US Army | Graciemag

Jean Pierre: “Jiu-Jitsu for everyone, from children to American army soldiers”

Graciemag Newsroom — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 02:24:54 +0000

Black belt Jean Pierre, from Gracie Barra Cedar Park, Texas.

Born in Teresopolis-RJ, 28 year old black belt Jean Pierre started his Jiu-Jitsu journey at the age of 15, much like many others. He always remained active within his community, staying involved in the Church and local outreach programs. However, after pursuing a career in sales: Jean realized he wanted to do something bigger with his life.

He was given the opportunity to move to America as an athlete and work full time in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 2022, and since then has been under the instruction of 4th degree black belt Fabio Villela in Austin Texas. Working together with his team, Jean has been working tirelessly on helping the community in any way he can. Together with Professor Andre Sena, he conducted numerous Combative classes in the US. Army in Fort Hood, as well as special tactic classes for local law enforcement offices. While Jean has been dedicated to expanding his horizons in Jiu-Jitsu, he has discovered his passion for teaching children, and is looking to create a curriculum for special needs kids.

When asked why, in a world of tough Jiu-Jitsu fighters, he has developed this niche he replied: “A lot of people now are focusing on the fighters. A lot of people are focusing on Jiu-Jitsu as a weapon. But what about the kids without priviledge? What about the kids that have trouble learning things, or have to learn a little different then the other kids? Jiu-Jitsu is so much more than that. Jiu-Jitsu is also about making the weak become strong. About the underdog coming out ahead. If I can turn and help the kids people have turned their back to, this will mean more than any gold medal or title.”

Jean plans on continuing his goals next year, and working hard to make the next generation have a better future.

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Major Lisa Jaster, third female to complete Army Ranger school, is a BJJ blue belt

Graciemag Newsroom — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 23:55:31 +0000

Jaster (center) with Griest (left) and Haver (right). Photo: Personal Archives

Major Lisa Jaster, 37, is the third female ever to complete the US Army Ranger school.

The Army announced on Oct. 12 that she has completed the course.

She joins Capt. Kristen Griest, 26, and 1st Lt. Shaye Haver, 25, who earned the Ranger tab on Aug. 21.

An engineer and mother of two, Lisa is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blue belt.

Her Professor at Gracie Barra Westchase, near Houston, Texas, is Ulpiano Malachias.

He talks proudly about her pupil:

“She trains for almost two years now. By the way, everyone in her family also train with us. Her husband is a purple belt. Her two sons are true medal collectors at tournaments.”

Lisa Jaster (second from the left on first row) at GB Westchase. Photo: Ulpiano Malachias

Lisa talked about her achievement to the Washington Post:

“Once you get in the field and start training, shoulder to shoulder, gender stops mattering very quickly. All I had to do was look at that picture (of her kids) and remember I didn’t come to Ranger School just to get a piece of cloth on my shoulder. I wanted to do something. I wanted to better myself as a leader and I wanted to help the Army in this endeavor.”

Here’s the video of Lisa on her Army Ranger school graduation day.

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GB Black Belt, Lucas Rocha teaches self-defense to 150 US Army soldiers in CA

Thu, 22 May 2014 01:48:53 +0000

Black Belt Lucas Rocha at the US Army Recruiting Center Azusa. Photo: Personal Artchive

BJJ black belt professor from Gracie Barra Arcadia in Los Angeles, CA, Lucas Rocha taught on May 17th a special self-defense class at the US Army recruiting center Azusa for 150 attendees.

According to Prof. Lucas, the class aimed to sharpen the US soldier’s self-defense skills through Jiu-Jitsu and bring them closer to the teaching of the martial art. The Brazilian black belt said he felt honored with this opportunity to show the military that Jiu Jitsu is much more than what they see in the competitions and MMA events on TV.

Besides working on self-defense that can be used by the soldiers in their day-to-day lives, the black belt professor explained that Jiu Jitsu has different focus points, which are often imperceptible, like the possibilities of socialization, a healthy lifestyle and the respect between partners.

About his visit to the US Army recruiting center, Lucas Rocha said:

“I saw discipline and willingness to learn, it was something that caught my attention. I admire the work they carry out and I am honored to share a bit of my art and my lifestyle with them today. I am very grateful to the US Army for having received us here so well.”

Prof. Lucas Rocha with US Military

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Josef Manuel teaches the US Army

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:17:49 +0000

GMA member Josef “Cobra” Manuel has just been appointed black belt Council at the US Army combative training facility at Camp Smith, upstate NY.

On July 27th he completed a level 2 course with the soldiers.

His work was much appreciated, as you can read: “Thank you very much Professor Josef! We were surprised, pleased, and eternally grateful for your amazing instruction here at the Army Combatives Center at Camp Smith!” said Eduardo Hernandez, the officer in charge of the program.

Black belt Josef Manuel is the leader of Cutting Edge BJJ, New jersey.

For more info, go to cuttingedgebjj.com

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U.S. Army renames combatives championship after Pedro Lacerda

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:00:49 +0000

The following news bulletin by Vince Little was posted on the U.S. Army website, explaining the new name for the combatives tournament:

FORT BENNING, Ga. – The team championship at the U.S. Army Combatives Tournament was renamed the Lacerda Cup in tribute to a Ranger and former champion who passed away earlier this year.

The late Pedro Lacerda, Lacerda Cup's namesake / Photo: publicty

SSG Pedro Lacerda of the 75th Ranger Regiment died May 29 as a result of complications from a spontaneous brain aneurysm. The 30-year-old Ranger Assessment and Selection Program instructor with the Regimental Special Troops Battalion at Fort Benning had been leading a squad-sized element of RASP students through physical training a day earlier when he collapsed.Lacerda claimed the welterweight title at the 2009 All-Army Combatives Championship. This past spring, he was part of the first Army team to compete at the Pan American Jiu Jitsu Championships in Irvine, Calif., where he won his opening match. Lacerda appeared in the same event prior to joining the Army, capturing gold in 1998, 1999 and 2002.

Post leaders said he was influential in the development of the 75th Ranger Regiment and Army combatives program.

“He had been instrumental in training the Army Rangers (and) he himself had deployed to combat several times,” said MG Michael Ferriter, the Maneuver Center of Excellence and Fort Benning commanding general. “He was a young, inspirational leader. And it was only right to showcase the excellence of the team trophy in his honor.”

Lacerda enlisted in November 2005 and completed one station unit training, Airborne School and the Ranger Indoctrination Program at Fort Benning. He deployed twice to Iraq and once to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Army calls up 9 for Jiu-Jitsu Pan

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:18:24 +0000

The Pan Jiu-Jitsu will have at least one true elite troop. Decked out in camouflaged gi and everything, probably.

We’re talking about the United States Army, which is sponsoring nine fighters to show their mettle in Irvine, California, from April 8 to 11.

Commanding this troop is black belt Pedrinho Brandão (Gracie Barra), an elite member of the Rangers who has done two tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.

To secure your place in the front row and the Pan to check out these and so many other warriors in action, click here!

O sargento Pedro Brandão Lacerda, of the 75th regiment, with Alexandre Soca (left).

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