joe Silva, and it was agreed that, if he wins two fights, he’s back to the UFC. Even so, we are closing with One FC, where he will not be bound by the contract,” said the manager.

Changes around Roger do not stop there. The Gracie should spend more time during the year in Los Angeles to train with Lyoto Machida, Glover Teixeira and other athletes of Black House MMA.

The three-time world absolute Jiu-Jitsu champion talked to GRACIEMAG about the new direction, and dismissed the possibility of returning to competitive BJJ: “I knew, even before my fight with Tim Kennedy, that it was my last fight under that contract (there was only one fight left in my old Strikeforce deal). I knew, therefore, that there was nothing certain after that bout. But I did not get where I am in Jiu-Jitsu only with victories. I did not achieve all I did in the gi by winning every fight, and I did not win ten world titles at black
belt without losing any fights. Now I have decided to devote myself to MMA, and that’s what I will do till the end of my career. No matter where I fight or for what promotion. I train to be number one. That defeat at UFC 162 was just a setback; a lot has yet to happen,” Roger assured us.

Do you believe in a triumphant return to the UFC by Roger next year? Sound off below.

GMA Cobrinha BJJ will be hosting a seminar for bully prevention on Sunday, July 28. Led by Alliance black belt and kids instructor Fabbio Passos, the event will benefit both kids and parents in a variety of ways.

The best part is the seminar is absolutely free. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. your child and you can learn how to prevent bullying and how to handle the situations should they arrive. Representatives from local police stations in the Mid-Wilshire area will be there to speak about the serious issue.

To learn about bullying and how to prevent it while allowing your child to gain confidence through Jiu-Jitsu techniques, reserve your spot at the seminar today.

The GMA academy is located at 4929 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 104, Los Angeles, CA 90010

You can call 323-931-9953 or send an email to info@cobrinhabjj.com

Royler Gracie and his father Helio Gracie. Photo: Helio Gracie Foundation/HGF

A new philanthropist venture has bloomed in the Jiu-Jitsu community called the Helio Gracie Foundation which serves to help spread the gentle art through programs for kids and teens. President of the foundation and co-founder of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Royler Gracie has put together a way for youngsters to gain the wonderful benefits for body and mind.

From the founders, “The Helio Gracie Foundation began with the simple idea that Jiu-Jitsu’s life-changing power should be within reach of every individual motivated to pursue it, regardless of his or her financial or social situation.” Programs are aimed towards kids and teens through public schools where Jiu-Jitsu can influence and strengthen the community.

The foundation is currently partnering with GMA member Eduardo Rocha of Rocha Jiu-Jitsu, a Gracie Humaita academy in San Francisco, CA who also serves as executive director.

For more information and how to support and/or donate to the cause visit www.heliofoundation.org

[highlight]Last chance: Get a FREE Vulkan Pro Light Gi with a 24 month subscription of GRACIEMAG for only $177 Click here and get yours now. Offer ends Friday, July 16. Use Promo Code GMVULKAN during the checkout.

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Prince Jackson earns blue belt. Photo: TMZ

Online celebrity gossip site TMZ has reported that Michael Jackson’s son Prince is a blue belt in Jiu-Jitsu. He has been training at the Gracie Academy in Beverly Hills, CA and earned his new colored rank last week.

Many other celebrities have made their way through the belts including Ed O’Neil, Guy Ritchie, Paul Walker.

With Prince practicing Jiu-Jitsu, it’s safe to say that the benefits of training extend to just about anyone.

Check out the article and the photos here: http://www.tmz.com/2013/07/08/prince-jackson-jiu-jitsu-belt/

Sixth American Cup in San Jose, CA

Claudio Franca is at it again with another tournament for the season. This time, the American Cup is running its sixth straight time in San Jose, Calif.

This year they are bringing in new divisions for kids, females and males. Female now have a master division, males will have a senior IV division and kids will have broken down divisions for their belts: white, grey, yellow, orange, green.

There will also be a live stream located at www.americancupbjj.com. If you click the “American Cup TV” link you can enjoy live streaming of matches, interviews and more.

Register now before the early deadline price is raised. Pay now for $60 kids divisions, $75 for juveniles, adults, masters and seniors. Early registration prices end on April 5!

Click here to register!

Location will be at Independence High School, 1776 Educational Park Drive, San Jose, CA 95133.

Magid Hage puts Clark Gracie to sleep with baseball bat choke / Photo by Erin Herle

The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Cup Trials in San Diego brought names onto the tongues of mainstream members, cash into the pockets of two black belt open weight champions, tickets into the hands of determined athletes at every belt level and intense cheer into the gloomy San Diego city atmosphere.

As Sunday, January 27 was set for the final matches and absolute divisions, there were also kid divisions that endured turmoil and tenacity. The little competitors started the day for the proud parents, coaches and teammates who made sure to prove that competing is fun even when losses are met for some. Tears were shed by passionate children and many hugs were given from the bystanders and sometimes even referees.

By the time the masters and seniors divisions were underway, the tone became more serious. Black belts entered the mats to fight for the open weight cash prizes and the open weight divisions for belts white through purple began to flourish.

The female divisions combined many belts and gave three opportunities to win the tickets. White and blue belts remained in the same category but because the division was combined completely, it was one of the only times we saw super heavyweights against lightweights.

The brown/black open division slowly narrowed down as all of the brown belts were taken out. One stand-out named Magid Hage from Gracie Barra debuted in his first black belt tournament and submitted multiple opponents with the baseball choke. Two of his most notable wins came from Clark Gracie’s resistance to the choke ending in a nap and Zak Maxwell nearly met the same ending but managed to tap before completely submitting himself to the trance.

The brown/black division finals were fast and ended all by points or referee decisions except for the last match where Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida footlocked James Puopolo in under two minutes.

For results of the open class winners for all belts and brown/black division winners please see below:

FEMALE

White/Blue Absolute
1-  Erica Plummer-Santana; ticket winner

2- Tara White

3- Ila Erickson

3- Natyna Vidaot

Purple/Brown/Black Absolute
1- Kristina Barlaan; ticket winner

2- Sarah Black

3- Amanda Grummon

3- Chelsea Donner

MALE

White Absolute
1- Russel Fouts; ticket winner

2-  Max Necochea

3- Russel Delmar

3- Addiweli Buul

Blue Absolute Under 183
1- Rolando Samson; ticket winner

2- Angela Guerrero-Barden

3- Evan Esaki

3- Sebastian Villanueva

Blue Absolute Over 183
1- James Russel; ticket winner

2- Brandon Tucker

3- Lucas Pollard

3- James Harris

Purple Absolute Under 183
1- Michael Liera Jr.; ticket winner

2- Rick Slomba

3-  Dominique Hoskins

3- Daniel Stoulfi

Purple Absolute Over 183
1- Mike Carbullido; ticket winner

2- Nisar Loynab

3- David Morehead

3-  Louis Villarreal

Brown/Black Absolute Under 183
1- Marcel Goncalves; $500 cash winner

2- Magid Hage

3- Zak Maxwell

3- Ryan Beauregard

Brown/Black Absolute Over 183
1- Gustavo Dias

2- James Puopolo

3- Manuel Diaz

3- Luiz Pedro Ribeiro

Brown/Black Under 143
1- Rafael Freitas; ticket winner

2- Baret Yoshida

3- Geoffrey Villarreal

3- Aaron Buck

Brown/Black Under 163
1- Zak Maxwell; ticket winner

2- Rodrigo Freitas

3- Tanner Rice

3- Marcel Goncalves

Brown/Black Under 183
1- Marcelo Mafra; ticket winner

2- Don Ortega

3- Clark Gracie

3- Ryan Beauregard

Brown/Black Under 202
1- Robert Alencar; ticket winner

2- Eliot Kelly

3- Eduardo Telles

3- Manuel Diaz

Brown/Black Over 202
1- Marcus Almeida; ticket winner

2- James Puopolo

3- Luiz Pedro Ribeiro

3- Gustavo Dias

Rafael “Barata” Freitas will compete in the final of the under 143 category at the San Diego WPJJC Trial on Sunday January 27 / Photo by Erin Herle

The matches in the Miramar College gym went off without a hitch today at the San Diego WPJJC Trial.

The day started at 10 a.m. with the adult blue belts filling the four mats. As the day moved on down the belts and the division winners were solidified, the crowds grew. The blue belts, many under the age of 21, captured the action well. By the time the purple belts began, crowds were watching intently as the athletes had their chance to shine. Moving to brown and black belts, it was a time for all to admire the technique and tenacity unfolding in search for a ticket to Abu Dhabi in April.

Overall, the final matches of each division garnered their own intensity, cheers and sweat poured. Tomorrow will be time for the absolute divisions to begin with white belts qualifying from semi-final division winners and up and all other divisions qualifying from the quarter-final winners and up.

Here are the winners of the divisions:

ADULT MALE

WHITE
Light Feather:  Chuong Vu/Lotus Club Jiu-Jitsu
Feather: Mark Barrett/Cobrinha BJJ
Light: Ivan Herrera/Undisputed
Middle: Alex Ogiyevich/Gracie Barra Northridge
Medium Heavy: Michael Scott/BJJ Revolution
Heavy: Russell Delmar/SDBJJ
Ultra Heavy: Max Necochea/Undisputed

BLUE
Light Feather: Ian Sanders/Gracie Barra Manhattan Beach
Feather: Jeremy Jackson/Gracie Barra Northridge
Light: Angelo Guerrero-Barden/ATOS Jiu-Jitsu
Middle: Erick Leon Garcia/Gracie Barra
Medium Heavy: Kaniela Kahuanui/Caio Terra BJJ
Heavy: James Gray/Megaton Jiu-Jitsu
Super Heavy: Luke Pollard/Kaijin
Ultra Heavy: James Friedrich/ATOS Jiu-Jitsu

PURPLE
Light-Feather: Bobby Castle/Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Feather: Jeremy Spry/Undisputed
Light: John Meno/ATOS Jiu-Jitsu
Middle: Nisar Loynab/ATOS Jiu-Jitsu
Medium Heavy: Daniel Hampton/Nova Uniao
Heavy: Mike Carbullido/ATOS Jiu-Jitsu
Super Heavy: David Morehead/Joe Stevenson’s Cobra Kai
Ultra Heavy: Eric Geib/Victory MMA

FEMALE ADULT

WHITE/BLUE
Light Feather: Sheryl Lawrence/Fight Sports Avengers
Feather: Claudia Diaz/Caio Terra BJJ
Light: Erica Plummer Santana Nascimento/Lotus Club Jiu-Jitsu
Middle: Christine Giaquinto/Gracie Humaita San Diego
Medium Heavy: Natyna Vidato/Selva BJJ
Heavy: Tara White/ATOS Jiu-Jitsu

PURPLE/BROWN/BLACK
Light Feather: Tracy Leung/Gracie Humaita USA
Feather: Chelsea Bainbridge-Donner/ATOS Jiu-Jitsu
Light: Sarah Black/Nova Uniao

BROWN/BLACK ADULT MALE FINALS FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 27:

Under 143: Rafael Freitas v.s. Baret Yoshida
Under 163: Rodrigo Freitas v.s. Zak Maxwell
Under 183: Don Ortega v.s. Marcelo Mafra
Under 202: Eliot Kelly v.s. Roberto Alencar
Over 202: Marcus Almeida v.s. James Puopolo

Two brown/black open divisions have been added, under 183 and over 183. Cash prize available to the winner of each at $500.

For schedule, results and more information, head to www.prosportsbjj.com

FGB Arena in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials in San Diego, CA are set for Jan 26-27 with divisions for kids to seniors and many available prize tickets to compete in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Cup of 2013.

The brackets are up on the website now, see who you will be facing here: http://www.t360reg.com/Brackets.aspx?TournamentID=25

Weigh-ins are to be held today at 858 Fight Shop from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The address is 7128 Miramar Rd San Diego, CA 92121. Phon: (858) 530-8181

NOTE: You may also weigh in at the venue one (1) hour before your fight time. All athletes are weighed in without the gi!

The venue is located at the large gymnasium at Miramar College: 10440 Black Mountain Road, San Diego, CA 92126.

Schedule will be announced shortly on the website! All information regarding the San Diego Abu Dhabi World Pro Trials can be seen here: www.prosportsbjj.com

See everyone tomorrow!