The Cavalcanti BJJ team at the belt ceremony. Photo: Personal archive

Santa was in town for the belt ceremony last Saturday, Dec. 13 at Carlson Gracie Team Las Vegas – Cavalcanti BJJ in Las Vegas, NV.

Head instructor Ricardo Cavalcanti dressed up as Santa Claus to give gifts to the kids at the academy and while dressed again as himself, he promoted students to new belts and gave out stripes.

There were 200 students and 300 guests. In attendance was the newest addition to the Cavalcanti BJJ association, Cavalcanti BJJ Kingman, Arizona and they were able to add 50 people including instructors DJ O’Brien and Robert Deets.

The award from Rose Gracie and Javier Vazquez. Photo: Personal archive

Another event at the ceremony was the acceptance of an award to Ricardo Cavalcanti from Rose Gracie and Javier Vazquez. He was given an honorary award for his dedication to the legacy of the one of the most important Jiu-Jitsu legends that ever lived, Master Carlson Gracie.

As part of the promotions, one of the first students at the new school, Dorian Dominguez was promoted to blue belt after 18 months of training. Cavalcanti’s daughter Anna and wife Frances each were promoted as well, earning a grey/black belt and one stripe respectively.

The event, along with the Santa gifts, promotions and potluck lunch ended a successful year for the Cavalcanti BJJ team.

Learn more about Carlson Gracie Las Vegas – Cavalcanti BJJ at www.rcjiujitsu.com

Santa Cavalcanti. Photo: Personal archive

The kids program at C3/Cesar Pereira. Photo: Personal archive

Stephane Smarth, muay thai coach of C3 Athletics/Cesar Pereira where Cesar runs the Jiu-Jitsu program, has found that belt promotions are about something more than just skill. They represent core values and the success of the Jiu-Jitsu program under Cesar. See what Stephane has to say about the program and all programs in regards to stripes and belts:

“It’s that time of the year again when the adults and kids take it to the mats for belt promotions, and as each student lines up by their respective belt ranking, the instructor and those assisting prepare to change these adults’ and kids’ lives. Strips of white tape are torn and placed on the edge of the ring ready to find a new home on over 30 belts. As the students stand attentively, Cesar Pereira begins the promotions with a speech; a speech that addresses all the hard work they’ve put in and more work that needs to be done.

Since the inception of the adults program 3 and 1/2 years ago and kids program a couple of years ago, I have watched a program with just 4 or 5 students flourish to full, blown-out . Specially talking about kids martial arts program with ages ranging from 4 years old to 12, all types of personalities and characters interacting with one another, it can sound like a daunting task to work with a large group of kids, but Cesar does it with such ease and patience– understanding that each student is different and working with them individually.

On the mats, and even off, the students listen to Cesar. They respect him, look up to him and have gained a great deal of trust in him and his teaching. Day after day, these kids put their gis on, tie their belts, bow to the mats, line up and train. Day after day Cesar has them warm up, do basic drills, and execute the technique for the day. Whether they are working from side control, performing an armbar from the mount, or a triangle choke from guard, the kids are constantly being pushed and tested, both mentally and physically.

Many of the students have been in competition, many of them bringing home a medal, and many more will follow. His expectations are not just set on the mats and training, but also in being able to put together what he’s taught and executing those techniques where it counts. Where Cesar excels, however, is not in just teaching Jiu-Jitsu, but also in teaching many values the students can carry throughout life. Values such as discipline, respect, teamwork, self-esteem and confidence are all instilled in each student. He provides them with structure, creates a fun and exciting learning environment and does it in a way the students are not only receptive to it all, but they also reciprocate it.

Ultimately, that’s what belt promotions are about. Not just the execution of technique and going into competition, but also about students carrying out the core values infused in them by their instructor. As each stripe gets placed on a student’s belt, or belt colors change, it is a constant reminder of not only all the hard work they’ve put in over the course of a few months, but also the discipline they will carry with them forever.

It’s been an absolute pleasure watching these kids grow and transform into Jiu-Jitsu students, but without Cesar Pereira, there is no kids program. He is the reason for its success, how it has evolved over the years and the driving force behind its continual growth.”

Learn more about C3 Athletics and Cesar Pereira at www.c3athletics.com

The BTT Boston team. Photo: Personal archive

On June 14, 2014, head instructor of GMA Brazilian Top Team Boston Bruno Amaral and his fiancé Nathalia Azoff wed in Lexington, Massachusetts. The proposal happened just over one year ago in the middle of Bruno’s Jiu-Jitsu class and so it would only be appropriate for their Jiu-Jitsu family to share this special occasion. The wedding had Nathalia’s and Bruno’s family and friends present along with many of their teammates including Bruno’s uncle and owner of Brazilian Top Team Boston, Joao Amaral. This was a very special evening for the happy Jiu-Jitsu couple.

Just a couple of days after the wedding, rather than taking a honeymoon, Bruno and Nathalia were back on the mats for the BTT Boston belt ceremony.

On June 16, 2014, Joao Amaral, Daniel Gazoni, and Bruno Amaral awarded many stripes and belts to BTT students. Thayse Soares, the first BTT Boston female black belt was awarded her second degree on her black belt and Roger Woo, owner of BTT affiliate Woo Kickboxing Academy was awarded his first degree on his black belt.

To complete an already great evening, 5 black belts were awarded to very deserving students; Nathalia Amaral (our new bride), Aniss Al Hajjajy, Vincent Silvestre, Attila Javor, and Tatasuya Goto. This was the most successful belt ceremony to date. “I am proud of everyone and their accomplishments. Today was very special for all of us and I look forward to seeing all our students grow and evolve in this sport,” says Joao Amaral.

Needless to say, this has been quite an exciting few days for Bruno and Nathalia!

Learn more about the adventures of Bruno and Nathalia along with their GMA academy BTT Boston at www.bttboston.com

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Master Ricardo Cavalcanti in Guatemala. Photo: Personal Archive

This past weekend on Mar. 22, Master Ricardo Cavalcanti of GMA Carlson Gracie Training Center – Cavalcanti BJJ in Las Vegas, NV paid tribute to Master Carlson Gracie. In the beautiful country of Guatemala in Central America, Cavalcanti shard his knowledge through the an open Jiu-Jitsu seminar.

This was the second time he has given a seminar to the people of Guatemala where he now has a permanent affiliate school in both Guatemala City and Antigua.

Also at the seminar, Cavalcanti awarded promotions through the first belt test along with his second degree black belt Olaf Alfonso Cavalcanti. They promotoed over 50 students during their visit.

The visit is dedicated to Grandmaster Carlson Gracie Sr.

Group picture at GB Mission Viejo with Prof. Kayron Gracie

Kayron Gracie is son of Master Carlos Gracie Jr., the founder and leader of Gracie Barra. Last Saturday, the 25 year old Black Belt hosted the Gracie Barra Mission Viejo’s 1st Belt Promotion Ceremony in Orange County, CA, since he became the school’s head instructor in 2011.

Kayron has been away from the competitions since the 2013 Pan Ams because of a back injury on his Cervical Disc. The back injury has been bothering the 2012 Pam Ams Champion for a while now and getting in the way of his training. Kayron has been spending most of his time teaching at his school in Mission Viejo and treating his “war bruises”. The Gracie said he expects to recover completely until the end this month so he can compete at the IBJJF Pan Ams in March.

Besides the graduation ceremony on Feb 1st, where Prof. Kayron promoted 6 blue belts, 6 purple belts and one brown belt, the BJJ champion also taught a free Jiu-Jitsu seminar to celebrate his student’s promotions. Adults and kids attended to the event and got together on the mat to learn and have a good time. On his social media, Kayron posted a picture of his team and said “ Great weekend for our school, amazing belt promotion! I’m very proud to be able to teach this amazing group of people.”

Prof. Kayron promoting his student. Photo: Carol Gracie

GRACIEMAG asked the professor how he feels watching his student’s progress and he said: “ I know this is the 1st of many belt ceremonies here at Mission Viejo and to watch my students evolving and getting closer to their black belts is very satisfying. I’m proud to see them working hard and for being able to lead them in this wonderful journey that is Jiu-Jitsu.”

Kayron Gracie and coach Steven Berry with the kids

The students and instructors of GMA Institute of Martial Arts gathered for a belt ceremony and end of year celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7. Photo: Personal Archive

The instructors at GMA Institute of Martial Arts in San Jose, CA led a celebration on Saturday, Dec. 7 and winter belt ceremony. Many students were promoted with stripes and white/blue belts that indicate they are close to being a blue belt and are eligible to participate in the most advanced class at the academy.

Those who were promoted to new belts are:

Brown belt: Ryan Brandenburg
Purple belt: Ashur Bourang
Blue belt: Phuong Huynh, Alejandro Cespedes, Israel, Marcelo Gomez

Both Osvaldo Augusto Queixinho and Flavio Meier received their first degree on their black belts from Caio Terra as well.

Instructor and academy director Samir Chantre says, “That day was very special, we had others promotions during the year but this one which was followed by a end of the year celebration made that day even more fun. All the guys who got promoted really deserved the belt, some that didn’t [get promoted] maybe deserved it too but for a detail or even a strategy we decided to make them hold on a little more. We have a very good, friendly, competitive and dedicated group. Days like this one make us very honored and proud.

We look forward to 2014, our school is still new and our association is a little bit more than a year old. We have a lot to grow and we are already tearing it up out there placing and sometimes winning a lot of tournaments as a team, and we give the credits to our amazing group of students and staff.”

Check out more about Caio Terra Association and his Institute of Martial Arts at www.bjjsanjose.com

The group picture at the Draculino seminar. Photo: Rio Pro BJJ

This past Saturday, August 3, Rio Pro BJJ academy in Beachwood, Ohio hosted Gracie Barra leader Vinicius Draculino Magalhaes. The professor of champions like black belt world champions Romulo Barral and Samuel Braga taught a seminar during his visit.

Professor Jose Dias said the seminar was “amazing.” After Draculino shared his knowledge he led a belt ceremony where seven students were promoted to blue belt and one student received their purple belt.

Congrats to the Rio Pro BJJ students. To see more information regarding this Ohio academy visit www.rioprobjj.com

The promoted students. Photo: Rio Pro BJJ

The Cavalcanti BJJ family after promotions. Photo: Personal Archive

In Las Vegas, Nevada, 150 deserved students earned promotions from three-year-olds to adults and over. The ceremony started on June 26 and lasted three days for the little ones, kids, teens, adults and up to receive their promotions.

Not long after, the Ricardo Cavalcanti Jiu-Jitsu, Carlson Gracie Las Vegas Team was able to once again bring home the number one team trophy at the Grappler’s Quest UFC Expo on July 6-7. This their fifth year winning the tournament as a team.

A celebration ensued thereafter with a great BBQ as served by Texas of Brazil, official sponsor of the Carlson Gracie Cavalcanti BJJ Team.

For more information regarding Ricardo Cavalcanti Jiu-Jitsu in Las Vegas visit www.RCJiuJitsu.com

The team at Marcelo Garcia Academy. Photo: John ‘Ric’ Ricard

The belt ceremony on July 26 for the GMA Marcelo Garcia Academy brought hundreds of people together to the third floor of their 26th street building in New York City. After two floods in previous academies, the location meant a lot for the team and proved as a bonding experience to be able to maintain a team through multiple, sometimes temporary locations.

Last night twenty-nine students were promoted to new ranks from blue to brown with a number of students receiving stripes to mark their progress to their next belt. Some competitors, some recreational and others in between.

White belts promoted to blue belts. Photo: John ‘Ric’ Ricard

Nine students were promoted from white belt to blue belt.

Blue to purple promotions. Photo: John ‘Ric’ Ricard

Sixteen students were promoted from blue belt to purple belt.

Purple to brown promotions. Photo: John ‘Ric’ Ricard

Four students were promoted from purple belt to brown belt including two top competitors, Mansher Singh Khera and Jonathan Satava pictured in the middle who traveled to and did well in the Abu Dhabi WPJJC and the World Championship in California.

Congratulations to those who are now on to bigger and better things.

For more information about the GMA Marcelo Garcia Academy visit www.MarceloGarciaJJ.com