Kiko (center) at GB Portugal

Another day, another GMA birthday.

This Thursday we celebrate the birthday of Gracie Barra Portugal’s leader, Kiko Alves da Silva.

The black belt is also the president of the Portuguese Jiu-Jitsu Federation (FPJJB).

Over the years, he has done an amazing job in promoting the gentle art in Portugal and in Europe.

Since 2004, he works together with the IBJJF to organize a flawless European Open Championship.

Congrats to Kiko!

It was the greatest achievement a Middle Eastern nation has ever had in the history of the European Championship.

“We tooka big team this year and we were able to achieve amazing results, like the nine individual medals and third place in the blue belt national team tournament,” said a vibrant Mirza.

The team director was thankful for the help in preparing his team they received at Gracie Barra Portugal in Lisbon, with professor Kiko Alves da Silva.

It was great for the team and gave them a great deal of confidence,” he said.

The Jordanian team, based in Amman, participated in the national team dispute in the blue belt category. For the depth of talent on opposing teams France, Belgium and Brazil, third place was a highly desirable placement.

Mirza made the most of contact with GRACIEMAG.com to break the news the the second installment of luxury tournament Capital Challenge is set for the end of 2010. He also announced the first big MMA event in Jordan, with a solid international cast mixed with local talent making their debut in the ring.