(L-R) Professors Vinicius Draculino, Bruno O’Hara, Matthew Pollino, Alberto Crane. Photo by Erik Fontanez.

Under the watch of Professors Alberto Crane and Vinicius Draculino, GMA Gracie Barra Burbank promoted Bruno O’Hara and Matthew Pollino to the rank of black belt on Tuesday evening.

O’Hara and Pollino are the first two black belts to come out of the Gracie Barra Burbank academy, which is headed by Professor Crane.

“They just have such a great attitude and are humble,” Crane told GRACIEMAG.com. “I’m just really proud I’ve been able to award them their black belts and be part of their journey.”

O’Hara first started taking Jiu-Jitsu in 2001. His 12-year journey brought him to Crane’s Burbank, Calif. academy, where he said he finds a strong bond with those close to him.

“I’m here to inspire and be inspired,” newly minted black-blet O’Hara said. “I’m grateful to have such wonderful friends and family through BJJ. I am so honored to be learning under Professor Crane and Coach Artin Saginian.”

Pollino started rolling even earlier than his friend, O’Hara, first throwing on a Jiu-Jitsu gi in 2000. He has participated in other martial arts over the past 20 years and succeeded in earning his BJJ black belt, even after suffering through injuries that have left others without the ability to walk, let alone train.

Professor Crane is a third-degree black belt under Professor Draculino, and his Burbank academy opened in 2010.

One of our GMAs, Alberto Crane of Gracie Barra Burbank in Burbank, CA, teaches some secondary omoplata techniques exclusively for GRACIEMAG.com in this video. Watch here as he applies the techniques with one of his students. Try these the next time you roll and see if you find success in your training.

PROFESSOR:

Black Belt Alberto Crane

ADDRESS: 330 N Victory Blvd
Burbank, Ca 91502

PHONE: 818.300.5884

WEBSITE: www.GBBurbank.com

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/gbburbankbjj

ABOUT:

Gracie Barra Burbank offers world-class level Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction for individuals, families, and Law Enforcement Officials of Ventura County and the greater Los Angeles County area. Gracie Barra Burbank Brazilian Jiu jitsu Academy is being developed to become a reference for physical education, character development, self-defense, and world class Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in the communities of Burbank, Camarillo, Westlake, Agoura Hills, Semi Valley, and Moorpark.

The classes are aligned with the Gracie Barra Program Structure developed by Master Carlos Gracie Jr. to meet specific learning needs from people with different ages, gender and levels. Our clean, friendly and progress oriented environment allows the students to have a challenging, inspirational and warm learning and training experience that always makes them feel like coming back.
Our programs are complemented by an innovative Sustainability and Environmental Leadership project that has the goal of minimizing the school’s environmental impact and build awareness among the students and staff about local and global environmental challenges.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is for anyone who values discipline, wellness, martial art, respect and is looking for a life-style that embraces and constantly improves all this aspects. It doesn’t matter if you are a person with no training background that wants to loose weight or learn self-defense, a busy business person looking for a stress relieving activity, a parent searching for something to complement the education of your kids, or a experienced martial artist aiming for further development of your fighting skills, come to Gracie Barra Burbank. We are sure you will find an exciting and challenging place that will allow you to achieve your goals while learning Jiu jitsu in a safe and friendly environment.
If you are in the Burbank area contact us for a free of charge or commitment, Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Introductory Program Class.

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