Front Row: Prof. Alan Stockman (left), Prof. Justin Morris (center), GMA Schhol Host Prof. Benjamin Salas (right). Photo: Personal archive

Students studying Jiu-Jitsu from across the Midwest traveled to Port Washington, WI to participate in a very unique training experience – guard training from three different black belt school owners! This fun and informative event was presented in the spirit of our art…mutual benefit.

The technical descendant of polymath Jigoro Kano’s Jiu-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground. It can be enjoyed as a sport or practiced for self-defense.

To most people the defining element of modern Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is most probably the Guard Position. Owing most of its development to the Gracie Family, this primarily defensive position is as diverse as it is effective.

Guest instructors at this exciting event included:

Prof. Benjamin Salas has been training since the early 90’s and holds a black belt under Master Carlson Gracie Jr. Benjamin is an IBJJF ranked competitor and a frequent provider of training to agencies within the law enforcement and military communities.

Prof. Justin Morris is a black belt under Master Marcelo Monteiro, who was a student under and protégé of Master Ricardo DeLa Riva. Justin runs Third Heaven Martial Arts in Beaver Dam and is one of the earlier pioneers of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the state of Wisconsin.

Prof. Alan Stockman runs Carlson Gracie Indianapolis and holds a 1st degree black belt under Master Carlson Gracie Jr. Alan who earned his purple and brown Belts from Master Marcelo Monteiro, is a fluent Portuguese speaker having lived, trained, and fought in Brazil.

Participants in attendance represented many different schools including:

Four Winds Martial Arts – West Allis, WI (Carlson Gracie Team)
One World Martial Arts – Appleton, WI (Jeff Curran Team)
Stockman Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Greenwood, IN (Carlson Gracie Team)
Third Heaven Martial Arts – Beaver Dam, WI (Marcelo Montierio Team)
South Elgin Budokan – South Elgin, IL (Carlson Gracie Team)
Seamless Progression Academy – Port Washington, WI (Carlson Gracie Team)

To learn more about GMA Seamless Progression Academy and see more photos from the event go to www.facebook.com/seamlessprogressionacademy

Benjamin Salas and team with the belt. Photo: Personal archive

On Oct. 18 & 19, the leader of GMA Seamless Progression Academy entered a competition and came out on top.

Professor Benjamin Salas competed in the FIVE Grappling 40+ age absolute division in Illinois. He faced Nick Pollaro and won in a “slow but decisive final match,” he says.

Benjamin avenged his loss when he won the absolute as Nick had outscored him int he middleweight division final when he capitalized on Benjamin’s failed takedown attempt. The final in the absolute was a cautious bout with neither of the black belts wanting to allow the other to take advantage by purchasing a solid grip – “classic ‘dinosaur Jiu-Jitsu'”.

You can watch the video below:

Learn more about Seamless Progression Academy at www.seamlessprogression.com

On June 8, the Carlson Gracie HQ in Chicago, IL was the gathering place for Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructors. They traveled from all over the midwestern United States to converge for a historic event. This gathering of the team’s representatives and coaches was led by Master Carlson Gracie Jr. and harnessed 11 brown belts, 10 black belts, including GMA member Benjamin Salas.

They were taken through a detailed training session on teaching methods, drills and competition-ready techniques.

There was even a special guest: Carlson Gracie Jr.’s mother, Marli.

The black belts present included Carlson Gracie Jr., Danial Vianna, Jeff Neal, Andre Madiz, Benjamin Salas, Brian Bishop, Rudy Jimenez, Tommy Gianoupolis, Guy Fricano, and Jeff Rozovics

Learn more about Benjamin Salas and his Carlson Gracie team affiliate at Seamless Progression Academy here.