Ever since the early days of the UFC and the rise of Mixed martial Arts as a spectator sport, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, BJJ as it is more commonly known, was thrust into the limelight by Royce Gracie as a sport showing how a weaker person can successfully defend against a stronger one.
The road from white belt to BJJ black belt is a long and rewarding one which can bring the benefits of fitness, self defence and a strong determination to succeed.
One of the less obvious benefits of training within Jiu Jitsu is how average BJJ practitioners are able to learn, train closely with some of the best coaches in the world. This is especially true within the Gracie Barra team which has an abundance of high level coaches and competitors.
The road from white belt to BJJ black belt is a long and rewarding one which can bring the benefits of fitness, self defence and a strong determination to succeed.
One of the less obvious benefits of training within Jiu Jitsu is how average BJJ practitioners are able to learn, train closely with some of the best coaches in the world. This is especially true within the Gracie Barra team which has an abundance of high level coaches and competitors.
Training with a BJJ world champ
Gracie Barra Chelmsford had the privilege of hosting the head professor of GB Europe, multiple Gi and No Gi world champion and ADCC hall of famer, Braulio Estima.
Professor Braulio Estima held a sold out seminar for both kids and adults as well as a promotion ceremony for a number of our members.
Sharing the mat with Professor Braulio, it is obvious that as well as being one of the best ever competitors within the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, through a lifetime immersed within and sharing his art, he is also a master of teaching it.
Whether highlighting the minor differences in hand positioning that will instantly improve a collar choke, or addressing the class about the concepts involved in being a martial artist; it’s clear how deeply his knowledge of the art runs.
A recurring theme through both seminars was setting up your opponent. In other words, to make them think you are moving one way, only to move in another and trigger the trap.
Professor Braulio Estima held a sold out seminar for both kids and adults as well as a promotion ceremony for a number of our members.
Sharing the mat with Professor Braulio, it is obvious that as well as being one of the best ever competitors within the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, through a lifetime immersed within and sharing his art, he is also a master of teaching it.
Whether highlighting the minor differences in hand positioning that will instantly improve a collar choke, or addressing the class about the concepts involved in being a martial artist; it’s clear how deeply his knowledge of the art runs.
A recurring theme through both seminars was setting up your opponent. In other words, to make them think you are moving one way, only to move in another and trigger the trap.
The juniors practised using their legs to feint a guard-pull before turning the movement into a takedown shoot. This theme stayed central as both classes moved to the ground technique.
Professor Braulio showed how to go from one position where there are multiple opportunities to sweep or submit your opponent in multiple ways.
The key was to use the varying options to stay one step ahead of your opponent, keeping them off-guard whilst keeping your true intentions hidden.
This is a key concept within Jiu Jitsu that Professor Braulio has talked about many times. In other words, If your intended actions are too obvious, your opponent will see them coming. Instead, set traps, lead them to where you want them to move, and then attack.
Professor Braulio showed how to go from one position where there are multiple opportunities to sweep or submit your opponent in multiple ways.
The key was to use the varying options to stay one step ahead of your opponent, keeping them off-guard whilst keeping your true intentions hidden.
This is a key concept within Jiu Jitsu that Professor Braulio has talked about many times. In other words, If your intended actions are too obvious, your opponent will see them coming. Instead, set traps, lead them to where you want them to move, and then attack.
BJJ Belt Promotions
Head Professor Jez Lord and Professor Nathan Cook receive their 1st Dan on their black belts.
Three brown belt coaches were presented with their black belts by Professor Braulio Estima.
These included, strength and conditioning coach Will Wayland, Head Kids coach John Dippnall and finally, founder and owner of Gracie Barra Chelmsford, Rob Simpson received the ‘Faixa Preta’.
All of our team’s brown belts have spent over a decade training BJJ before receiving their well-deserved promotions.
Brown, Purple and Blue belts were also received by a number of our members and the atmosphere all day was electric as the members cheered at each promotion.
Having experienced the growth our academy has gone through since being closed during the pandemic, it was truly a privilege to see our team members receive what they all have worked so hard for.
Gracie Barra Chelmsford truly feels much like a family and the day encapsulated this feeling. Events such as this, sharing the knowledge of awesome professors such as Braulio Estima make it ever more apparent that our family is just one small section of a much larger one.
A Jiu Jitsu family that has spread all across the globe; united in sharing the values and teachings of Master Carlos Gracie Jnr.
We are truly stronger Together.
Written by Will Morris
These included, strength and conditioning coach Will Wayland, Head Kids coach John Dippnall and finally, founder and owner of Gracie Barra Chelmsford, Rob Simpson received the ‘Faixa Preta’.
All of our team’s brown belts have spent over a decade training BJJ before receiving their well-deserved promotions.
Brown, Purple and Blue belts were also received by a number of our members and the atmosphere all day was electric as the members cheered at each promotion.
Having experienced the growth our academy has gone through since being closed during the pandemic, it was truly a privilege to see our team members receive what they all have worked so hard for.
Gracie Barra Chelmsford truly feels much like a family and the day encapsulated this feeling. Events such as this, sharing the knowledge of awesome professors such as Braulio Estima make it ever more apparent that our family is just one small section of a much larger one.
A Jiu Jitsu family that has spread all across the globe; united in sharing the values and teachings of Master Carlos Gracie Jnr.
We are truly stronger Together.
Written by Will Morris