Professor Ivan José Rocha Araruna é faixa-preta de Jiu-Jitsu, graduado no ano de 2010. Ele conversou com a reportagem do GRACIEMAG.com sobre o panorama da arte marcial nos EUA, em especial em sua região, na Flórida. Confira os melhores momentos do bate-papo.

GRACIEMAG: Professor Ivan, please tell us about your journey and your role at Gracie Barra Citrus Park in Tampa, Florida.

IVAN ROCHA: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been my life’s work for over two decades. Throughout this journey, I have dedicated myself not only to technical excellence, but also to using Jiu-Jitsu as a tool to transform lives. At Gracie Barra Citrus Park, I serve as the head instructor and leader of the academy, overseeing athlete development, competition preparation, and the overall growth of our community. My mission has always been to build more than strong competitors — I strive to help develop disciplined, confident, and resilient individuals.

In a relatively short period of time, GB Citrus Park has shown remarkable growth. What do you believe has driven this success?

Sustainable growth is never accidental. It comes from consistency, trust, and genuine commitment to people. When students join our academy, they quickly understand that they are becoming part of something bigger than just a training facility. We have built an environment based on discipline, respect, technical excellence, and family values. This culture has allowed the academy to grow significantly while maintaining high training standards and strong personal connections with every student.

Your athletes have achieved good results in major competitions across the United States. How do you approach athlete development?

Competition results are a reflection of structured preparation and long-term development. I emphasize technical precision, strategic intelligence, mental resilience, and discipline under pressure. Every athlete develops differently, so my coaching is highly individualized. What makes me proud is not only seeing students on podiums at prestigious tournaments, but witnessing their personal growth — learning discipline, confidence, and perseverance through Jiu-Jitsu.

Beyond competition, how has the academy impacted the local community in Tampa?

The impact goes far beyond medals. Our academy has become a place where children gain confidence, adults improve physical and mental health, and families strengthen their bonds. We have helped students overcome insecurity, anxiety, lack of discipline, and sedentary lifestyles. For many families, Gracie Barra Citrus Park has become a second home. That community impact is one of the most meaningful aspects of my work.

You have also become known for your work with women and children. Why is this important to you?

Women and children represent one of the most powerful transformations we witness through Jiu-Jitsu. For women, training often develops confidence, self-defense skills, and mental strength. For children, Jiu-Jitsu builds discipline, emotional control, respect, and resilience from an early age. Creating a safe, positive, and empowering environment for them is one of the most important responsibilities I have as an instructor and leader

What legacy do you hope to leave through your work in the US?

My greatest goal is to leave a legacy of excellence, integrity, and positive impact. I want to be remembered not only for producing successful athletes, but for helping build stronger people and stronger communities. If, through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, I can positively influence lives and inspire future generations, then I know my mission is being fulfilled.

 

• Follow professor Ivan, here.

 

GM #229 is out. We highlight the many ways Jiu-Jitsu helps kids deal with life’s challenges, on and off the mats.

We bring you uplifting stories of how the gentle art is empowering the little ones all over the globe.

We also let parents what is important to look for before choosing the right class for their children.

Other than that, we have the complete coverage of the 2016 Pan, Royce Gracie’s return to MMA and Neiman Gracie on his promising career in the cage.

We also have a new columnist in Sophia Drysdale and all the usual attractions like Martin Rooney, Angela Gracie, Michelle Alencar, and many more.

Get your copy now at GRACIEMAGSHOP.COM.

Bullying is a real problem in our society today. Left unaddressed, it can lead to serious consequences and sometimes, unfortunately, tragedies. It’s well known that Jiu-Jitsu can be a tool to help kids stand up to bullies, but how? Here are 7 reasons why the gentle art actually helps kids to deal with abusive colleagues.

 1) Self-confidence repels cowards

A bully is a coward. He or she identifies those who lack self-confidence and prey on it. Jiu-Jitsu gives kids the self-confidence to stand up for themselves at the moment of the first approach, usually a verbal one. Once you know that you can defend yourself, you will let the bully know right away and they will usually back off.

2) An antidote to fear and insecurity

There are two main ingredients to bullying: fear and insecurity. The fearful is usually the victim and the insecure is usually the aggressor that seeks confrontation to hide their own feeling of weakness. The gentle art will teach kids to defend themselves when necessary and help them deal with fear. At the same time, it will address insecurity and help that aggressive kid to be more confident, polite and respectful.

3) Respect for differences  

There’s no room for prejudice on the mat. As you have to actually prove yourself against all sorts of people, you quickly realize that we are all equal in our shortcomings and potentials. The difference lies on how much work we put in to neutralize one and boost the other. This notion will most likely accompany the child outside the academy as well.

4) The bonds of friendship

Bullies go after kids who have trouble making connections, feel different and don’t relate well o the group. Jiu-Jitsu will work as a mediator and help the child make friends. Being a contact sport, the gentle art is a channel to make everyone fit into the group. If you don’t fear the group, being part of it becomes much easier.

5) Self-esteem balance

Having low self-esteem is the gateway to an isolated, fearful and unhappy life. On the other hand, too much of it can turn you into a cocky obnoxious person, child or adult. Jiu-Jitsu will quickly give that issue the balance it needs so much. As kids win and lose, as we all do on the mats, they learn that it’s your actions that prove your value, instead of what you or others think of yourself.

6) Help for the parents 

Nothing can replace a good upbringing by the kids parents. If a child receives the right values, he or she is on the right track to be a good person. Jiu-Jitsu will help with that, as it teaches the value of hard work, respect for others and the right way to deal with victory and defeat, pleasure and pain, reward and punishment.

7) Pressure release

Life is full of stressful moments for kids and adults alike. We all have to deal with little unpleasantries on a daily basis. Once again, Jiu-Jitsu will teach you how to deal with those less than peaceful moments of life. On the mat, the number one lesson you learn is how to deal with discomfort.

Kids

Do you think your son or daughter should practice Jiu-Jitsu? Why?

If you do not have the answer on the tip of your tongue, GRACIEMAG highlighted here 12 life lessons that the little ones will take to the rest of their lives as soon as they start training at a good Jiu-Jitsu school.

1- Kids will learn that falling down is part of life. And, that to get up and move ahead, the only thing you need is will power.

2- They learn that making mistakes is actually the best way to succeed. But, also that making the same mistake all the time can result in a darn hard time.

3- They’ll know how to quickly recognize the satisfaction of sweat and work hard, which takes to accomplish any task.

4- Children will learn to keep, by themselves, their own workout clothes in the bag – they will learn it for the first time when someone else, distracted, puts their father’s kimono pants into the backpack, which will be a little big …

5- Kids realize how foolish it is to fear the big guy from another class. And, they notice the simplest and transforming value of looking right into the eyes of other people – not as a sign of defiance, but of respect, understanding, and equality.

6- They will learn the value of a person is not given by color, age or religion. On the mat, you are equal to everyone, and your value is just measured by the sweat you shed, skills and gestures you demonstrate while rolling with your companions in battle.

7- They learn to collect friends with healthy habits and that have also learned to respect others.

8- Children will learn to focus on a problem to solve it. The distracted and relapsing youngsters will be able to concentrate, and to pay more attention to what is taught.

9- They will enjoy the pleasure of a much more real and enjoyable physical activity than video and mobile games. And, it can still be done with parents and even with Grandpa!

10- They learn that winning (in life or in martial arts) does not mean to hurt or step on anyone.

11- They will learn to develop mental abilities, such as memory to remember the techniques, and coolness to face the biggest challenges.

12- Kids realize that awards only come with true effort – It can be stripes on their belts, a new belt, or a victory.

Kimura lock applied at the 2015 Pan Kids.

A petition surfaced this Wednesday on the website Change.com that affects the Jiu-Jitsu community.

William Murphy, of Sarasota, FL, is the author of the petition started August 10, 2015, asking the US Senate to make illegal chokes and locks on grappling competitions in the USA for children under the age of 12.

Murphy argues that: “If the referee is poor, this can result in permanent harm to the child. Even if the referee stops the match quickly, children’s brains are still developing, and deliberately cutting off the blood supply to a child’s brain is a dangerous and ridiculously negligent practice. These same tournaments often allow children to apply joints locks to the wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, or neck until the child “submits” from the pain of the lock. If these locks are applied with too much force or for too long, lasting damage to the child’s joints can occur.”

The text also says that teaching children this “dangerous” techniques open the possibility of accidents when they use those techniques on friends as play in unsupervised moments.

The petition has 48 suporters so far.

Click here to read the full text of the petition.

What do you think of the initiative?

The first edition of the IBJJF Kids International takes place in Long Beach, California, on Dec. 14.

The registration period is already open and you should hurry to secure your spot.

Click here to register now

With one month to train for the event, here is a nice technique suitable for all ages.

Gui and Rafa Mendes have one of the most successful kids teams today.

Gui agreed to show this guard pass when GRACIEMAG.com paid them a visit.

Watch and add it to your game.

RABJJ kids. Photo: Janice Sarcomo

By Ricardo Almeida – Forth degree black belt

I grew up in Brazil playing soccer every single day. We played soccer at school, when we came home, at the beach and on the weekends we played some more.

I love soccer and follow it diligently to this day so this article is not a soccer bashing but rather a highlight of Martial Arts benefits over School sports.

I didn’t start practicing Jiu-Jitsu until I was 15 years old which by world class standards in any sport is way too late.

I did however, have the unique opportunity to study in a world class Academy (Gracie Barra) under a world renouwned Instructor (Carlos Gracie Jr).

Among the ranks at Gracie Barra I was nowhere near the top level of talent we had on the mats, but the fact the I was surrounded by some of the all-time Jiu-Jitsu greats made all the difference in the world.

Growing up with Jiu-Jitsu has given me goals, sense of purpose and the drive and discipline to go after those goals.

I believe there is no program out there that encompasses physical education and character development like Martial Arts does.

Below are a few reasons to consider Martial Arts for your Child or Adolescent over or in addition to Team Sports:

1 – Self-Defense

This is the number one reason why most people decide to study  martial arts, and pretty much any style is a great way to learn how to defend yourself. Martial arts teach you the techniques to defend yourself, but also the way to think about defending yourself – anticipate and avoid potential dangers. Training also helps  build up the reflexes you need if you’re ever in a dangerous situation, and give you the confidence to stand up for yourself and fight back if needed – which brings us to our next topic…

2 – Self-Confidence

As children become more proficient in their selected style of martial arts, their confidence gets a big-boost. They become more self-assured and confident. Their Professor’s (Teacher’s or Sensei’s depending on Martial Art style) encouragement goes a long way to help them achieve this goal, but the confidence level will extend far beyond the Academy (Martial Arts Studio).

It is all about the kids at the 2013 Pan Kids IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu champiobnship

3 – Belts and Ranking

Belts and rankings are a public recognition among peers for the student’s effort and progress. Martial Arts ranking system helps teach children to set goals and achieve them, to persevere and prioritize.

4 – Discipline

Martial Arts training is a physical expression of ‘practice makes perfect’.  In a class a student may execute a single movement  or series of related movements, hundreds of times. This teaches the student that the progress that always happens during small improvements in technique and stamina, flexibility or power – will come through endless repetition.

Even during randori ( or sparring)   – where the student shows how creatively he or she can apply their well-honed skills – there are still rules and protocols to be followed.  All of this teaches children to respect one another, their opponents and colleagues, and how to play games fair and square – lessons that follow them in their non-Martial Arts lives. It also teaches them to commit, to go to practice even when they don’t feel like it.

5 – Individual Achievement: No one sits on the Bench

Many kids have the chance to experience the benefits of Martial Arts early on, however a big number of children abandon their martial arts training when reaching the teen years in order to participate in school sports. Although there are many lessons to be learned from team and individual varsity sports, the ‘make the team’ model often favors the more physically developed players while alienating the late bloomers. Coaches have access to a endless supply of players that renews itself each year, the big and strong get picked and get to  play while the less physically developed watch from the bench, this leads to a even greater disparity in skill development as the season goes by.

At the RABJJ Academy, our mats are packed while the benches are empty, all kids get equal ‘playing time’. Naturally some kids develop their skills and physical abilities earlier than others but we personally find that many kids who start out with underdeveloped athletic attributes such as strength, speed and size, end up blooming onto some of the finest technicians we have in all of our programs. If  your child is an athletic wonder who is able to stay ahead of the game with his natural talents, athletics may very well bring out the best in him or her. But if want your child’s full potential to be nurtured through years of disciplined and diligent training look for a martial art school who offers a serious program taught by world class accredited instructor.

6 – Gender Equality

I am sure that while many parents would consider martial arts for their sons, not nearly as many would consider it for their daughters. However the martial arts are one of the few sports where both boys and girls can play together. At RABJJ Academy we have a large amount of girls in our Jr Program and in many classes they outnumber the boys. The girls are among the most technically proficient students we have and often dominate many of the local, regional and national competitions they enter. Martial Artist also gives brothers and sisters an opportunity to practice together and learn from one another as well (not to mention the convenience of having all of your kids in one place at a time).

7 – Weight Control

Childhood obesity is a global epidemic and rising trends in overweight and obesity are apparent in both developed and developing countries (CDC stats). The typical  martial arts class will often be comprised of warm-up calisthenics, teaching and practicing of moves and possibly some sparring, as well as some active games. The warm up and practice comprise the bulk of the time, and for that time your child will be constantly on the go – stretching, crunches, takedowns, grappling, punches and kicks. The workout each child gets will not only assist in the natural development of his or her muscles, but also help them build stronger Cardio-Vascular systems. Even in the most active of team sports such as Basketball or Soccer, children don’t get that much of a workout simply because they generally don’t play the whole game and even if they do, there are still breaks in the action.

8 – You can do it with them

Most martial arts schools offer classes for both adults and children. While classes do not run  simultaneously, they are usually one right after the other. This means that you can watch your children workout, and then they can watch you. If you have the proper space for it, you can practice with each other at home, and learn from one another. This will give you a special activity to use as a bonding tool with your kids. You can also become physically fit together. At RABJJ Academy we have many families that come to class together and either take class simultaneously or watch each others sessions. Avoid schools that have children and adults in the same class.

Kids competing in BJJ

9 – The Never-Ending Season

Many team sports, especially those primarily played outdoors, or in specific weather (think Soccer, Baseball and even wrestling) are seasonal. In Martial Arts we have classes year round. This consistency and availability also helps build upon discipline, and allows children to progress at a much quicker pace in the Martial Arts than in Team Sports.

…and 3 more reasons that they should specifically learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Since I am, after all, a Jiu-Jitsu Instructor, I would absolutely reinforce  and recommend Jiu-Jitsu above all other Martial Arts:

10 – Jiu-Jitsu isn’t about brute force, it is about control

Grandmasters Carlos Gracie Sr and Helio Gracie, reinforced that Jiu-Jitsu should be practiced with the mindset that your opponent will be bigger and stronger than you. That technique  and mental toughness should be pursued above all physical attributes.

11 – Athletic Development

Jiu-Jitsu’s main goal is technical prowess and preseverance but the training itself is a whole body workout – Grips, Feet, Hips and Head all need to move in fluid and exact timed motions to properly execute a throw or a fight ending submission. Many world class professional athletes such as  NFL players take up Martial Arts in order to improve their game skills.

12 – Jiu-Jitsu is Global

Jiu-Jitsu has experienced a World Wide growth in the past 10 years unlike any other Martial Art. You can find a Jiu-Jitsu school in any corner of the of any continent. If a Karate practitioner travels to another city he or she might have a hard time finding a school to work out in that has the exact same style and philosophy as their home dojo.

In Jiu-Jitsu, a student may travel to any school and they will still be practicing the same hip throw, arm lock or choke that are taught at his Academy. In fact I encourage all my students whose jobs involve traveling to always bring a Gi and visit other schools. Even when my students go away on vacation they tell me stories of training from the other side of the country to the other side of the world.

Know more at ricardoalmeida.com and newtownbjj.com.

AOJ team. Photo: Nick the Tooth

Guilherme Mendes grew up on the mat with his younger brother Rafael Mendes. The duo came from humble beginnings and now have four black belt world titles each and a booming academy near the coast in beautiful Southern California full of students following their own paths to success.

Gui as a white belt (left) and Rafa (right). Photo: Instagram @mendesbros

Now that Gui’s journey has come full circle, he can talk about the experience as a kid growing up on the mats as well as nurturing those who are growing up on his. If you’re a parent who wants to know more about putting your child into Jiu-Jitsu or you’re a kid who wants to know what to expect, this is an in-depth look at what makes Jiu-Jitsu special. It’s not like your average little league or piano lesson or ballet class. It is all those rolled into one with many opportunities for growth both physically and mentally.

Check out what Gui knows about being young in Jiu-Jitsu, how to approach competition for a child and what to expect along the journey:

GRACIEMAG: A lot of parents put their kids in sports at a young age and push for their success for many reasons, one being that they’ll earn a college scholarship. Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t promote this type of incentive. Do you think parents should professionalize their child’s Jiu-Jitsu career at an early age through competition, promotion and brand marketing? If so, do you believe this is the way to have a successful career in Jiu-Jitsu?

GUILHERME MENDES: I came from a culture where parents are less involved with their kid’s activities. When I started Jiu-Jitsu I was 12 years old and I was living with my mom and brother. She was working all day to bring food to our table, so there was no time for her to worry about our activities and if we were winning or losing in practice. I do remember many times at home where she would tell us to always give our best and believe in our dreams. That’s what I believe is the best thing to do; support but not push.

Motivation comes from inside, motivation comes from loving what you are doing and having a huge desire to do it better and more often. I appreciate when the parents drive a long distance to bring their kids to train at the best school, or when they go to the tournaments and hug their child after the fight even if it is a loss. Support makes you feel loved. Pressure makes you feel desperate.

I think everything in life has its own time. Kids should focus on learning, just like school. It’s all about building their character for the future, gaining confidence and self-control, and learning about brotherhood and respect. This is what is going to make them succeed in the future, even if they choose a different path.

What is a successful career in Jiu-Jitsu? How is it defined?

There is a quote from John Wooden that explains success just like I see it:

“Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.”

Rafa Mendes (left) with brother Gui.

For me success is self-satisfaction and it’s something really personal, we can’t compare. You are the only person in the world that is able to know how far in life you can go, and we all have different limitations. Maybe the things that I have achieved so far would be a success to a lot of people. It is huge for me, but it is not my final vision of success yet. I still feel that I can go further, and that’s what is amazing about life; once you achieve your goals, you can set up higher standards for yourself and work to go further.

How many of your students are full-time athletes? How many are not so serious and just like to learn and not compete?

We have a small group that are full time competitors. They are the students that have the desire to become champions in the sport and are doing what it takes to achieve it.

At AOJ we have 12 classes a day and we have the right program for all different goals in the sport. It’s something that we have worked really hard to build, and that’s one of the aspects that makes AOJ so special. Kids, teens, women, competitors, beginners; they all have their space here and they all can have a great time on the mat. Today we have about 700 students at our academy and it is the result of great team work. We have the most amazing team of staff and coaches that makes AOJ the Disneyland of Jiu-Jitsu. We are always moving forward, with new projects and trying to make everything better and special.

Some say that there is no possible way to predict how well a kid will do in a sport in the future because of puberty and other factors while growing up. Do you think this applies to Jiu-Jitsu as well?

It depends on their vision. Some of them are already mature enough to know what they really want. They are not training because their parents want them to train, they train because that’s what they like to do.

I believe that once they fall in love with the sport, they wont quit. Their lives will be molded to have the sport as a part of it.

The ones that will eventually stop training will have learned something from the classes and will be more prepared for the future. I do not see Jiu-Jitsu class as a self-defense class; I see it as a strong tool to build character for the child to become a strong human being.
You do not need to fight people in school or on the street if you are confident enough to avoid this kind of situation. Bullies are unconfident people trying to prove something.

In Jiu Jitsu we need to achieve self-control. That’s why I really like competitions because there you can face your fears, overcome them, and achieve confidence in your abilities. Its not about winning a fight, its about transforming your personality. It’s amazing when we see a kid coming to train and they are afraid of losing, scared of other people and not confident, and after a few months they start to change. They are confident, their posture is better, the way they talk is different, they learn social skills that will be with them forever. It’s not about creating a beast, it’s about transforming a scared child into a confident human being.

What do you say to a parent who is afraid their child may be injured?

Do you know that quote: “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for”?

That’s how I see it. Injuries can happen anywhere and anytime, you can get hurt walking down the street, but it will not stop you from walking. Right?

How do you feel about the “participation medal” for kids meaning that every kid is recognized for simply attending a competition? Everyone shares part of the glory of winning.

I believe it is good for kids under 6 years old, because most of the time they are going to the competition for their parents, not because they really want to do it. I think it will motivate them to keep doing tournaments. The participation medal is for their courage for stepping on the mat at such a young age. When they are 6 years old, they need to start learning that sometimes we win, sometimes we lose. It’s not only about Jiu-Jitsu as it applies to everything in life, and just like I tell the adults: at the end of the day it will not change anything; people that love and support you will be by your side regardless of the outcome.

Kids class at AOJ. Photo: Nick the Tooth

Learn more about Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, CA at www.artofjiujitsu.com

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

How do you make friends and defend yourself from school bullies? Simple: with Jiu-Jitsu. (Publicity photo)

A lot of mothers and people who are uninformed about Jiu-Jitsu still feel the gentle art isn’t for everybody. After all, it would be a lot of pressure, a lot of contact and a lot of brutishness for their beloved and fragile little ones.

Things aren’t quite like that, we guarantee. There’s a myriad of schools with a variety of philosophies, but one of the few similarities common between all Jiu-Jitsu academies the world over is this: all instructors want their students to happily return the next day.

And it is thus, day after day, that Jiu-Jitsu strengthens, entertains, improves self-esteem, provides will power and a new life. You can take our word for it, mothers!

To reinforce this message, GRACIEMAG.com unearthed a video showing how Jiu-Jitsu for kids is based on creative exercises, with classes that combine self-defense with play and gymnastics.

Give your kids a chance to try Jiu-Jitsu. If they don’t like it, they’ll be the first to say it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnXFqxbu-w0

Little ones put on a show at the Pan Kids, an IBJJF tournament dedicated to pint-sized competitors. (Photo courtesy of Moya Brand)

Jiu-Jitsu’s an art that’s only for professional fighters, like the ones in the UFC and that bulked up neighbor of yours with the cauliflower ears.

Jiu-Jitsu requires strength, experience and maturity, and it should only be practiced by people in peak physical form.

Jiu-Jitsu teaches practitioners that only victory matters in life.

If you believe all that drivel you read above, you’d best make the most of the holidays and New Year to review your Jiu-Jitsu concepts.

So how about grabbing the kids and heading over to the Jiu-Jitsu academy nearest you for a trial lesson in 2013?

To get your engines running, learn to pull guard from the fearless Joãozinho, in the following match filmed at Copa Jureia, a tournament held late this year in Peruíbe, São Paulo State, Brazil.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjiuQRN5WRo

Branson Graf and family at Pan Kids 2012 (Photo by Deb Blyth/GRACIEMAG.com)

How about adding “give Jiu-Jitsu a chance” to your New Year’s resolutions?

C’mon, try it out. At a good gentle-art school, your kids learn how to defend themselves, and by year’s end they’ve learned so much more than that.

They’ve learned such concepts as loyalty, discipline, dedication, respect and honor. Precepts for making them better people—and they learn to defend themselves when their parents and protectors aren’t around to boot.

Watch the class below, and rest assured: with Jiu-Jitsu your kids will never be alone again.