Otavio Sousa attacks. Photo: John Cooper

The Copa Pódio happens this Saturday, at Clube Hebraica, in Rio de Janeiro, and for the menu a succulent middleweight GP, besides two superfights.

At the GP, one of the favorites is Otavio Sousa, Ze Radiola’s pupil who, this year, got the first gold medal at the World Championship in California, in June.

The Gracie Barra black belt has been training at the team’s headquarters in Irvine, California, and arrived in  Brazil specially for the competition. Determined to win, the good fella Otavio talked about the early meeting with his teammate Felipe “Preguiça” Pena, Rominho Barral’s student.

“Felipe Preguiça is a great athlete, owner of a Jiu-Jitsu that I admire, and he has been proving that he is really good. Copa Pódio created an event where all participants fight each other, it’s a pretty cool event. Incidentally, after the raffle we both are on the same side of the draw. We fight defending the same flag, but we do not train together, so I’m facing this situation naturally. We are professional athletes, living on it and it will be just like any other fight. I believe he is dealing with it the same way. And the GP has everything to be a show, even because of fights like this”, says Otavio.

Otavio Sousa couldn’t point out any opponent as a stone in his path. And he explains why:

“It’s hard to name which of the nine will be my biggest challenge, after all when it comes to fighting, anything can happen. Moreover, everyone is tough! I try not to focus on just one opponent. For me, every fight be like the finals, and I will give my best fighting until the last second. I am determined to emerge victorious at the event’s night, but what will happen then, God only knows it”, explained, and even analyzed the other black belt and world Champion competing, Leandrinho Lo, from Sao Paulo, that moved from lightweight to middleweight for the GP.

“Leandro is another talent, for whom I have the utmost respect. It won’t be easy to fight against that guard of him, but my strategy you will only know on July 21. I still have to think straight and come up with a strategy not to commit any faults. Readers, please do not miss this event, because the middleweight GP will be something else!”

The GP count on tem fighters, split in two groups of five. In the green one, there are Nivaldo Oliveira, Davi Ramos, Andre Bastos, Diogo Almeida e Thiago Barata. In the yellow one: Otavio, Leandro Lo, Rafael Formiga, Dimitrius Souza and the brown belt Felipe Preguiça. Only the top two from each group advance to the semifinals, held on the same day.

And for you, dear reader, who will win?

To view the full event schedule, click here.

Kayron Gracie (bottom) in his victorious match with Sergio Moraes at 2012 Pan / Photo by John Lamonica

Eight weeks removed from the IBJJF Pan-American Championship, and Gracie Barra doesn’t want to hear about resting on its laurels after having won the team title at the European Championship.

The focus now is on trying for a repeat performance in their own backyard, at the March 29 Pan to take place right down the road from team headquarters, in Irvine, California. Hence, Master Carlos Gracie Jr., the school’s leader, decided to make some changes to the team’s “tactical setup,” especially where the pre-Pan training camp is concerned.

TURBO-CHARGED TRAINING CAMP TO FUSE TOGETHER FORCES

A conversation between Carlos Gracie, GB director Marcio Feitosa and Professor Zé Radiola yielded five main measures to be taken, to strengthen the competitors and bind the team’s efforts.

1. PUT TOGETHER SPECIAL TRAINING CAMP

The camp will include daily training for the 2012 Pan, with Flavio Cachorrinho, Kayron Gracie and others of the team’s biggest stars.

2. A few weeks before the tournament, the competition team will be housed as near to GB America, team headquarters, as possible. Thus they intend to attract, provide support and strengthen the team’s top athletes.

3. MORE TRAINING CAMPS IN OTHER CITIES

Throughout California, GB will be organizing other camps for its athletes in different towns and cities, like in Los Angeles, San Diego and other GB-school locations.

4. THE STRENGTH IS IN THE UNION IN JIU-JITSU, TOO

Competitors from all the camps in Southern California will get together on Wednesdays for a special Pan 2012 training session.

5. EXPERIENCED COACH IN COMMAND

GB Pernambuco headmaster José “Radiola” will fly up to California from Brazil to lead the camp and select the teams to represent the school association at the 2012 Pan.

For further information, visit the official GB website, site oficial da GB, or send an email to pan2012@graciebarra.com.

Kayron Gracie (por baixo), na vitória sobre Serginho no Pan de Jiu-Jitsu 2010, no peso médio. Foto por John Lamonica.

A oito semanas do Pan de Jiu-Jitsu da IBJJF, a escola Gracie Barra não quer saber de ficar comemorando o título adulto por equipes no Europeu de Jiu-Jitsu.

O foco agora é tentar repetir a conquista no quintal do seu QG, no Pan em Irvine, a partir de 29 de março. Para isso, a escola de mestre Carlos Gracie Jr resolveu dar algumas mexidas no “esquema tático” da equipe, em especial no camp de preparação para o Pan.

Camp de Jiu-Jitsu turbinado para unir forças

Após conversas entre Carlinhos Gracie, o diretor Marcio Feitosa e o professor Zé Radiola, cinco principais medidas foram tomadas, para fortalecer os competidores e unir os esforços do time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSiDC4CV41A

1. Organizar um camp especial

O camp terá treinos diários voltados para o Pan 2012, com Flavio Cachorrinho, Kayron Gracie e os principais astros da equipe.

2. Acomodar a equipe

A algumas semanas antes da competição, os lutadores da equipe de competição serão acomodados o mais perto possível da GB America, o QG da equipe. Com isso, a escola pretende atrair, dar suporte e fortalecer os melhores atletas da equipe.

3. Mais camps em outras cidades

Por toda a Califórnia, a GB vai organizar outros camps para seus atletas de lá, como em Los Angeles, San Diego e outras escolas.

4. A união faz a força no Jiu-Jitsu também

Competidores de todos os camps na região sul da Califórnia vão se unir, às quartas-feiras, para um treinão especial para o Pan 2012.

5. Treinador experiente no comando

Professor da GB Pernambuco, José “Radiola” vai viajar do Brasil para a Califa para liderar o camp e selecionar os times que vão representar a equipe no Pan 2012.

Para saber mais, visite o site oficial da GB, ou mande um email para pan2012@graciebarra.com .

Gracie Barra tournaments are all about families competing; moms, dads, kids, brothers, and sisters. If one family member signs up, chances are there’s usually another family member not too far behind. The Wilner brothers, Max and Maza, both signed up to compete at Compnet 11, and they had a great time in the process.

Max Wilner going for the rear naked choke / Photos: Deb Blyth

Max, a nine-year-old yellow belt, and his 13-year-old green belt brother, Maza, both train at GB America in Irvine with Professor Otavio Sousa and Instructor Cedric Chamouille. They also train at GB Cerritos with Professor Renato “Babalu” Sobral. They love Jiu-Jitsu and have been training for quite some time: Maza for seven years and Max for about five.

Max, whose favorite move is the triangle, had two matches at the GB tournament. He won one by armbar and one by decision, making him a gold medal winner for the day. He says he was a little nervous before his bouts but he competes a lot and knows, once he starts, the butterflies go away. “I just make sure I stay safe and don’t get hurt and always try my best,” Max says, “I like winning first place medals.”

Max says there are a lot of things he loves about Jiu-Jitsu. “I like to roll and I like getting promoted,” he says, “I like spending time on the mat with my friends, Brennan and Toby. They’re my best friends in Jiu-Jitsu.” Max says he and Babalu grapple for fun. “I can’t beat him but I want to,” he says. He also rolls with his older brother, Maza, at home. “We play, but one day I want to beat him,” he says.

Max hanging out with his friend Professor Babalu Sobral

Max obviously has a competitive side and says he wants to be a world champion black belt one day, but for now he will continue to emulate those he admires most in Jiu-Jitsu: Babalu, Master Carlos, Otavio Sousa, and Cedric Chamouille.

Brother Maza had a different experience at the tournament, which turned out to be a good learning experience for him. Being a green belt, there weren’t too many competitors in his division, so he was placed with another green belt who was older and bigger than him. The match was more like an absolute than a divisional bout and the uncertainty was clear on Maza’s face as he took to the mats to face his competitor.

Maza Wilner stuck in a triangle

Early on, Maza held his own, but when his opponent pulled guard, Maza says he was hit in the groin. He posted his arm on his opponent’s chest, who took full advantage, locking Maza up in a triangle. Maza did his best to defend but ultimately time ran out and Maza lost the match. “I lost fair and square,” the mature 13-year-old says, “He was the better man this day.”

Maza says he loves to compete but hates the feeling of being nervous. “I hate losing more than I love winning,” he laughs, “I’m a competitive guy.” Regardless of the loss, though, Maza says it was a good experience. “I haven’t lost in a long time,” he says, “So I’m going to learn from this. I’m going to go back and train on how to defend better.”

Maza, who also trains in wrestling and Thai boxing, wants to be a black belt one day. “I want to be the best at whatever it is I do,” he says, “I’m going to keep training to get better and be number one.” Maza would like to thank his family for all they do for him. “I’ll be back stronger next time,” he says.

David Kopelev is an eight-year-old yellow belt from GB San Clemente. This mature little guy says Jiu-Jitsu has taught him a lot of really important life skills. “I’m a small guy,” he says seriously, “It’s taught me how to defend myself against people who pick on me.” Asked if he gets picked on a lot, David replies, “They’ll pick on me once, then they don’t do it anymore. I have my birthday parties at Gracie Barra, so they know what I’m capable of.”

David Kopelev and his BJJ family

David had two matches at the GB tournament. His favorite takedown is the double-leg, and he put that skill to good use in his first match, which he won on points. He also had an impressive sweep during the bout, which drew a collective, “Wow!” from the crowd seeing such a little guy pull off such a beautiful technique.

Although he lost his second match on points to take silver for the day, the positive-minded competitor felt good. “I’m happy!” he says, “I had a great experience.” And no doubt he did. It was a major feat for David to be at the tournament at all. He’d just had his appendix out six weeks earlier and was already back competing and feeling no pain. “I have no pain and I’m not tired at all,” he says.

David’s favorite technique is the keylock, and he takes his training very seriously. “I have my own rule when I train,” he says, “I practice one kind of sub per round. Otherwise, I would only train the keylock.”

David’s goal is to one day become a black belt. He recently started taking wrestling classes at GB Dana Point with coaches Kanai and Cody. “I want to compete as much as I can and be just like Professor Flavio (Almeida) when I grow up.”

Both David’s parents train in Jiu-Jitsu as well. “Our whole life is Jiu-Jitsu,” dad Sergio says, “All our friends are Jiu-Jitsu friends. We take our gi’s on vacation with us. We just trained at Ricardo Almeida’s school and loved it.” Then Sergio goes one better, “It’s the best marriage therapy ever,” he laughs. “Yeah,” says David’s mom, Christy, “We get it all out on the mats. We lock up chokes on each other!”

Jude Irons with his family after winning gold

GB Encinitas Jude Irons comes from a famous family, but there is no pressure to perform for this light-hearted nine-year-old. As his last name implies, Jude comes from the famous Irons surfing family. His dad, Ricky was a professional surfer, along with his cousins Andy, who recently passed away, and Bruce. But it was Jude’s big day as he took to the mats to compete in his three matches.

In his first match, Jude says he was caught off guard, “He went for a double-leg and I was like, ‘Whoa!’ Last year’s tournament was easier!” Jude ended up winning the match on points once he regained his composure. He says his second match was “gnarly.” “He was very strong,” Jude says, “In the last second I took him down. He was so much taller than me!” In this third and final match, Jude found his flow. “I took him down and passed his guard,” he says, “Then I just kind of held on to him.”

Jude says it was pretty cool to win a gold medal but there was some pressure to try to keep it real in the winner’s circle. “I was so happy standing on the podium,” he says, “I don’t like to make fake smiles, but I was nervous up there. There were so many people watching. There were so many cameras. I’m not one for cameras.”

Like his illustrious family, Jude also surfs and apparently has picked up some of those surfing genes from the one’s who came before him. “I acknowledge that a lot of people are better than me,” he says, “But in my opinion I’m good at it.” Jude can’t pick which he likes better between surfing and Jiu-Jitsu because he loves them both. He’s not sure what he’s going to be when he grows up but says, “I’m gonna let life flow and see what happens.”

Regardless, Jude thinks Jiu-Jitsu is fun and he’s going to keep training and competing. His mom got him into the sport, and he loves his parents for encouraging him to do it. And let’s face it, he was sick of baseball anyway. “There were too many treats in baseball after the games… like cupcakes,” he says, “I wasn’t having enough fun. Now I’m having a lot of fun.”

Austin Gerrard and his new blue belt

Austin Gerrard of Gracie Barra Lake Elsinore got more than he bargained for when he showed up to compete at the GB Compnet 11 event. This was the 15-year-old white belt’s second tournament, after recently competing at the American Nationals and taking third, and he was excited about it. At the GB event, he had three matches. Two he won by points and one he won by armbar, which is also his favorite technique, allowing him to claim a gold medal for the day.

Austin, a sophomore in high school, says competing helps him become more confident in his Jiu-Jitsu. Also a high school wrestler, Austin trains in wrestling three hours a day and then goes to Jiu-Jitsu three to four times a week. “Both BJJ and wrestling help each other a lot,” he says, “I think I’ll be better in wrestling this year, from the Jiu-Jitsu training I’ve been doing.”

Austin’s day came to an exciting close when he got a big surprise on the podium. His instructor, Hector Tapia, and Professor Gustavo Pires wrapped a blue belt around his waist to Austin’s and the crowd’s delight. “I feel pretty excited!” Austin says, “I didn’t expect it today.” In Jiu-Jitsu, one must always expect the unexpected.

The job of head instructor is difficult and time consuming, yet very rewarding. Just ask Marcio Feitosa. He knows this all too well. As head instructor for five Gracie Barra schools, he has a very busy and interesting life that most people do not completely understand.

Under the leadership of Master Carlos Gracie, Jr., Feitosa has been given the directive to oversee school programs, including managing and training instructors. This type of instruction is not the kind of training that occurs on the mats. Instead, it is the kind of training that is outside the scope of BJJ techniques. Feitosa teaches his instructors how to share the philosophy of Gracie Barra with students. “They need to learn how to speak in front of people,” Feitosa says, “I teach them how to describe Jiu-Jitsu and define for them how they should speak to white belts, up to brown belts, for example.”

Feitosa loves his job. It is something he’s been doing for Master Carlos since he was a young man in Brazil. He moved to two different states (Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul) as a GB ambassador to start schools before he was trusted to teach classes at the GB HQ in Brazil. After he had proven himself in his work, Master Carlos sent him and professor Andre Fernandes to the U.S. to start the GB Association and GB America, which is the Headquarters for GB in the U.S. “Not many people know this, but Andre is one of the main people responsible for the success of GB in Orange County,” Feitosa says.

Feitosa says that Master Carlos gave him goals to accomplish while he was here. “One of those goals is to continue to convey the Jiu-Jitsu message and to teach instructors how to properly communicate GB Fundamentals and  techniques in a way that students can benefit from the most,” Feitosa says, ”The other is to continue to help strengthen the GB Association in order to create more opportunities for the new up-and-coming GB black belts, so they can work in the field they love so much, which is Jiu-Jitsu.”

As head instructor, Feitosa is currently responsible for five schools: GB America, GB Mission Viejo, GB Anaheim Hills, and GB Placentia, and GB Laguna. He spends a lot of his time with his instructors and office staff making sure school programs are running well. His responsibilities as head instructor involve anything that could interfere with success “on the mat” from the type of class schedule offered, to the safety of the live training sessions. He also sends his staff written materials that they have to study and send back to him. “I supervise school programs and the instructors themselves,” Feitosa says, “I work with the schools’ software programs, read reports, and reformulate class schedules once I define which classes are the most popular.”

One exciting new development in Feitosa’s life is the growth of the Jiu-Jitsu market in Texas. “We have a very strong team in Houston,” Feitosa says, “Master Carlos wants me to help join forces with them to build a GB powerhouse in Texas like we have here in California. So, I am going to be going to Austin for 6 months to help start new schools and spread the GB Association over there. I will start in Austin and then move around the state, whenever the chance comes. Since my teenage years, I made it clear to Master Carlos that I would go wherever he thought I could help GB the most. If he says, ‘Texas,’ then that’s where I’m going, without asking any questions. I’m just so happy to be entrusted with such important projects for GB.”

Feitosa is upbeat about his trip and has been preparing for this for some time. “Spreading Jiu-Jitsu around the globe has always been the plan,” Feitosa says, “and it won’t stop in Texas. This is the job I’ve always done for Master Carlos. It’s just a continuation of the original plan.”

Master Carlos says the time has come for Feitosa to think bigger and get on the road again. “It’s been exactly five years since GB America opened,” he says, “We chose Austin because it’s central. Instructors from all over Texas will be able to commute to see Master Carlos. We will have a nice place for him to train, teach, and stay while we are there. We’ll be holding instructors’ meetings, seminars, and training camps to talk to everyone.”

While he’s gone, Marcio will still be overseeing the quality of all the schools and that the Jiu-Jitsu classes will continue to be taught by Kayron Gracie, Otavio Sousa, Marcelo Brandao, Gustavo Pires, Fabiana Borges, Lucas Rocha, Carlos Eduardo, Philipe Della Monica, and Rodrigo Simoes, which sounds like the equivalent of the “GB Dream Team.” “Besides that great team,” Feitosa says, “50% of the leadership of the schools I completely entrust to the black, brown, and purple belts we have promoted here in the last five years. They will help me a lot!”

“I’ll continue to oversee school programs, train instructors, and recruit the best instructors for our schools,” Feitosa says, “Plus, I’ll be back once or twice a month to check on everything.” Master Carlos will remain in California while Feitosa is gone. “Everything will continue to run smoothly in my absence,” Feitosa says, “Master Carlos and I will continue to promote to purple belt without delay and the other instructors will continue to promote to blue belt and give belt stripes when the time is right.”

If you’re interested in seeing what Feitosa is working on in Austin, Texas, check out www.gbaustin.com and http://www.facebook.com/graciebarra.austin for more information.

Some of the usual suspects were found rolling on the mats at GB America, focused on their techniques, their game plans, and their mental states. Big names like Roger Gracie, Romulo Barral, Kayron Gracie, Roberto “Tussa” Alencar, Otavio Sousa, Samuel Braga, Fabiana Borges, Lucas Rocha, and Ronis Gracie were found training at varying times, perfecting their games, working on their strategies, and rolling with old friends. Master Carlos was there, overseeing it all, and Head Instructor Marcio Feitosa led the competition classes that occurred.

GB Teammates Roger Gracie, Roberto "Tussa" Alencar, and Otavio Sousa

Roger Gracie was in prime condition, looking like he hadn’t fought a professional MMA fight just a couple weeks prior. He was back to his old self, looking very confident, poised and natural in his gi. Gracie said he felt good and had no injuries. “We athletes are used to pain like muscle soreness and all that,” he said, “but I’m 100% and ready to go.”

Since Gracie arrived in Orange County, he says he’s had some good training at GB America. At the Worlds, Gracie will compete in both his division and absolute. “I feel comfortable in any position, top or bottom,” he says, “but my mind is the strongest part. I have a very strong mind and I think positively. I’m always very confident and I think that helps a lot.”

Gracie says to be a champion, you have to have a strong mind. Gracie does a lot to protect his mindset and to make sure that nothing distracts him from his mission. “I think people beat themselves sometimes,” he says, “They get themselves in an awkward position (during a competition), and they have a hard time overcoming the situation.”

Gracie says one way he keeps his mind intact is to not look at the brackets before his fights because he doesn’t want to worry about it. “If you look at the brackets, it takes you out of your mind,” he says, “The more you think about who you’re fighting, the more nervous you get. For me, I think a little, but I try to protect my mind and not think about it.” So, Gracie says he tries to keep his mind blank before his matches.

During his fights, Gracie says he just concentrates on the match. “I just react and let my training kick in,” he says, “I focus 100% on not making mistakes. I try very hard to not put myself in a difficult situation that’s harder for me to escape.”

Roger Gracie makes his cousin Kayron work hard during their sparring session

After coming off a very exciting 2010 Pan win, Kayron Gracie is back in action and ready to roll at the Worlds. “I’m always ready,” he says. He hasn’t slowed down in his training since the Pan, so he’s excited to see what this tournament holds for him. Gracie has trained every day and also taught all of his normal classes everyday as well. “Teaching helps me,” Gracie says, “I train with my students and I’ve also been taking the competition classes at GB America.”

Gracie says that although he is an “all-around fighter,” his greatest strength coming into the Worlds is his guard. “It’s strong,” he says. Gracie, in his usual humble fashion says there’s no one in particular who stands out at the Worlds. “Everybody’s tough,” he says, “All my fights are going to be hard.”

Roger Gracie and Roberto "Tussa" Alencar train at GB America

Roberto “Tussa” Alencar, in Southern California from GB New Mexico, has been training hard and says he’s feeling really good. Tussa is going to fight in his super heavy division, and he says his game plan this year is to try to play his top game, because it’s his greatest strength. “I’m really confident with my guard skills,” he says, “I prefer to fight on top, but I’m pretty good all-around.”

Tussa’s been training at GB America, rolling with friends like Roger Gracie, also in the super heavy division. “It’s great rolling with him,” Tussa says, “He gives me tips.” Tussa does the same for others. As he prepares for the Worlds, he helps other students refine their skills on the mats.

Tussa says he’s going to go to the Worlds and help coach other students who are competing. He’s very proud of his New Mexico team. “About 15 to 20 students came out to compete,” he says. “We have a really good team representing this year.”

Samuel Braga is looking forward to redeeming himself this year after a not so great experience last year. “I compete in every tournament because I enjoy competing regardless of the results,” he says. Braga says he works hard all year in order to obtain champion status.

This year, Braga says he’s coming to the Worlds to do his best. “I have a couple of aces up my sleeve,” he says, “Hopefully, I’ll get to show them at the tournament.” Braga trained for the Worlds with Professor Draculino, then at GB America, and also with his good friend, Romulo Barral at his school in Encino.

Braga says he’s sure all his fights are going to be tough, because everyone’s ready and has the same goals. “I’m excited because I’ve been out of the tournament scene for a year because of last year’s episode,” he says, “I cant wait to be on the mats again.”

Otavio Sousa spars with Philipe Della Monica

Otavio Sousa has been training hard everyday. “I’ve been taking the competition classes with all the professors,” he says, “And then I train again with my students because I’ve been teaching a lot, too.” Sousa says one of his greatest strengths coming into the Worlds is his explosiveness. “I’ve trained hard on my cardio,” he says, “I feel much better than in other years. I’m just going to try to do my best, to do everything right, and to not make mistakes. I want this title SO bad.”

Ronis Gracie has been doing his part training hard for the Worlds, too. The light purple belt says he’s in the best shape of his life. “I have a complete game,” he says, “I’m the same from the top to the bottom.” Gracie will compete in both his division and absolute. “I’m excited to see who’s going to be my toughest opponent,” he says. Gracie says he wants a chance to compete against Jordon Schultze from Alliance who recently won at the 2010 Pan and Thiago Gaia. “He won the Brazilian Nationals,” Gracie says.

If you live in the USA, you probably do. But for those who don’t know, we explain.

It is a gathering of family and friends where each guest brings a dish of food to share with the others. In other words, it is a lovely way to be togteher with your loved ones without someone having to kill oneself in the kitchen (not to mention the dishwashing afterwards).

GB Yorba Linda

It seems that the GB schools that are a part of the GMA chose the potluck parties as their way to celebrate the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010.

GB Naples

That was the case of Gracie Barra Naples, in Florida: “This year our party was at Sugden Park. Later, we met for some bowling,” said Professor Paulo.

GB America

In California, Gracie Barra America also organized a potluck. It was their first one ever. “We had a great time at our holiday party this year! It was awesome being able to get to know our students off the mats,” said Erika Carrillo, GBA USHQ Program Director.

The same happened in Yorba Linda. The GB students there also brought their favorite dishes to celebrate.

Back in Florida, GMA Rodrigo Mendes, leader of GB Delray Beach took the opportunity of the New Year for a Graduation Ceremony.

GB Delray Beach

Mendes did not hide his enthusiasm: “Among the many students who graduated to higher levels in BJJ were: Savio Bianchi, who was awarded his Orange Belt. He is a terrific example for all the kids in our program. Two others in our juvenile program, Lidio Meira and Marcelo Fonseca, were awarded their blue belts. Both Lidio and Marcelo won their respective juvenile blue belt divisions at the recent Miami International Open, even though they were white belts at the time of the competition. While several of our adults also increased their rank, I would like to mention that Paul Geller is a full time lawyer who makes time to train whenever he can and he also helps me teach the kids’ classes. Paul recently won his division in the Miami International Open (and took second in the absolute). Paul was awarded his Purple Belt at the ceremony. It was a great day!”

* with Deb Blyth