MMA fighter and Jiu-Jitsu second degree black belt Joe Camacho, 41, passed away last Monday in a hospital in West Covina, California.

The beloved professor had just competed in a BJJ tournament in Long Beach, on Sunday.

Camacho had an extensive MMA career, with 35 fights since 1999, competing in events such as Bellator, Shooto and KOTC.

GRACIEMAG joins in the thoughts and prayers to Camacho, his family and friends.

As a way to honor Camacho, learn with this technique he posted on his academy’s Facebook page.

Just click on the image and watch it.

Shane Del Rosario Photo by Josh Hedges

UFC heavyweight Shane Del Rosario, 30, passed away this Monday, December 9, after suffering what was called a catastrophic cardiovascular failure two weeks ago.

The fighter suffered a critical heart failure on Nov. 26 while he was alone in his home in Newport Beach, CA, where he was found by roommate and fellow fighter Ian McCall.

He was brought to the hospital and resuscitated and was in critical condition since then.

The UFC has released a statement:

“The Ultimate Fighting Championship mourns the tragic loss of heavyweight competitor Shane Del Rosario, who has passed away at the age of 30. Del Rosario suffered a heart attack on Tuesday, Nov. 26 as a result of what doctors believe to be a congenital heart disorder, according to his manager Jason House. The entire organization sends its deepest condolences to Shane’s family and friends.” 

Doctors believe that Del Rosario suffered from a congenial condition called Long QT Syndrome, which causes a life-threatening sudden change in the heart rhythm. 

Del Rosario had a 11-2 overal record in MMA, but a 0-2 record in the UFC.

His last fight took place Dec. 15 2012, as part of TUF 16 Finale and he was knocked out by Pat Barry.

After that, Del Rosario was badly injured on his back after suffering a car accident and had to withdraw from two commitments with the UFC.

Shane Del Rosario Photo by Josh Hedges

Sad news for the MMA community this Thursday.

UFC heavyweight Shane Del Rosario, 30, is said to have no brain activity after suffering what was called a catastrophic cardiovascular failure last Wednesday.

The fighter suffered a heart attack while he was alone in his house, where he was found by roommate and fellow fighter Ian McCall.

He was brought to the hospital and resuscitated and was in critical condition since then.

Del Rosario’s passing was erroneous informed yesterday.

He remains in life support and it is said that his family will make the final decision of letting him go this Friday.

His coach Colin Oyama posted on Facebook: “The Del Rosario family and I, and all of our family, team-mates and friends thank everyone for their prayers and support. God has a different path for Shane to take and instead has chosen to take Him away from us to be with his forefathers in Heaven. Yet through all of this our Faith in GOD remains unwavering.”

Del Rosario had a 11-2 oevral record in MMA, but a 0-2 record in the UFC.

His last fight took place Dec. 15 2012, as part of TUF 16 Finale and he was knocked out by Pat Barry.

After that, Del Rosario was badly injured on his back after suffering a car accident and had to withdraw from two commitments with the UFC.

Watch Del Rosario in his last win as a MMA figther against Lavar Johnson on Feb. 2012, still in Strikeforce.

ShaneLavar by rodnog2009

Vitor Belfort in Rio de Janeiro UFC publicity photo

“In the UFC, there are guys who train more and others who train less. I dedicate myself 100% in training, so the result is 100%”

Anderson Silva

“In the arm-and-neck choke, once I get my elbow around—whether I’m in the mount, half-guard or sometimes in side-control—I’m really close to finishing. I try really focusing on not losing that elbow during the whole process. I use that entire part of my body to keep the pressure on. The most important thing, though, is to readjust the shoulder against the opponent’s neck, right after passing his arm over to the other side of his head”

Bráulio Estima, just after his MMA debut, against Chris Holland at Titan FC

“My father was my hero”

Wanderlei Silva, after his father’s tragic death in an accident on a Brazilian highway

“I know the betting lines have me as the underdog at UFC 152 [against Jon Jones]. But I make my own odds”

Vitor Belfort

Cuban myth Teófilo Stevenson was a three-time boxing world champion and three-time Olympic champion, between 1972 and 1980. Publiclity photo.

Seven days after three-time Olympic gold medalist Teófilo Stevenson passed away, GRACIEMAG.com puts together an article to pay tribute to the mythical pugilist.

The victim of a heart attack on the 11th of this month in Havana, the 60-year-old Cuban fighter left some precious lessons for those who practice and appreciate martial arts.

1. TIME IS A GREAT TEACHER

Fidel Castro’s favorite fighter was the beneficiary of great trainers, like former Cuban champion John Herrera, from the outset of his career forward. It was years of dedication, however, that made the difference. Stevenson started at nine years of age, accumulating eight years’ worth of experience before making his debut as an adult. Not too many people have the good fortune of training since such a tender age, but one needs to understand that many hours of flight time will take you a long way.

2. DEBUT WITH A LOSS

Teófilo Stevenson has his place reserved in the history of fighting, thanks to the three Olympic gold medals (1972/76/80) he won—in boxing, only two other men have accomplished such a feat: Hungary’s László Papp and also-Cuban Félix Savón. And he probably would have won a fourth had it not been for the boycott on the Los Angeles Olympics of 1984. Interestingly, although he is now seen as a superhuman fighter, he started out losing, like every “white belt.” It happened on his debut as an adult, to the more experienced Gabriel Garcia. Learn from Teófilo and persevere. Sometimes results are merely trifles.

(Watch the pugilist at the Pan-American Games of 1975, in Mexico:)

3. REPETITIONS AND MORE REPETITIONS

At a certain point in his career, his coaches noticed that Stevenson’s jab needed some honing. And it was precisely the Cuban’s potent jab that was a cornerstone of his career, taking him to the mark of 302 wins and just 22 defeats. Before heading to the gym, ask yourself, ‘Where am I weak? Where am I strong?’ Find your strengths and weaknesses, and talk to your coaches about shoring them up. It can make all the difference at your next competition or training session.

4. SELF-KNOWLEDGE, DESIRE AND MONEY

One time, the Cuban fighter was offered 5 million dollars to turn pro and take on Muhammad Ali in a title fight right off the bat. Stevenson declined. He preferred to stay in Cuba, to inspire the youth and be an hero in his home country. What drives you? Is it just money? If all you fight for is money, then that can shorten your path significantly, when the money ain’t much. Or worse, when the money’s a-plenty.

5. WHAT HAVE YOU GOT THAT THE OTHERS DON’T?

Like Ali, Stevenson fused the power and reach of a heavyweight with the agility and speed of a lightweight. What aspects and qualities do you have that the rest of your division doesn’t? Invest in that and be the best you can be.

6. FIGHTING, SPORT AND THE MEANING OF LIFE

After hanging up his gloves, the champion went on to teach young fighters on the Cuban national team. He forged champions and men, and saw how teaching and learning are two sides of the same coin. Therein lies perhaps the greatest teaching Teófilo left, which to some wise men is the meaning of life on this planet: first, find out what you really do well. Then, pass it onwards.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOB7_BFqUeU