Academy Hunting Homework #5: Ronny Lis BJJ

I was so excited this week about starting out at my new school that I jumped ahead in documenting my experiences training at academies in Austin and left out a few very important experience I had. I want to take a step back and talk about Ronny Lis BJJ.  I was only able to take one class at S. Austin Gym before Ronny left to go to Brazil for an extended period of time.  The class I took was not instructed by Ronny but I did get to reconnect with a few old friends and learn a few new tricks. 

Randy Vera, a brown belt under Ronny Lis, instructed our class.  The warm-up had familiar elements to it.  However, this was the first school I visited that incorporates balance balls into the warm-up.  I am a white belt at the balance ball and could use a LOT of practice.  This experience inspired me to get a balance ball of my own.  I am still working up the nerve to stand on the ball.  I'll have to continue to work up to it. When I was googling videos for this blog I was really amazing to see how and what people can do with a balance ball.  Some of the exercises I learned and continue to practice at home can be seen in this video.

Randy and his fiancé brown belt, Tessa Simpson are no strangers to me on the mats.  We trained together for several years at Relson Gracie Austin.  It had been three years since I last trained with either of them.  It was nothing short of a happy reunion.  Outside of training with Sawyer Morris, Tessa was perhaps the second most instrumental training partners I  have had in my earlier years as a blue belt and an early purple belt.  Training with her had a huge impact on my training and development.  We would push each other to be better, faster and more technical.  People  always commented on how similar built Tessa and I are.  Not only do we share similar body types, we share similar work ethics and a common love for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  I consider myself lucky that I had her to work with as we strengthen each others abilities up the ranks.  Randy was also an extremely important training partner and teammate throughout majority of my training at Relson Gracie.  I was over joyed to be on the mats with both of them again.

Tessa & me @ NAGA Hawaii

Randy has been instructing Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu for as long as I've known him.  It came as no surprise that his expertise and strength as a teacher were apparent during the class I took at Ronny Lis.  I wish I could of taken a class with Ronny before making my finally decision, but I am grateful that I got to get a slice of life on the mats at Ronny Lis BJJ.  It wouldn't be fair to say I got an idea of Lis' style of Jiu-Jitsu which I understand has some very different elements to it. Ronny did make an appearance at the end of class just in time to conclude it with a prayer as I am told that is how each class ends.

 I am told that Ronny Lis is no longer teaching at S. Austin Gym.  To learn more about Ronny Lis and his association visit them online.  Big thanks to Ronny Lis, Randy Vera and Tessa Simpson.  Thank you for your hospitality and for sharing your insights with me.  I'm so happy I was able to make it in and train with all of you.  It was nice to take a walk down memory lane.  I hope our paths cross again.

Rise Of The Phoenix: New Beginnings @ Gracie Humaitá Austin

Jiu-Jitsu is like life. Sometimes everything is clicking and your game is on. Then there are other times when all you're doing is getting your butt kicked. The good news is nothing is forever. Change is inevitable for all of us. You just have to keep moving forward no matter how hard it gets and know that it will all work out.  I've learned a lot over the past six months, but ultimately, I've realized how little I really know about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s a never ending process and it all starts with the most important step, choosing where to train and what team to represent.

When I started Jiu-Jitsu, I didn't research or train at any other academies before starting out. If not for the encouragement of my instructor and long time friend, Phil Cardella,  I wouldn’t have begun in the first place.  I have no regrets.  I would not be who and where I am if not for where I’ve been.  I wouldn't have met all the amazing people, learned and achieved my goals either. I was so fortunate to be a part of something unique and amazing at the right time and place.   Before I separated from my old academy, I'd never even trained at the other academies in Austin.  Then over the past six months, I trained at six different academies. Each was special in its own way. I felt welcomed and comfortable everywhere I went. I got to know old friends even better and met new ones. I learned, grew and was inspired.

There were several factors that led to my decision to join Gracie Humaitá, Austin.  The compatibility of teaching and learning styles was the most important factor. Already having an established relationship with teammates/training partners and instructor was a bonus. It was also important to me that I be a part of an academy, team and under an instructor I respect and would be proud to represent. I felt right being on those mats with my new/old teammates and instructor.  But still I was nervous and excited my first day of class. The energy was high and everyone was happy to be together again. This is the beginning of a new era for all of us and we all know we are a part of something great in the making. Being around familiar faces and training with all of my favorite training partners is like being among family. I'm humming again when I roll and train. It's a weird habit I have when I'm happy on the mats, I hum. I'm thinking about Jiu-Jitsu outside of class-replaying technique like a broken record in my head. I'm hungry to learn and train. At Gracie Humaitá Austin I know I'm in good hands and will continue to grow and learn. I just hope that I represent this team well. I am so honored and blessed. Everything has worked out better than I ever imagined.

However, I'm not in Kansas anymore. The system and structure are completely different from what I’ve known.  It's as though I transferred from public school to a elite prep school. No colored Gis (white or blue). No stripes, just belts. I couldn't help but feel sad saying good bye to the two stripes I fought so long to keep attached, but it’s time to let go of past systems and embrace new ones.  I could not ask for a better instructor.  Donald Park is not only fountain of wisdom but extremely supportive, attentive and caring instructor and person.  The training at Gracie Humaitá Austin is top notch and there are amazing resources at your fingertips.   I feel like I am studying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in an entirely new way that makes sense. It's also clicking for me mentally, which is always a good sign.   

It wasn't an easy choice to move on. But in order to move forward sometimes you most let go. Through my “gypsy” Jiu-Jitsu experiences, I've grown so much on so many levels.  I'd like to think I've gained some wisdom in the process that I'll carry with me on my journey.

Thank you to:  Ze Mario Esfiha, Fabiana Borges, Robert, Dembeck, Darrin Lillian, Sean Cooper, Ronny Lis, Randy Vera and Donald Park. Thank you for having me on your mats.  You all have been tremendously supportive and insightful. I appreciate your kindness and guidance. Even though we may have different patches on our backs, we will always be joined by our common love for Jiu-Jitsu.

Photos from my adventures: 

Gracie Humaita Austin Open Door Series

Cleber Luciano Seminar at Trainers Elite MMA

Gracie Humaita Austin Open Door Series

Helen's blue belt promotion @ Trainers Elite MMA

Cleber Luciano Seminar at Trainers Elite MMA

Rape Prevention Seminar for women @ Gracie Barra N. Austin with instructor Fabiana Borges.

Rape Prevention Seminar for women @ Gracie Barra N. Austin with instructor Fabiana Borges.

Brasa BJJ-Austin one year anniversary & black belt promotions with Ze Mario Esfiha

Brasa BJJ-Austin one year anniversary & black belt promotions with Ze Mario Esfiha

Neocell Collagen Sport Review: Onolicious

I'm definitely not someone who is not afraid to get a little banged up.  However, it is the recovery part I hate the most.  I am impatient and strong willed, being a bench warmer just isn't in my DNA. I wouldn't consider myself "old", but sure feel like it some days. I don't seem to bounce back from injuries as quickly as I used to.  Jiu-Jitsu may be referred to as the Gentle Art, but my body begs to differ. I've injured myself countless times in training and competition. Anything from broken fingers, bruising, black eyes, busted up lips, injuries to my knee, shoulder, neck, back, elbow, ribs and the list goes on. But that's just the nature of the beast and these are battle wounds that come with the turf.   

Most recently I've been battling an on going knee injury. For a long time it just didn't seem like it was healing despite my care and taking a break from training. I was frustrated and annoyed by the situation. I had become a Jiu-Jitsu couch potato. I knew something had to be done. I couldn't think of a more perfect timing than when Neocell to asked me to try out Collagen Sport. 

I started taking Neocell Collagen Sport while on hiatus in Hawai`i. In Hawai’i, my focus was centered on the recovery and strengthening of my knee.  I drank Neocell once a day after working out, paddle boarding, Jiu-Jitsu, surfing, hiking and swimming. I began to notice a considerable difference in my performance, mobility and recovery.  Now my knee isn't 100% healed, but much, much better than where I was before. Neocell Collagen Sport has helped with my recover and will continue to help me come back better, faster, stronger at the 2012 IBJJF World Championship.  Neocell Collagen Sport has also won over my taste buds as my number one choice in protein powders. It has been an intricate part of my knee recovery. 

Benefits:

• 15 grams Pure Ion-Exchange Whey Protein Isolate
• 15 grams Super Collagen™ Bio available Peptides
• Rich in BCAAs
• Good source of L-Glutamine
• Enhanced with Exogenous Amino Acids
• Multi-vitamin Fortification
• Doctor Formulated

What’s NOT in Collagen Sport™

• Gluten, Wheat, Sugar & Lactose Free
• No Artificial Sweeteners or Flavors
• No Fillers or Synthetic Ingredients

 1-Refuel

Whey Protein Isolate is THE preferred and superior form of protein for athletes. It’s rich in essential and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), necessary especially after strenuous workouts. BCAAs also play a role in the body’s levels of glutathione, an important antioxidant in the immune system. NeoCell’s whey protein isolate is developed using selective ion-exchange technology, which selects the primary functional and nutritional proteins alpha- and beta- lactoglobulins and other protein fractions for a highly effective and bio-active protein.

2 - Recover

Athletes all too often do not supplement their connective tissues in tendons and ligaments until deterioration sets in, resulting in the typical aches and pains of exercise. Super Collagen® 1&3 undergoes an absorption-enhancing process that uses enzyme hydrolyzing. This process yields low molecular weight collagen peptides for maximum bioavailability. Super Collagen® 1&3 is particularly rich in the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, and supports recovery, strength, and flexibility of muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

3 - Regenerate

L-Glutamine & Exogenous Amino Acids – Strenuous activity burns through your body’s glutamine supplies, which can push the body to rip glutamine from your muscles if it isn’t coming from your diet. L-glutamine is the most abundant free-form amino acid in skeletal muscle and is crucial in the muscle recovery process. The special chemical structure of L-glutamine makes it the primary amino acid that drives nitrogen into muscle cells for muscle synthesis. Exogenous amino acids overall are important for increase of net muscle protein synthesis.

4 – Replenish

Each serving of Collagen Sport™ provides a good source of daily vitamins and minerals as well as the antioxidant power of Pomegranate extract. Increased activity results in higher oxidation in the body, requiring active individuals to counteract with high quality antioxidants. NeoCell’s pomegranate extract is standardized to 70% ellagic acid, an extraordinary antioxidant that fights cell-damaging free radicals generated during exercise.

Although in the past I drank protein shakes regularly after training, I've never been a huge fan of most protein powders. I found that they tended to taste gritty, chalky, and don’t blend well or made me "bulk up" too much.  Collagen Sport works for me because it tastes great and has everything I need and none of what I don't. I drink Collagen Sport several ways, but I am a Hawai`i girl at heart and love my tropical fruits! Here is what I call my "Onolicious" smoothie:

1 cup Coconut Milk

1/2 cup chopped mango

1 banana

One scoop Vanilla collagen Sport. 

If you're interested in trying out Neocell or just want to save on your next purchase check out iherb.com and save $5 off with code: CIP001

 

To learn more about Neocell visit:
Neocell 
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Academy Hunting Homework #4: Paragon Austin BJJ

The BJJ community is growing bigger and bigger all the time.  Lets face it, Bjj is kind of trendy and on it's way to being mainstreamed.  I feel lucky that I was slightly ahead of the curve and can now observe this explosion of popularity.  Despite  all this growth, I was recently reminded of how small and tight knit this community still remains. I am also surprised that there are so many more academies in North Austin and only a handful in the South Austin area.  So I decided to visit an academy in South Austin called Paragon, that I had never trained at before.

At Paragon, I instantly I felt comfortable and relaxed.  The atmosphere was structured and easy going.  The warmups had some exercises I'd never done before, but for the most part everything was familiar.  The next portion of class consisted of two technical sequences.  The moves were effective and easy to duplicate.  Everyone I met was welcoming, respectful and had a good vibe.  The last portion of class was timed rolling rounds.  I had some tough matches with a few girls and guys.  It was nice to be exposed to a different style and types of movement.

Robert and Darrin make a great team.  You can feel the effort that has gone into building this academy and it reflects in the determination of their students.  Robert looked familiar to me, but I couldn't place where.  After talking for a while ,he said that he thought he had a video of one of my matches. Our mutual friend Angie had filmed it two years ago in L.A. at the Pans.

Small world...

I took a gi and no-gi class at Paragon Austin. After both classes I left a little wiser.  I liked that the class wasn't overloaded with information.  It was simple and easy to playback later.  Darrin is a great teacher and very technical.  Both guys are not large guys and their style made sense for my body type.  I also ran into a familiar face, Richard who was a student when I helped with the kid's classes.  He was always talented and has lots of potential. I was glad to see he's still at it and in good hands at Paragon.

Check them out of you're looking for a fun, supportive, fierce competition team.  They have plenty of talented people, great instruction and are in a good location for south folks.  This academy has a lot of good characteristics; clean facilities for both sexes, good location, parking, clean mats and a nice family style atmosphere.  Try them out for one free week!

Hawai'i in one Kukui Nut

The question I am always asked is "Why did you leave Hawai`i?”  People can’t understand why someone would want to leave such a "perfect" place.  Even though I knew I was lucky to grow up in Hawai`i, I tended to take it for granted.  I  sometimes wished I could see Hawai`i through the eyes of a tourist for the first time.  It has got to be like nothing they have ever seen before.  Hawai`i is a beautiful and unique place rich in culture and heritage.  However, no place is perfect.  Living in Hawai'i isn't always as idealistic as it seems.  There are big problems like overcrowding, traffic, poverty, drug addiction, unemployment, low wages, homelessness and the rising cost of living.

As I grew up,  I  felt  connected to Hawai`i despite not always feeling like I fit in. Even though I was born and raised on Oahu and I am of mixed ethnicity, I was often called a Haole because of my light colored skin and non-pigeon accent. Nonetheless, Hawai`i provided me with endless opportunities to learn about other cultures, ways of life, build an appreciation for nature and people.  I hiked, went to the beach and grew up working on my Dad’s farm, but I never had as much appreciation for Hawai`i until after I moved away. By age eighteen I was ready for something bigger and felt increasingly trapped on a " rock" or island.  Then with each visit home, I realized more and more how incredibly lucky I was to be from such an amazing and magnificent place.  I always go to Hawai`i with several lists that include what I want to eat, what I want to do and places I want go to.  There is so much to do and see it can be exhausting trying to accomplish all of my vacation goals. That is  why  I have learned it is  important to just go with the flow.  No matter how busy I get, reconnecting with those I love is what I value most.

If you love food, you'll love Hawai`i.  The food is so ono (delicious) ! I dream of food from Hawai`i all the time.  My food list always  includes: chicken katsu curry, Korean BBQ, malasadas, haupia, laulau, kalua pig, Thai green curry, poke, dim sum, manapua, rice cake, Zippy's chili, mochi, gau, shrimp chips, apple bananas, mountain apples, star fruit, mango, papaya, pineapple, taro, etc.   It's not exactly the healthiest list, but I'm allowed to indulge as long as I work it off, right?

Several  dishes in Hawai`i are heavily starch based, high sodium, fatty and have lots of sugar. To stay fit and not put on those "vacation pounds",  it’s important to eat in moderation, stay active, eat lots of veggies and drink lots of water.  I always prefer to go for a hike or surf than a gym.  There are endless opportunities to stay fit and have fun in Hawai`i.  I've done rock climbing, surfing, Jiu-Jitsu, hiking, paddle boarding, canoe paddling snorkeling, body boarding, swimming, diving and cliff jumping.  And that's not even scratching the surface of things to do.

To some people,  re-visiting and photographing the same areas for as long as I have might be boring.  However, even knowing the island as well as I do,  it never gets old to me.  I always see something new each and every time I visit.  I’ve always liked to play with light manipulation and Hawai`i is the place to do that.  The natural light is amazing. Photos really don't do it justice, but it is  rewarding to try and capture.  My favorite places for photos are St. Louis Heights, Palolo Valley, and the Wai`anae Coast and North Shore.

Most of all ,I love to go home and reconnect not only with my roots, spirituality and heritage, but with my ohana (family).  My ohana isn't a traditional family.  It is made up of friends, their family members, extended family siblings, aunties and uncles and cousins.   No matter how infrequently we talk or see each other it is as if nothing has changed  even if it has been several years! I can be myself and they accept me for me and vice verse.   It is nice to know I have such awesome people in my life.

 The hardest part of being away from Hawai`i for so long and returning is readjusting to the culture, etiquette and customs.  There is a lot of unspoken "protocol" despite the laid back lifestyle. Such as, if you make an offer (do you want a glass of water?)   and a person refuses, you need to repeat the offer  3 times to be polite.  If you only respond to the first "no", that is considered extremely rude!   The long and short of it is to be polite, appreciative, courteous, and respectful, follow the etiquette and go with the flow.

My life in Austin is nonstop.  I love what I do and I am a rather compulsive worker.  It takes me time to slow down to the speed of the island  life and go with the flow. In Austin, I don't normally have time to be lazy and do nothing, but once I'm able to adjust to the speed of the island I am on auto pilot and I feel whole again.

I never leave Hawai`i empty handed.  I always leave a little bit wiser and more in tune.  The ocean is one of the most cleansing experiences that I know of.  The water is clear and refreshing.  You can feel the layers of built up stress and "gunk" being swept away with the current.  You feel pounds lighter after you get out.  Standing on the edge of a ridge covered with rain forest breathing the fresh air  is also a powerful experience that revitalizes you.  There is beauty everywhere you look.  You can't help but feel renewed and inspired.  Life moves slower so you see things differently and appreciate so much more.

I tend to have more culture shock coming back to Austin from Hawai`i than the other way around. I guess that goes to show, regardless of where I live, Hawai`i is still  my home.  Just as it’s hard to go from 100-0 it’s equally as difficult to go from 0-100.  I realized on my last trip that I need to achieve a balance of life, fun and work.  I felt stronger, wiser and more focused.  I know what I want and am going after it.  I learned that I have to take care of myself and value my needs.  I plan to  let go of a lot and make room for the New Year and all of its experiences, adventures and blessings.

Not everyone is cut out for Hawai`i.  I think that these people have trouble letting go. They expect things to be like they are on the mainland and never really adjust. Perhaps its cause they are not going with the flow. The aina (land) will either embrace you with open arms or kick your butt off the island.   Having a willingness to learn and be open-minded can go a long way.  To most, Hawai`i is a healing and sacred place.  If you are able to build a connection you will become a better person than when you arrived.  Most importantly, respect the ways of the land and people and in turn you will be blessed in many ways and welcomed back to one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

Girls in Gis Wish List Donation Drive benefiting SafePlace

It's extremely upsetting to me how many lives have been destroyed or lost due to domestic violence. The worst part is that unless these stories end in tragedy, a lot of the times the abuse can go unnoticed and undetected.  Domestic violence and abuse isn't just for the poor or destitute. It can strike anywhere regardless of social-economic classes. Because the emotional and psychological abuse inflicted it's the victims that carries the burden of shame and embarrassment. It takes a lot of courage for these women to leave (or escape in most cases) and seek help because of the severe emotional, physical and sexual abuse inflicted upon them. But thanks to organizations like SafePlace there is hope for a better future. The work that SafePlace does is phenomenal. They have amazing resources and services to get these women and children's lives back on track. 

Please help us collect donations for those who need it most to start off the new year right!

The Girls in Gis Wish List Donation Drive will run from December 5, 2011 to January 20, 2012

Our final collection day and wrap-up event will be at Girls in Gis-Austin on January 22, 2012 at Gracie Barra N. Austin.

To participate in this drive and set up a bin at your academy please contact Girls in Gis for additional information. Donations can be dropped off at any of our drop off locations during normal business hours or make a donation online at:
www.safeplace.org


Drop off locations for donations:
Austin:
Rubicon Fight Sport
Trainers Elite MMA
Gracie Barra North Austin
Vamp Dance
Mario Esfiha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Brasa BJJ Austin
Joao Crus BJJ
Johns Gym
Paragon Austin
Gracie Barra South Austin
Cedar Park:
Relson Gracie Cedar Park
Gracie Barra Cedar Park
Dripping Springs
Joao Crus BJJ
Pflugerville:
Eclectic Combat Systems-Brasa BJJ Pflugerville
Fort Worth & Dallas:
Travis Lutter BJJ & MMA
Mohler BJJ & MMA
Peak Performance BJJ
Roberto Kaelin BJJ
Houston:
Gacho Gold Team
Revolution Dojo
Rio Grand Valley:
Paragon RGV Edinburg
San Antonio:
Carlson Gracie BJJ
Texas Powerhouse
Waco:
Relson Gracie Waco
Learn more about SafePlace services and resources:
www.safeplace.org

Wish List items include:
· Baby wipes
· Diapers sizes 4-6 & 2-6
· Pull-Ups Size 2T-5T
· Baby Wipes
· Baby Shampoo
· Baby Lotion
· Baby Power
· Baby Formula
· Deodorant
· Body wash
· Soap
· Shampoo and conditioner
· Shower sponges
· African American hair products
· Hair brushes & combs
· Mouth Wash
· Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
· Razors and Shaving Cream
· Body Lotion
· Paper Towels
· Boxed meals: Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper, Macaroni & Cheese, Mashed Potatoes, etc.
· Canned fruit, ravioli, spaghettio’s, tuna, meat, chicken
· Cereal
· Condensed milk
· Cooking oil
· Juice boxes
· Oatmeal
· Pasta
· Rice
· Seasonings
· Cell Phones

Big Thanks to our Sponsors BJJ Legends, She-Jitsu, Neocell Sports, Super Body Care, Mean Streak, ACT Energy Drink, Fenom Kimonos, Grand Prix Grappling, Paleo Pam and Scentsy Independent Consultant Lana Hunter.

Academy Hunting Homework #3: Ze Mario Esfiha Brasa BJJ

It has been an amazing few months for me as I explored different academies in Austin. I've learned so much being out on my own discovering new territory. Things have not been what I am used to but I enjoy being out of my comfort zone. However, I am slightly embarrassed for being so ignorant about not knowing much about the traditions and customs that go along with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since I came from an academy that didn't observe many customs. Over the past six months I've gotten to know a lot of amazing people, had exciting new experiences, grown as a person and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, and involved myself in the Jiu-Jitsu community more than I ever have before. It's been a great year. I've really learned a lot about life, people, myself and what really matters most. Most of all, I have found a direction to go in and I am running full speed ahead!

One if the biggest lessons I have  learned is that things really do work out as they are supposed to. Patience is a hard skill to learn in this fast paced world we live in. We are accustomed to instant gratification and when things don't work out right away we can get discouraged. It is  okay to be upset, but the trick is to never give up. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and keep on rolling!

The best way to describe Ze Mario Esfiha is as a teddy bear with some very valuable old school knowledge and phenomenal skill.  My introduction to Mario began with my involvement with Girls in Gis. I asked Mario to invite the women and girls from his academy to our Girls in Gis-Austin event last September. We got to talking and next thing I know I was making plans to come train at his academy. This was shortly after I left Relson Gracie Austin and I hadn't really been training due to my knee. I figured I could do the technique, but not roll and my knee would be OK. I'd never met Mario before and I was excited to check out his academy.

Of course I got lost going a block away from my school campus. Driving and navigating an iPhone can be tricky. Eventually I found  his academy about a 1/2 HR later. I hate being late although I tend to live on Brazilian/ Hawaiian time and I especially hate being lost too! It makes me flustered and anxious. Thankfully Mario was super understanding and it turned out to be a great class even though I missed half of it. However, I was able to catch the entire no GI class which  I found incredibly interesting. I was later able to check out a few week night, noon classes and the black belt promotions. Although I haven't trained at Mario's as much as I'd like to, I learned a lot in a short time.

Mario is a really big guy compared to me. I hate to say it, but I'd expected he would have completely different Jiu-Jitsu style than the smaller guys I was used to. I was pleasantly surprised. Although he may have size on his side, he is also amazingly technical and doesn't have to rely on his size to dominate a match. After all, it makes sense, he's been around for a long time so he's seen a lot of techniques and studied them. He's trained among Brazil's best black belts growing up and is full of entertaining stories about the "motherland" back in the day.  He's also one of the most accomplished black belt competitors in Austin. You can tell he genuinely loves Jiu-Jitsu. It is all he does for a living. He is an easy going guy that likes to joke around and laugh. However, the quality of Jiu-Jitsu at Brasa Jiu-Jitsu isn't a joking matter. It is the real deal. 

Mario creates an adequate amount of time for training although the academy may not be open seven days a week for eight hours a day like I was used to at Relson Gracie.  I do wish there were a few more classes that worked with my schedule, but  as I've visited more academies, I've realized that no one has nearly as much training time as I was used to.  I have also realized that it is not so much about the quantity, but the quality of training that counts.   Mario's GI classes ran from 6-7 and no GI 7-8 Monday and Wednesday nights.  I also caught a noon class from 12-1 on Tuesday-Thursday.  Both classes were relaxed with great technique.  I learned some new moves, transitions and submissions to add to the arsenal.

 Everywhere I go these days I see familiar faces. I think it is just further proof that we are still a small and tight knit Jiu-Jitsu community . My first day at Mario's, I ran into this guy named Doug that I trained with years ago at Relson Gracie. Everyone at Mario's was super cool and helpful. It is a total family style academy. They all seem to get along and seem to be content with their training. It's a positive environment and has a lot of potential for only being a year old. I see good things to come.

  Mario is one of the founders of Team Brasa. He studied under a few different instructors and has a very real and honest take on things.  Mario straight up told me on my first day of classes, that if I was looking for a belt to be handed to me that wouldn't happen at his place. After he said that, I knew we'd get along great.  I don't understand why some academies think that by handing out belts it some how gives the academy more credibility.  For instance, if your brown belts are not really brown belts at heart, it will reflect on the mats.  I respected the fact that Mario said that to me because the last thing I am looking for is a hand out.  I think it is important that your instructor believes in the same principles and standards that you do. It is crucial that you are honest with each other.  I agreed totally with Mario on a lot of points we discussed.  It was refreshing to hear his take on things and his advice as I look for a new academy.  I appreciate the insight and guidance he shared with me.

Perhaps the most eye opening experience at Mario's was at the One Year Anniversary and black belt promotions.  I have seen my share of promotions over the years at Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, but I never saw so many customs observed before.  At Relson Gracie Austin, when someone is promoted, the person is given a belt in front of the class and then it is followed by a gauntlet where the guys bear crawl and are whipped on the back with belts.  The whole process never lasted more than 30 min tops.  While observing Mario's promotions, I was educated on other customs that go along with promotion.  First the person being promoted is called forward, the belt or strip is awarded and then Mario, takes them down with a sweep.  Depending on the level of promotion, the sweep varies.  For the higher belts they were asked to jump and then be swept.  After each person goes through this process they are each given an opportunity to say something.  Next, all of the higher belts sweep those that were promoted.  Lastly, there is a gauntlet of walking through as they get whipped with belts.  It took over an hour to get through the whole process, but I found it really interesting to see how things were done on team Brasa.

I have not been in a rush to decide on what academy to join.  I've been taking my time and considering all options which has helped in teaching me patience.  Life can move really fast and can easily slip by if we don't pay attention. My advice, slow down, take a break and check out a class at Brasa Jiu-Jitsu! They've got some awesome Jiu-Jitsu, good people and a relaxed and encouraging environment.