The Valente brothers, Pedro, Gui and Joaquim, at their GMA Valente Brothers Jiu-Jitsu Academy in North Miami Beach for a tribute to Grandmaster Helio Gracie on Wednesday, October 1.

The brothers have deemed the event Helio Day and it will consist of a fundamentals class and celebration of the man who taught the brothers since they were toddlers. As part of their preservation of Helio’s teachings, the event will carry on his ideals on and off the mat.

The academy is located at 3165 NE 163rd St., North Miami Beach, Florida 33160.

The event begins at 7 p.m.

For more information about the event and the Valente Brothers, visit www.graciemiami.com

The ceremony had two special guests as well: Grandmaster Pedro Valente and Royce Gracie.

The day marked the 20-year anniversary of Professor Pedro’s arrival to Miami, the 20-year anniversary of Royce Gracie’s first UFC title and the 60-year anniversary of the friendship between the two families.

Fifteen students were presented their ultimate promotion of black belt among many other promotions.

See a video of the event here:

For more information about GMA Valenta Brothers in Miami, FL go to www.graciemiami.com

Jared, Pedro, Martin Stepanek, Gui and Brett.

Martin Stepanek, one of the all-time greatest divers in the world, started practicing Jiu-Jitsu in North Miami Beach, at the basic class taught by Professor Pedro Valente of Gracie Miami.

Invited by two of the Valente brothers’ blue belts, experienced divers Brett Scaglione and Jared Schmelzer, Martin was impressed by the simplicity and effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu. After class, the three superstars spoke of the similarities between the martial art and diving even while under water.

According to them, both activities are based on an extreme level of patience and the ability to remain calm under pressure. Too much pressure at times.

Among Martin Stepanek’s greatest accomplishments are the successive world records for static freediving he broke from 2001 to 2009. 11 records were broken, including staying underwater without breathing for 8:06min in 2001, and diving to a depth of 136m (446 feet) in 2005.

“It’s amazing what he has done. There really is an interesting connection with Jiu-Jitsu. I recommend readers watch the video below, and always remember: next time someone has you mounted, try and relax and wait for the right moment to escape,” says Gui Valente.