Jared Weiner with his daughter, Ellie. Photo: Personal archive

Jared Weiner, head instructor of GMA BJJ United in Philadelphia, PA, has become a spokesperson for attending to injuries in Jiu-Jitsu. Through his own personal story, he has advocated for those who get injured to not ignore them like he did. At the 2014 IBJJF NY Summer Open, a head injury led to a concussion that he tried to pass off as the flu. The injury, compounded with past concussions kept him off the mat until now. You can read about the initial story here.

GRACIEMAG: How long has it been since the first concussion?

JARED WEINER: My first documented one I can recall was in 1998, and that was also Jiu-Jitsu related. Who knows how many I’ve had through out years, but the ones that started this recent cycle happened back in July 2014.

Describe to me your training since getting onto the mat and how strict you’ve been to your doctor’s orders. What setbacks have you encountered?

I’ve followed my team of doctors orders really closely. I’ve been able to get back on the mats and teach again and roll with guys I really trust. The problem has been once the sweat starts to pour I start going full force and it’s only a matter of time before I bounce my head off of something and then I feel a bit off for a few hours or days. That’s been the main set back. I have to remember to take baby steps with this one. It’s just my personality and wanting to be back to the old me is what sets me back!

Do you miss competition?

It kills me watching all the tournaments and my division without me in it! I feel so bad I can’t go back to the Pan this year and try to defend my title! I’m not that guy to sit on the gold and not go back and try to win it again! It’s eating me up alive! But until I can go a month straight of feeling like me again I cannot compete or train super hard.

Have you been playing more top or bottom? Anything specific you stay away from?

I prefer the top game. I trained judo throughout the years so I love the takedown game. My game is a pressure game and I often lead with my head so I’m gonna have to just be careful. I’ve taken this down time though to drill a lot of new positions from my guard so maybe I’ll throw some people off a little when I come back haha.

But I have a feeling as soon as I’m back to me I’ll get right back to my grinding style game. I was joking with my good friend Yemaso [Marcos Torregrosa] that it took me almost 20 years of training to finally learn to get technical.

Do you take coaching more serious now that you’ve been out? Have you found new ways to be a better teacher?

I’ve always taken coaching very serious and I still do, but not being able to come into the academy for a few months really made me appreciate everything so much more. I never want to be away from my students and the school for that long again. I’m so thankful I have a great loyal team. I never felt stress that anyone would leave the school because I wasn’t in so I was able to focus on recovery that much more. I love my team, staff, and students tremendously.

When do you think you’ll compete again?

I’m not 100% sure and I won’t come back until I know I’m ready. So when you see me back out there and you will eventually know that I’m 100% ready and not playing games. I can’t wait to get back out there. It’s one of my main goals.

Now that you have a daughter, have you been able to introduce her to the Jiu-Jitsu lifestyle?

Recently I’ve been bringing my daughter Ellie to the gym during kids class and she has really been showing interest in what’s been going on! It’s the best thing ever. I can’t wait to see her with a little gi on actually participating. She is the best thing in my life and she is my main motivation to get better and 100% healthy. She is my world.

Big thanks to the companies that stood by me during this injury and have had my back the whole time. Fokai Industries, Shoyoroll, Pitchfork, Casa De Roc, Dukes Barber Company, and Glenside Tattoo I can’t wait to rep for them when I get back on the mats.

Learn more about Jared and his academy at www.bjjunited.com and follow Bjj_united on Instagram.

Jared Weiner competing at the NY Open. Photo: Erin Herle

Sometimes when training Jiu-Jitsu, there are injuries. Much like any other physical activity, there is always the potential injury and with one black belt, he has something to share about his.

Jared Weiner, head instructor of GMA BJJ United in Philadelphia, PA, has had his fair share of injuries in his nearly twenty years of training. But recently, an initial head injury at a tournament, compounded with a training injury on the mats at home, has made him push for a better awareness of how to handle these types of injuries.

Hear his story and share it to spread the awareness of these cases that we sometimes try to ignore:

“I was always the first person to tell someone to suck it up and fight through the pain, no matter what the circumstance was. If we were training for a tournament winning was the only thing that mattered. I can honestly look back and say that was a bad mentality and we are very lucky more serious injuries didn’t transpire over the years.

The back story: On July 19, I was in the finals of the IBJJF NY Summer Open. My opponent executed a beautiful single leg, he lifted me up and my head bounced off the mat. I saw the “camera flash” but kept fighting (This had no outcome on the match, my opponent won with great positions, and I don’t want to take away from his victory). Immediately after the match I became very nauseous and dizzy. I found myself dry heaving in the bathroom, and I wasn’t sure how I ended up there. That night I continued to throw up and feel “off” but I thought I was coming down with the flu and left it at that. That was HUGE mistake number 1.

Fast forward to exactly one week later: I was still feeling a little “off” but training hard anyways. All I knew was I had the Chicago Open coming up and I had to win coming off that loss in NY. During that training session I was accidentally kneed in the jaw by one of my students and knocked out cold. I have very little recollection of the actual hit, but I do recall coming to and asking what happened. I was  not really sure what was going on but I decided to keep training anyways because if I missed a day of practice (in  my mind) I would be soft and It might effect the outcome in Chicago. HUGE mistake number 2.

Fast forward to August 3: I finally decided to go to the hospital to see what was going on with me, because since the day I was knocked out, I felt light headed 24/7.  I was experiencing horrible headaches and scalp pain. I had crazy pressure in my left eye, and I was not able to sleep. Any type of light was hurting my eyes, and worst of all I became sad, emotionless, and suffered memory loss. I was scared as I never felt like this before, and I didn’t know what was going on with me.

I remember the doctor being really cool and trying to talk MMA and BJJ with me.  She then advised me that I suffered two back-to-back concussions within a week and that is rare and extremely dangerous. She told me it could have been fatal to get two right on top of each other. She said it will take time but I should feel normal again eventually. EVENTUALLY.

So here I am almost three months later still stuck in this “fog”. My headaches are not as severe, but I am still walking around light-headed and really “off”. I have not been able to train live, only teach, but even that is very difficult for me these days. A lot of things have been put in perspective for me over the last three months. The last thing on my mind is medals and tournaments, but being well for my daughter and family is my priority. This has been a nightmare for me, and people who have never experienced a head injury before never really seem to understand, and its very frustrating for me. I may seem normal, and look normal, but I feel far from normal.

I’m hoping to bring some awareness to head injuries in our sport and they are to be taken very seriously. Take some time and educate yourself on the topic and if you are ever feeling “off” from a head shot get checked out.”

Follow more of Jared Weiner and his recovery or learn more about BJJ United at www.bjjunited.com

The Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Guam Team. Photo: Personal Archive

On August 23, GMA Purebred Jiu Jitsu Guam won their 14th consecutive Copa De Marianas adult and kids team championship trophies.

This is the longest win streak in Guam sports history. The event was blessed to have Professor Jared Weiner of GMA BJJ United from Philadelphia, PA as a guest official. The following Monday he conducted a seminar at our academy for kids and adults.

“Its a great thing to have Jiu-Jitsu connect people from all over the world. Big thanks to Jared for sharing,” says Stephen Roberto.

Learn more about GMA Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Guam and their accomplishments at www.purebredbjjguam.net

The kids at the tournament. Photo: Personal Archive

The Jared Weiner seminar. Photo: Personal Archive

Tito in photo by Josh Hedges

Today it’s Philadelphia’s turn to host the Ultimate Fighting Championships, and the headlining fights promise fireworks.

In the co-main event, Vitor Belfort takes on Yoshihiro Akiyama. It will be the black belt’s first appearance since losing to Anderson Silva last February, when he had his shot at the promotional middleweight belt.

“He’s a tough fighter, very experienced, can take a lot of heat, strike, and he’s dynamic. By my mind is readier than ever. I’m so strong no one can stop me. I’m focused on what I have to do to win, and I’m looking to put him away. That’s how I’ll be when I step into the octagon, looking to put him away,” guarantees the “Phenomenon”.

Akiyama, on his part, avoids making any strong statements but promises victory.

“I feel Mr. Belfort is very strong, a perfect fighter, and he’s currently one of my heroes, but I’ve progressed a lot in my striking thanks to lots of practice and experience,” he says.

Could we have a standup war in store for us?

Now in the main event of the evening, Tito Ortiz will be back in a little over a month since his last appearance, facing also-ex champ Rashad Evans. Shold he win, Tito will again figure at the top of the light heavyweight division, following the worst slump of his career, where he went five fights without a win. And the “Bad Boy” looks to be up to the task.

“In boxing they had Muhammad Ali, Pro-Wrestling had Hulk Hogan, and MMA has Tito Ortiz,” he asserts.

Watch some of the highlights from the weigh-ins and check out the photos by Josh Hedges below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ILUEZGkU24

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JmrZvwsOfR8

[flickr set= 72157627369169300/]

Check out the complete card:

UFC 133
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
August 6, 2011

Rashad Evans vs Tito Ortiz
Vitor Belfort vs Yoshihiro Akiyama
Dennis Hallman vs Brian Ebersole
Jorge Rivera vs Costantinos Philippou
Rory MacDonald vs Mike Pyle
Matt Hamill vs Alexander Gustafsson
Chad Mendes vs Rani Yahya
Ivan Menjivar vs Nick Pace
Johny Hendricks vs Mike Pierce
Mike Brown vs Nam Phan
Rafael “Sapo” Natal vs Paul Bradley

Touted as one of the top featherweights in the UFC, Chad Mendes should soon get his shot at reigning champion José Aldo. First, though, he has to get past his task for this coming Saturday: he has to beat the always dangerous Rani Yahya, winner of the 2007 ADCC and bearer of one of the most refined Jiu-Jitsu games in MMA.

But Chad isn’t concerned about any of his foe’s accolades. At least that’s the impression he gave off in a conversation with GRACIEMAG.com collaborator Diego Marcello between training sessions with teammates Justin and Fabio at his hotel in Philadelphia, where UFC 133 is set to go down.

Are you ready for Rani?

I’m 100% prepared. I know Rani’s got a really dangerous ground game, but I’m completely comfortable on the ground. What I want most is for the fight to go to the ground!

Your team, Alpha Male, and Rani’s, Ataide Junior’s Constrictor, are tied 1-1. Does that inspire any rivalry between you?

No, I’m not thinking about that rivalry, all I’m thinking about is winning. I’m a hunter, and right now I’m hunting the belt. I hope to get my shot soon; it’s what I want most in my career, and I’m doing everything I need to to achieve it.

What do you think of Brazil? Do you think you might come train Jiu-Jitsu in these parts?

Yes, I really want to go to Brazil. I love fishing and would love to fish around there – and, of course, do a little training (laughs)!

Photo: Josh Hedges

An end to the soap opera of who will be facing Rashad Evans August 6 at UFC 133 is finally in sight. Tito Ortiz will take Phil Davis’s place a little over a month since his last appearance.

In an interview on MMAJunkie.com Dana White, the president of the UFC, remarked on the twists in the saga of coming up for a substitute for Davis. Lyoto Machida had been tipped to take the empty spot but, as it turns out, it will in fact be Tito Ortiz who takes on Rashad.

“Machida accepted and then told me to pay him what I pay Anderson Silva. I said, ‘Are you kidding me’ Tell Machida to conquer what Anderson’s conquered and I’ll pay him the same. Have a nice day,’” said White, who didn’t buy the explanation the karate stylist announced about not having enough time to prepare. According to the president, the fight didn’t happen for financial reasons.

Previously harboring a grudge against White, Ortiz saw his stock rise amid the confusion.

“Tito moved up in my book. It’s like I’m dealing with a different person. I like that, I like the new Tito,” added White, “He’s back in the picture.”

Check out the complete card:

Tito Ortiz vs. Rashad Evans
Rich Franklin vs. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
Yoshihiro Akiyama vs. Vitor Belfort
Jorge Rivera vs. Alessio Sakara
Rory MacDonald vs. Mike Pyle
Alexander Gustafsson vs. Vladimir Matyushenko
Chad Mendes vs. Rani Yahya
Brian Ebersole vs. Dennis Hallman
Ivan Menjivar vs. Nick Pace
Johny Hendricks vs. Mike Pierce
Mike Brown vs. Nam Phan
Rafael “Sapo” Natal vs. Costantinos Phillippou

Belfort on Brazilian TV program Altas Horas / Photo: publicity

Vitor Belfort now knows when and against whom his next appearance in the be since losing to Anderson Silva. In fact, the two have something in common.

While Silva is set to face Yushin Okami at UFC Rio, Belfort too will have a Japanese opponent across the octagon from him: Yoshihiro Akiyama. He won’t be fighting in his hometown on August 27, though, but in Philadelphia on August 6.

The news was confirmed by promotional president Dana White on ESPN.

Akiyama goes into the fight following back-to-back losses, whereas Belfort is coming off a loss to Anderson at UFC 126 that brought an end to a five-fight winning streak, four of which came via knockout.

Check back with GRACIEMAG.com for more news.

Belfort no programa global Altas Horas. Foto: Divulgação.

Vitor Belfort já tem data e oponente para voltar a ação e se recuperar da última luta, quando acabou batido por Anderson Silva. Aliás, ambos têm algo em comum.

Se Silva foi convocado para encarar o japonês Yushin Okami no UFC Rio, Belfort também vai ter um oponente nipônico. Trata-se de Yoshihiro Akiyama. Mas a luta acontece no UFC 133, na Philadelphia, no dia 6 de agosto.

A notícia foi confirmada pelo presidente da organização, Dana White, à ESPN. Sendo assim, não há possibilidade de Vitor estar em ação no Rio de Janeiro, no dia 27 do mesmo mês.

Akiyama vem numa série de duas derrotas. Belfort perdeu para Anderson no UFC 126, mas, antes disso, vinha em cinco triunfos seguidos, quatro deles por nocaute.

Aguarde mais novidades aqui no GRACIEMAG.com.

Photo: publicity

Having had three fights Stateside in the Bellator promotion, Patrício “Pitbull” Freire now has a date and opponent for his fourth, against the USA’s Anthony Morrison in Philadelphia on October 21.

According to Bellator president Bjorn Rebney, Pitbull is taking the bout to keep in rhythm, as the fighter already has a berth at the next Bellator under-66kg (under-145kg) GP. Patrício holds a record of 14 wins and just one loss, and dreams of his brother, Patricky Pitbull, signing with the promotion.

“Together with my manager, we spoke to the president of the event and he said that my brother being in the under-70 kg (under-155 lbs) GP. I’m really happy to be fighting at Bellator and having a chance for my brother to fight there, too,” remarks the fighter from the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte.