Rickson Gracie
“The Best Of The Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor”
And he isn’t even a Gracie or a Machado!
His name is Pedro Sauer, 7th dan BJJ.
In a worldwide poll in 2005 organized by the ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Center) he received this coveted recognition.
But let’s first have a look at Professor Pedro Sauer’s climb to the top:
Born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at age five he started boxing and thereafter judo and taekwondo.
As a teenager and after training for about 10 years one of his buddies invited him over to check out a youngster training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. After this experience Professor Pedro started training in BJJ the very next day.
Get this: His buddy was Rickson Gracie and the younger brother was Royler Gracie, who at the time was only 9 years old and 6 years younger than Professor Pedro.
After majoring in economics and business Pedro worked as a stockbroker for about eleven years.
During this time Pedro earned his Black Belt from Helio and Rickson in 1985, after years of training at Gracie Humaita which can be considered something like the equivalent of BJJ’S Kodokan.
In 1986 he started teaching and training under Alvaro Barreto, who is a 9th degree (red belt) master under Helio Gracie.
Several years later he made the decision to emigrate and start teaching Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the U.S.
Understand that 1990 was when the original wave of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors moved to California and the martial arts world would never be the same.
Pedro Sauer immersed even deeper in BJJ in California while living and training daily with Helio, Rickson, Rorion, Relson, Renzo and Royce Gracie as well as the Machado Brothers, who are the famous cousins of the Gracies.
By the end of that same year Pedro set up camp in Utah where he lived to train and teach for sixteen years as one of only two non-Gracie instructors.
By 2006 Pedro Sauer and his family decided to relocate to Leesburg, Virginia.
It is here that Profesor Pedro instructs at One Spirit Martial Arts in Herndon, Virginia, and Jeff Gordon’s Mixed-Martial Arts Academy in Germantown, Maryland, as well as 80 affiliate schools worldwide.
His expertise has been highly sought after by a number of law enforcement, military and federal agencies such as FBI, CIA and Naval Special Warfare Group.
In 2005, Professor Pedro Sauer was named “Best of the Best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instructor” in a worldwide internet poll conducted by the Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC).
The following video clips feature Professor Pedro Sauer with an arm bar technique and his words of wisdom that can help any martial art of any style progress a lot quicker.
The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Saga Continues
If there were any martial arts royal families, I believe that the Gracies would certainly meet that description.
Most of us have probably heard of the countless accomplishments of Helio, Carlos, Carlos Jr., Carlson, Rickson, Renzo, Royce, Ryan, Charles, Royler, Robson, Reyson, Reylson, Rorion, Relson Gracie…. just to name a few.
Yet, there is another Gracie family member not mentioned in the long list, but who has already impressively leavng a mark.
And it’s not another guy. And her name doesn’t begin with a ‘C’ or a ‘R’.
Her name is Kyra Gracie.
She is the 24-year-old daughter of Flavia Gracie, who is the sister of Renzo, Ralph and Charles Gracie.
Kyra is the first female black belt of the Gracie family to compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission wrestling.
After starting her studies at the age of 11, she has been leaving her own personal mark on fighting the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu way.
Two years later, at age 13, Kyra Gracie was already both Brazilian and New York State BJJ champion.
Just check out her impressive list of championship titles so far:
3x World BJJ Champion (2004,2006,2008)
5x Pan American BJJ Games Champion (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007)
5x Brazilian BJJ Champion (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004)
5x New York State BJJ Champion (1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
2x ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Submission Wrestling World Champion (2005, 2007)
1x Asiatic BJJ Champion (2006)
She spends much of her time training at her uncle Renzo’s academy in Manhattan advancing in her fighting and teaching skills.
There is no doubt that we will be hearing a lot more from Kyra Gracie in the future. Possibly Women’s Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)?
Either way,The Gracie Saga Continues.
Yoga And Martial Artists
Just several months ago I successfully completed a 90-day extreme fitness program which entailed working out 6 days in a row and either rest or stretch on the seventh day. Stretching is what I opted for and that was a really good idea.
I am pretty happy with the results, except that I still have to buy new pants/trousers.
But I guess that’s a good problem to have.
The program consisted of exercises to improve overall strength, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility.
One of the elements was Yoga.
Alright, I hear some of you saying, “Yoga? You gotta be kidding me!”
Well, work with me here.
I am not going to bore you with historical and/or statistical facts about Yoga. For example that it has been practiced for over 5,000 years and as you might know, originated in India.
No, seriously, the benefits of incorporating Yoga in any martial artist’s training regimen could be summed up in:
Develop, maintain and even improve your breathing, flexibility, strength, and balance.
Listen, if Yoga is good enough for martial arts legends like Rickson Gracie, do you think we could find some benefits for us?
Personally, I am glad that Yoga was introduced to me as part of that 90-day fitness program I told you about.
Either way, I hope you find inspiration in this clip on Yoga for martial artists:
Your comments and ideas are always welcome here. Namaste!
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu – Behind The Scenes In Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
If you’re not a martial artist, what probably comes to your mind when you think of Brazil is soccer football, Carnival in Rio, Copacabana beach, Gisele Buendchen, right?
On the other hand if you are a martial artist, you have without a doubt heard of or even trained in a martial art that has changed the art of fighting in so many ways.
It is simply known as BJJ or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
The Japanese brought Jiu-Jitsu to Brazil at the beginning of 20th century.
During this process Count Maeda tought this style of self-defense to Carlos Gracie, who then in turn instructed his younger brothers.
Carlos then together with his youngest brother, Helio, went on to refine the style and create a form of fighting and self-defense that has been nothing short of revolutionary.
Grandmaster Helio (1913-2009) promoted the Gracie way of fighting through teaching, competing and countless public challenges over a span of 40 years to demonstrate its effectiveness even against heavier and presumably stronger opponents, especially on the ground.
His legacy lives on through his sons and nephews such as Rickson, Royce, Rorion, Relson, Renzo, Reyson, Reylson, Rilion, Robson, Royler, Carlson, Carlos, Crolin.
There is certainly a lot more to be said about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu which I will do in the near future.
In the meantime, check out this really impressive video clip on Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
I know it’s about 10 minutes long, but heck, there’s nothing on TV anyway. So, just sit back and take it in.
Thanksgiving Week In Review At TheMartialArtsReporter.com
I Hope You Enjoy Thanksgiving Week In Review At TheMartialArtsReporter.com And A Quote I Really Like!
Sifu Eddie Camden, The Instructor Recommended By Martial Arts Legends
Martial Artists And The Day After Thanksgiving, Aka Black Friday
Happy Thanksgiving 2009 From TheMartialArtsReporter.com
Peaceful Warrior Wisdom For Martial Artists (And Others, Too)
Urijah Faber, The California Kid Of World Extreme Cagefighting
Jet Li, From Humble Beginnings To Action/Martial Arts Movie Superstar
This week’s quote for readers of TheMartialArtsReporter.com:
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but the number of moments that take our breath away. ” Unkown
Sifu Eddie Camden, The Instructor Recommended By Martial Arts Legends
With his extensive background and over 30 years of striking, grappling and weapons training Sifu Eddie Camden has become one of the most complete and knowledgeable martial artists around. Many refer to him a true teachers’ teacher.
Just about every federal law enforcement agency and special warfare group in the United States such as C.I.A., the Secret Service, F.B.I, Green Berets, and the U.S. Navy Seals have benefitted from Sifu Eddie’s expertise.
He founded his Tiger Academy of Martial Arts in Atlanta, Georgia, back in 1998.
What make Sifu Eddie Camden so unique?
He holds numerous Black Belt /instructor rankings in the following arts: Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Wing Chun Kung Fu, and Filipino Kali.
There aren’t many in the world to hold Black Belts in such a diverse selection of martial arts.
Sifu Eddie has not only trained with, but has been certified by some of the world’s top experts in each of these martial arts.
This is what some martial arts legends say about Sifu Eddie Camden:
“Sifu Eddie you’re truly a martial artist! Your students are very lucky to have you be their teacher…You always have my support.” Francis Fong (international martial arts legend)
“Eddie, you’re a great all-around instructor. I recommend you to anyone!”
Dan Inosanto (martial arts legend, Bruce Lee’s protege)
“Eddie Camden is my long time training partner and good friend. He and his academy offer one of the very best programs found anywhere! I recommend this training for everyone who really wants to learn to defend themselves.”
Frank Cucci (U.S. Navy Seal, owner Linxx Martial Arts, VA Beach, vA)
“Not only is Eddie Camden one of the highest ranked students I have, he and Frank Cucci are the most well rounded martial artists I know.”
Pedro Sauer (7th degree red and black belt under – Helio and Rickson Gracie, voted best Brazilian jiu jitsu instructor in the world)
Besides being considered Sifu Francis Fong’s most advanced Wing Chun students, Sifu Eddie attained his black belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu by Pedro Sauer, who is hands-down considered Rickson Gracie’s most technical student.
Sifu Eddie Camden received his 1st degree on his black belt directly from Grandmaster Helio Gracie himself.
The experience of growing up in a volatile and violent area, and his vast training background have given Sifu Eddie Camden a unique perspective on teaching and training whose approach is positive, direct, and no nonsense.
With years of street conflicts and 36 undefeated challenge matches, he is with a doubt a rare martial artist.
Sifu Eddie Camden is an expert technician, teacher, and fighter, all in one package.
Special Note: TheMartialArtsReporter has met Sifu Eddie once in person, but is not a past or current student of his.
Former Hand-To-Hand Combat Instructor To U.S. Navy SEALS, Paul Vunak
Hey guys,
Do you think you could learn a thing or two from a former long-time Navy SEAL hand-to-hand combat instructor?
Me, too. And believe me, when this guy speaks, I listen.
He is also one of the top students of Guro Dan Inosanto and the Founder of Progressive Fighting Systems.
He is very highly regarded in the martial arts and self-defense community.
His name is Paul Vunak.
Sifu Paul is an extremely well-rounded martial artist, who at a very young age started with Tae Kwon Do and then throughout the last 30 or so years has mastered Kenpo, Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, French Savate and Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
With the encouragement of Guro Dan Inosanto, Sifu Paul created Progressive Fighting Systems that he has been able to spread to numerous countries across the globe.
Sifu Paul is an absolute authority in hand-to-hand combat and street fighting who has developed combat systems used by U.S. Navy SEALS as well as 18 other federal government agencies whose lives depend on the effectivity of these very systems.
I have one of Sifu Paul’s Street Fighting courses myself which I find to be very realistic and easy to learn, especially if you’re not heading to the dojo 6 nights a week and you still want to keep your self-defense skills sharp.
You might even come across a technique or two that you didn’t think of.
Today’s clip shows Sifu Paul at a JKD-seminar I am sure you will enjoy.
Stay safe!
2016 Olympics Awarded to Rio de Janeiro – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Anybody?
“Tonight I have the honour to announce that the Games of the 31st Olympiad
are awarded to the city of Rio de Janeiro,” IOC President Jacques Rogge said.
My heartfelt congratulations go out to the people of Brazil in general and the
citizens of Rio de Janeiro in specific.
When I think of Brazil and Rio de Janeiro, what immediately comes to my mind:
Pele and artistic Brazilian soccer football, Copacabana, super-model Gisele Buendchen,
the famous song “The girl from Ipanema”, churrasco, Carnival in Rio, and …
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, of course.
The Gracie familiy members have done herculean work in laying the foundation
and together with their Machado cousins spreading the now immensely successful
and, just ask any of their opponents, very effective martial art.
BJJ founder Helio Gracie must have a really big smile on his face right now!
So, the Olympic Games 2016 have been awarded to the mesmerizing metropolis
of Rio de Janeiro and that leads me to the following question:
Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu become an Olympic discipline ?
And why not?
Just look back at the Olympics 1964 in Tokyo when Judo became an official
discipline and has stayed one ever since!
Or how about the Korean martial art of Taekwondo that first was a demo sport
during the 1988 Olympic Games of Seoul, Korea and then just 12 years later
officially became an Olympic discipline in 2000 during the Sydney, Australia games.
By the way, this recognition came less than 50 years after Taekwondo was first
officially introduced to the world.
Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu do the same?
Tell me what you think!
Check out some great books on BJJ, too:
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