And, of course, lots of study as well, as you can see for yourself with the three Jiu-Jitsu positions taught by Professors Renzo and Ricardo “Cachorrão” Almeida. Pure gold!

It’s tough finding a title that will do justice to all the goings-on surrounding the first birthday of Renzo Gracie Academy in Holmdel, New Jersey, this coming June 9 at 6:30 pm.

After all, a free seminar with Renzo Gracie packs enough of a punch. But he’s not the only draw. Besides Renzo, UFC fighters Matt Serra, Ricardo Almeida and current lightweight champion Frank Edgar will all be sharing the mat for the occasion.

All the academy’s teachers will be there: Rolles Gracie, Sérgio Ignácio, Steve Dollinger, Joe Ahlert and myself.

Black belts from across the region so far confirmed to appear are Igor Gracie, Jamal Patterson, Alan Theo, Mark Cerrone and Karl Pravec, though I’m sure a lot of other black belts will turn up. After all, everyone’s invited. (Follow @RollesGracie on Twitter and he’ll announce the teachers in attendance as they confirm.)

And the best part is that there’s no need to make a reservation or confirm you presence. All you need to do is stick a gi under your arm and head to Kohls Plaza in Holmdel ( RT 35) at 6:30 pm of that Wednesday June 9th. Everyone is welcome at the over-8,000-sq-ft academy. I’ll be waiting for you there.

UPDATED on May 29, 4PM: For those who never trained and want to be part of that party, and for you who want to take a friend who never trained, we are going to teach a 30 minutes free intro class at the same day, at 6PM. To participate, be there at least 20 minutes before to sign a waiver and jump in. No need to bring a gi for the intro. Reserve your spot calling Stella or Lesa at 1 732 888 9399.

Obvious but necessary disclosure: as aforementioned, the reporter is part of the team of instructors at Renzo Gracie Holmdel.

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