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