New Era at UNIJJ! Belt promotion….Congratulations to all students!

I’m very proud with the energy and effort that we put into this organization. Here at the University, we were able to celebrate not only all deserved new belts, but the bright future ahead. Like in Jiu-jitsu, we learn from mistakes and previous experiences. The evolution of the sport bring us to a new level of understanding and knowledge. Together, we will get everyday closer to our goals…..Be a black belt and a honorable person. Thank you for all that came to celebrate with us on September 26th, not only belts but a new ERA!

OSS,
Saulo Ribeiro.

The under 99kg division takes shape…Roger and Drysdale out

Reported by Kid Peligro on adcombat.com-
Despite a few last minute gaps, the U99KG is still very strong, with defending champion “Xande” Ribeiro, the new force of Rodolfo Vieira and veteran Dean Lister and James Brasco along with newcomer James Poupolo to name a few. In my opinion, depending on the bracketing, I look for Xande and Rodolfo to reach the finals. Vieira is in great form while Ribeiro has been away from competition for a few months due to injuries but is said to be in top shape. If this happens it should be a great fight!
-98.9kg

1. Xande Ribeiro. Brazil
2. Kari Peltola. Finland
3. Joseph Lee Baize. USA
4. Igor Praporshchikov. Australia
5. Animal Anzai. Japan
6. James Poupolo. USA
7. Augusto Ferrari. Brazil
8. Kamil Uminski. Poland
9.
10. Rudolfo Viera. Brazil
11. Dean Lister. USA
12.
13. Joao Assis. Brazil
14. Radek Turek. Poland
15. Antonio Peinado. Brazil
16. James Brasco. USA

September 24th Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu takes on all fronts!

This Saturday September 24th, Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu fighters will be competing at the highest levels on many different fronts. From Jiu Jitsu tournaments and MMA events in California to the ADCC NoGi Championships in Nottingham, England. Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu will be well represented and in contention of championships. Starting with the Gladiator Challenge MMA event, in which Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt Jake “Planet of the” Mapes, will look to protect his perfect record of 4-0. Jake has been on a tear recently, finishing two of the last three opponents he has faced. A 6’4″ 185 pounder, Jake has the physical attributes to match his years of Jiu Jitsu and striking training. At the same time, about an hour north, the members of the Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu competition team will be put to the test to see who is the best in the United States at their respective classes. Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Association will bring a good sized and formidable team. With a team podium spot being the goal! The last two versions of the American National’s in 2009 and 2010, RJJA placed 1st and 3rd respectively. Finally, across the pond in Nottingham, England, Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu’s flagship fighters Xande Ribeiro, Rafael Lovato, Justin Rader, Jorge Britto, and James Poupolo will take on the best in the NoGi world at Abu Dhabi Combat Club’s prestigious Championship event. Xande Ribeiro is looking to defend his divisional title that he has won twice consecutively, and at the same time searches for his first absolute title in the event. Many battles on many fronts…Ribeiro will be ready!!!

American Nationals last day to sign up!

Go to www.ibjjf.org to register…last day is TOMORROW!!

DATE: September 24th and 25th 2011.
ADDRESS: California State University Dominguez Hills
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, California 90747

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 17/Sep/2011
REGISTRATION CHECK DAY: 21/Sep/2011
PRICES:

$82.00 by 10/Sep/2011 (for registration in the Gi event only)
$97.00 by 17/Sep/2011 (for registration in the Gi event only)
——————————
$142.00 by 10/Sep/2011 (to register in both Gi and No Gi American National)
$162.00 by 17/Sep/2011 (to register in both Gi and No Gi American National)

Royler, Ronys, Ishii, Paulão and Neto: today’s the day!

Reported in Graciemag.com-
A few setbacks at weigh-ins in Manaus but overall the news is good: the maiden istallment of the Amazon Forest Combat promotion will be broadcast tonight on the Sherdog.com website. Yesterday afternoon, weigh-ins for the AFC were held in the Amadeu Teixeira arena with the stars of the show and some illustrious presences, like Royce Gracie, Lyoto Machida and Cristiano Marcelo. Weigh-ins took place in an orderly manner, with some unforeseen occurrences, as with the case of Dileno Lopes, who was set to fight Mexico’s Dany Martinez, who failed to show up and offered the organization no explanation. The USA’s Drew Ficket, who’s set to fight two-time UFC fighter Ronys Torres, was way off weight when his turn to step on the scale came, but the fight will go through anyhow. Royler Gracie and his opponent weighed in without a hitch, as did the rest of the cast of the show, set to begin at 8pm Brasília time, 7pm Amazonas and Eastern Standard time. Check out the complete card:

Amazon Forest
Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil
Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Royler Gracie vs Masakatsu Ueda
Paulão Filho vs Satoshi Ishii
Antonio Braga Neto vs Maiquel Falcão
Alexandre Capitão vs Daniel Roupinol
Jordan Smith vs Karo Parisyan
Dileno Lopes vs oponente a confirmar
George Clay vs Anthony Birchack
Sérgio Junior vs Daniel Acácio
Rivaldo Junior vs André Leocádio

University of Jiu Jitsu finalizes preparations for the American National’s.

Preparations for the 2011 edition of the IBJJF’s American National tournament began three weeks earlier. It concludes next Wednesday, September 21st. The team has been working hard and with unity. The University will join forces with it’s Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu teammates in Carson, California, to compete for a podium spot amongst teams. Last year, Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu took the team bronze position, despite the lackluster effort put together. This year the team is much more prepared both physically and logistically. Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Association will represent one of the bigger teams for this tournament. Team leader Saulo Ribeiro has led the training at the University of Jiu Jitsu. Stressing the importance of training through the days where the body rejects the notion continuing on, Saulo says rest and watching what you eat is the priority. Stay tuned to the blog at unijj.com for more news about the American National’s and Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu.

Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Featured in Gracie Mag!

Ribeiro Jiu-jitsu is featured at GracieMAG this month. Check out the new Ad!
If you’d like more information about becoming an Affiliate of Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu please visit our Affiliation page here

RJJA’s Xande Ribeiro and James Puopolo talk about 2011 ADCC.

Royler Gracie farewell fight coming up!

GracieMag International- Royler Gracie’s farewell to MMA won’t just be a festive occasion, this coming September 14. As announced, the diminutive 45-year-old will do battle in Manaus against a Japanese fighter riding a three-fight winning streak who has only ever lost once in his career. Masakutsu Ueda, 33, is the champion of the Shooto promotion and is ranked by MMAWeekly.com as one of the top ten bantamweights currently in MMA.

With a wrestling background, Ueda, back in his college days, beat a well-known rival, his compatriot Kid Yamamoto, who now fights in the UFC. Check out a video of Ueda’s only loss ever – by submission – in the video below:

Royler, who arrived in Amazonas state early to get used to the hot and humid climate, said he’s ready for anything, as he gets ready for Amazon Forest Combat, where he will be having his final fight.

“Having my farewell fight in Brazil was a priority to me. Fighting here has a different feeling to it, especially in Manaus, one of the world’s greatest breeding grounds for MMA and, mainly, Jiu-Jitsu fighters,” the Gracie told Terra website reporter Eduardo Cruz. “The card exceeds all expectations.
 You can tell they’re investing heavily, bringing in a lot of people from abroad. My mind and body are in synch, in perfect working order. I had a good training camp in California and had the chance to train with a bunch of professional MMA fighters, even some from the UFC and Strikeforce.”

Amazon Forest Combat is set to go down at 8pm on September 14 at the Amadeu Teixeira Arena, a venue with a 12,000-spectator capacity. Mario Yamasaki will be head referee for the event.

Professor Royler has already set up shop in Manaus, where he’s staying at the sumptuous Tropical Hotel, which even features a zoo on the premises. The biggest beasts, however, can be found in the lobby. Check out the card released by the event’s promoters:

Amazon Forest Combat
September 14, 2011
Amadeu Teixeira Arena, Manaus, Brazil

Royler Gracie vs Masakatsu Ueda
Josh Burkam vs Roan Jucão
Paulão Filho vs Satoshi Ishii
Antonio Braga Neto vs Maiquel Falcão
Alexandre Capitão vs Shanon Slack
Jordan Smith vs Karo Parisyan
Ronnys Torres vs Drew Ficket
Dileno Lopes vs Danny Martinez
George Clay vs Anthony Birchack
Sergio Junior vs Daniel Acácio
Rivaldo Jr vs André Leocádio

Ireland Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu promo video…

One Rich Story...

Article written by Richie Bolger-
I was born in Ireland in 1981 in Kilkenny. I grew up playing every sport available in particular soccer and an irish game called hurling. When I was 12, I started to box and feel in love with martial arts. I trained in Kung Fu, Mauy Thai and kickboxing for about 12 years. After i finished my undergraduate degree, I decided I would like to travel abroad and train in different countries. Something which was inspired from watching old samurai movies and seeing the samurai travel around training and fighting. I’m lucky that my job as a lecturer allows me in some way travel along a similar path.

First stop was Thailand, where I trained mauy thai for 9 weeks and had a fight in Pathong stadium. After that, I still had a week to train so I decided to try some MMA training. This was my first ever experience of Jiu Jitsu. I’ll never forget it. I was 220lbs at the time, and rolled with a Thai Jiu Jitsu fighter that was about 100lbs. He destroyed me. Sweeping me at will, taking my back, and choking me when ever he liked. I couldn’t believe that this little Thai guy was able to control me with such ease. I decided then that Jiu Jitsu was the next martial art I had to learn.

Next stop for me was Rio De Janeiro. I stayed for another 9 week training camp. I went around looking for accommodations and somewhere to train. A lot of places didn’t have instructors that spoke English. I eventually came across a place called Epuipe Fabricio, which had an English speaking instructor. I decided to train there. It was very small, but the guys there where very friendly. I began to learn the basics. About six weeks in, my trip was cut short due to a family member becoming ill. So, I had to return home having trained for 6 weeks. My obsession with learning Jiu Jitsu had truly manifested itself.

Upon returning home, I searched for somewhere to train. I found a small group of people being trained by a blue belt from Poland named Marcin. Marcin was passionate about Jiu Jitsu, and I began training there. We shared technique and training twice a week.

My next trip was influenced greatly by my trip to Rio. The conversations I had with the guys there about the best Jiu Jitsu practitioners. I had asked the question who was the best Jiu Jitsu practitioner alive? The ensuing argument resulted in numerous names and clubs that I was not familiar with. I began to look through various websites and competition footage of the fighters I had heard about. I came across Saulo and Xande and watched all the video I could find and decided that I would try to find them and train with them assuming they where still in Brazil. To my surprise they both lived and trained in the United States. San Diego, California to be exact. So I booked a flight for the next summer, and spent 9 weeks training out there achieving the grade of blue belt. I was so happy to be graded there and by such accomplished fighters and instructors.

The next summer I was excited to travel to San Diego again. I wanted to train hard and try to learn as much as I could to bring back to my training partners back home. I realized very quickly that the University had something special going on. The guys I had trained with some 9 months previously had improved by leaps and bounds since I had been away. I couldn’t get over the level at which some had improved. Which is a credit to the teaching and training that they had received, I was eager to learn more and progress my game as much as I could. It was a great summer and my bond with the guys grew even more, making it feel like a home away from home.

The following year at home I had begun to travel around the country to train in different clubs to see what the level was like. Sadly, it wasn’t anything close to what I had experienced in the states with the exception of SBG and Darragh O’Connail’s club, now named Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Ireland. I decided to make the two hour trip up to Darragh’s to help with preparations for the following summer of training. Darragh’s club was similar in intensity and style to that of training at the University. Which was great for me. I learned a lot while training there.

The following summer I floated with the idea of going to Japan for the summer and training Judo and Jiu Jitsu. When I looked into the cost, I was deterred and immediately booked San Diego knowing I would learn loads and have a good time while doing it. This summer I trained as hard as I have ever trained two and three times a day exclusively Jiu Jitsu. I found that my game was starting to take shape and was beginning to think about Jiu Jitsu on a different level. I had passed the stage of collecting movements, and progressed on to transitional movement and linking movements and techniques together. Topping off the trip I was promoted to purple belt by Saulo Ribeiro, after an unforgettably gruelling session with him. It was the night before I was to return to Ireland.

I have to say, the guys in the University are an inspiration to watch. In particular, the younger one’s, who’s technique and progression is phenomenal to watch. From white belt to black belt, they have world class practitioners to train with. And have a humble, friendly orientation constantly.

Jiu Jitsu for me is chess with the human body. With combinations which are unquantifiable and endless. This is why so many people find, that once they begin to survive in Jiu Jitsu, they become completely addicted to it like me!

Richie Bolger

2011 Master's/Senior's World Championship Report

3x World Champion Rodrigo Pagani (center left)

Article written by Tom Oberhue-

On July 15, Coach Tom left Portland to fulfill a dream – to travel to Brazil. To train in Brazil. And to compete in Jiu Jitsu in Brazil. This journey was a dream realized! The trip had been well over two years in the making. Under the guidance of Professors Saulo Ribeiro and Rodrigo Pagani and the research of Coach Eric and Jessica, Tom worked to piece together a two week trip in and around Rio de Janeiro. It has been an absolutely amazing experience! Rodrigo Pagani has been training Jiu Jitsu for nearly 20 years. He truly lives Jiu Jitsu – running an academy out of a health club in Piratininga, doing private lessons out of his home in Engenho do Nato, competing constantly. He is a three-time World Champion (which translates, he knows he’s stuff!) I first learned about Rodgrigo back in October, 2010 at the Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Annual Coaches’ Meeting in Oklahoma City. Professor Saulo explained that if you were going to Brazil, there’s a list of Ribeiro affiliates in Brazil that folks can train with. Near Rio, there is a coach named Rodrigo Pagani that is building an academy that has dorms where folks can stay while they train. When I returned to Portland, I immediately looked him up on Facebook. That is when our conversations began. Professor Rodrigo was a terrific ambassodor for Jiu Jitsu and Brazil. He’s a sharp guy and is EXTREMELY fluent in English (which is a HUGE bonus for Coach Tom who is “challenged” when it comes to learning languauges – something he WILL overcome). Rodrigo lived in LA for a year back in 1996 … but he’s ability with English is profoudly impressive; which helped to made training and living in Niteroi & Brazil absolutely fantastic. Rodrigo comptetes as a Super Featherweight (63 kilos with a gi / under 144.9 pounds). His Jiu Jitsu is very clean and technical. He’s a terrific Jiu Jitsu coach … who knows how to present material systematically, concisely, and build on it.

Visiting the Tijuca Tennis Club

I’ve seen the mats of the Tijuca Tennis Club in videos for as long as I can remember. They have so much history. So many HUGE matches have been fought there. There is a mythological to the place. It was great to go there and watch Jiu Jitsu in action. I was like a kid in a candy shop. And it was the who’s who of Jiu Jitsu – I saw Rodolpho Vieira, “the” Ricardo De la Riva, Pedro Sauer, Eduardo Telles, Beautrice Mesquita, Gabi Garcia, Augusto Mendez, and a dozen folks that I recognized but I could put a name too. It was very cool!!!

Competing in the Masters & Seniors Mundials (World Championships)

I competed on Saturday, July 24 at 3pm. Early in the day, Professor Rodrigo won his third World Championship. It was great being there and see him work. He has competed in over ten tournaments this year … he is extremely active in the sport – modeling being both a top-tier competitor and a coach. I was excited to compete and I felt that I was prepared / my head was in the right mind-space. Unfortunately, the day didn’t work out the way I’d planned. I was one and done. My competitor was tough and got right to business… I was running to catch up and couldn’t make it up. No excuses. Thank you to all those who helped me train – Eric Dorsett, Nathan Jeffers, Greg Bangs, Clubfoot Bjj, everyone Five Rings Jiu Jitsu. Also, thank you to Rodrigo Pagani for all his support and help. I will be back … prepared to battle at the highest level.

Xande and Saulo Ribeiro both ranked in top 3 of GRACIEMAG all-time medalists list!

 In the just released edition of Gracie Magazine, Saulo and Xande Ribeiro took two of the top three spots on a list of all-time medalists in World Championship history. Behind only the unrivaled Roger Gracie, the Ribeiro brothers topped a list of all time greats that include Marcelo Garcia, Fabio Gurgel, Robson Moura, Royler Gracie, and many others. The list was compiled by Gracie Mag, using the official International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation’s results of the 15 year history of World Championships. The medal counts included both a fighters weight division and absolute division results. Both Xande and Saulo won multiple division titles at black belt. Additionally, Xande won 2 Absolute titles, and Saulo medaled in the absolute division multiple times!

Xande begins preparations for Abu Dhabi title defense!

Alexandre “Xande” Ribeiro in guard

The 2011 Abu Dhabi Combat Club NoGi Championship is around the corner. The event will be held in Nottingham, England on September 24th and 25th. The tournament is loaded with grappling superstars in every division such as, Guilherme and Rafael Mendes, Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles, Rani Yahya, Marcelo Garcia, Kron Gracie, and Fabricio Werdum. However, all eyes will be on the -98.9kg division. The division has been a rest home for 2 time champion Alexandre “Xande” Ribeiro. Xande has dominated his division for near half of a decade. This year the wager has grown for the -98.9kg title. Among a number of hungry up and coming grapplers, 2011 World heavyweight and absolute champion Rodolfo Veira has put his name into the hat. Also, fighting in his academy backyard, the only 3 time absolute world jiu jitsu champion Roger Gracie enters the division. Also, formidable opponents such as Joao Assis, Robert Drysdale, and former ADCC Absolute Champion Dean Lister fill the bracket as well.

Xande is coming off a rib injury suffered in the semifinal at the World Cup Pro in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Also, a two time world jiu jitsu absolute titlist, Xande will be healthy and well prepared for the event. With two months to prepare, Xande has began his training with his brother Saulo Ribeiro. Saulo has the experience to prepare Xande for the event, having won two ADCC titles and 6 world jiu jitsu titles himself. Now living in West Hollywood, Xande also has expanded his training to Kron Gracie’s academy. Kron will be attempting to win his first ADCC title in the -76.9kg division. Stay tuned to the most anticipated divisional battle in years. With all the fanfare directed towards newcomer Rodolfo Veira, let us not forget the king of the past four years….Xande Ribeiro.

Ethan receives his 1st stripe

Congratulations to Ethan for earning his 1st stripe last night! We are very glad to have Ethan at our school and look forward to his continued progress, keep up the great work Ethan! -Oss

Training with guest instructor Jake Mapes

OJJ would like to thank Jake Mapes for coming out this week and teaching the adult classes. We had a great turnout the entire week, everyone trained hard, and we learned a lot of great new techniques! I'll be uploading pictures from the week shortly. Thanks again Jake! -Oss

OJJ Welcomes 2 new members

We would like to formally welcome our newest members Junior and Holly to the OJJ family. They have been a great addition and are both learning very quickly. We would also like to thank Junior for his service in the US Navy. They both joined us by referral from Steve. Refer a friend and receive 1 month free training!

3 students receive their 1st stripes today!

Congratulations to Jake Casey, Clayton Hutton, and Dave Cosper on receiving their 1st stripes tonight! All 3 have shown great improvement and exceptional dedication since beginning their training.

Outliers Jiu Jitsu Blog Debut!

Hey everyone,

So I've been working on getting this blog thing going for about a week now and am happy to say that the kinks are out, the website is updated, and we are live!!!

I'm going be here everyday to maintain the website and to send out updates via our Facebook page as well as this blog. We want to get a great sense of community going here at OJJ and keep everyone informed of what is going on both at our academy and in our sport world-wide.

Some of the main things I will cover are listed below, but feel free to send me any suggestions at webmaster@outliersbjj.com anytime for things you would like to see more of whether it be for the blog, website, facebook, the academy itself, or anything else in general.

• School closings
• Special events (BBQ's, group events for the kids, University training days)
• Competitions (and live updates from them)
• Promotions
• Student recognition
• BJJ happenings from around the world

I want to help get the information out to everyone in all ways possible. Lets train hard and grow the school!

-Beau


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Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu wins overall team and every absolute division title at Grappling X San Diego!!!

Grappling X is a San Diego tournament that brings the local academies together for some good competition to check the level of each others Jiu Jitsu. This event had almost 700 competitors!! The Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu competition team had around 55 competitors alone, including a strong kids team of about 25 kid competitors. The team did not disappoint, winning numerous division weight titles, the overall team title, and every single absolute title from white to brown belt!!! The team showed that they are maturing, and absorbing the technique taught by Saulo Ribeiro, and his black belts. This was the first tournament that new RJJA affiliate Outliers Jiu Jitsu of Santee, Ca. joined forces with University of Jiu Jitsu, and Jake Mapes BJJ to make up the Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu effort. One big family of martial artists! Some of the individual achievements were Aaron Eberhart winning his weight and the absolute divisions at white belt. Nisar Loynab winning his weight and absolute divisions at blue belt. Michael Liera Jr. winning his weight and absolute divisions at purple belt. Finally, Darragh O’Connail only had an absolute division at brown, he won that . Darragh did get his double gold later in the evening, winning the NoGi portion of the event. Overall, the team was well prepared, and it showed in the results. Congratulations to all who competed!

Ireland's Chris Leddy's shares His Jiu Jitsu Story

Article written by Chris Leddy-

I was introduced to Jiu Jitsu by my friend, and now Jiu Jitsu teacher, Darragh O’Conaill. Darragh was training NoGi grappling at an MMA club in Dublin, Ireland at the time. I had been training grappling there as well for about a year and a half, and had competed in numerous tournaments. I never really wanted to fight MMA, and Darragh had talked to me about Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. As soon as I put the Gi on, I knew right away this was for me. In grappling, I always competed relatively well. I was athletic and strong from weight lifting. I soon realized that BJJ offered me a whole new challenge. I wasn’t able to use my athleticism to pull out of bad positions anymore. I felt like I had started all over again with BJJ. I had to relearn so many things, which for me was really rewarding. At the time, I was working in a bank, a 9 to 5 job. I was training 2x a week at best. I made the decision to leave my job in December of 2010, and began training full time with Darragh in his academy. Nowadays I train 5 days a week and twice a day. I don’t make very much money, but I get to do something I love to do everyday! Most people wouldn’t understand that.

This summer I came to the University of Jiu Jitsu with Darragh. I had no idea what to expect and was a bit apprehensive. As soon as I walked in to the University, I was welcomed as if I were already part of the team. It felt great! I got there just in time for the World Championships training camp. The team atmosphere was incredible! Everyone pushing each other to the limit, getting the best out of each other. I’m due to fly back to Ireland in a couple of weeks. I hope to take home some of the energy with me. I have learned so much during my stay at the University. Thanks to Saulo, and everyone at the University for accepting me. Thank you to Darragh for instructing me every day, and taking the time to answer all my questions! If you are ever in Ireland, come visit us in Dublin at Darragh’s academy!

Chris went on to win 3 fights and finish with a bronze medal at the 2011 World Jiu Jitsu Championships….

University of Jiu Jitsu promotes beginners!

(front left to right) Tomas Suros, Kerstin Pakter, Marc Acero, Tom Culbertson, David Dalstrom, Dejon Davis, Phil Hsia, Paul Wallace, Anthony Aguilar, Fernando Navarro

(back left to right) Saulo Ribeiro, Michael Liera Jr.

The first class of students to be promoted in the beginner program received recognition this past Wednesday. The program has been a huge success for the University, and it’s members. Focusing on fundamentals, the class has helped promote a solid foundation to new students. With this promotion, these students are eligible to train in the advanced class following the beginning class. One step closer to the blue belt, we congratulate these students for their hard work and consistency!!!

Two brothers find a home in Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu

(left to right) Taranveer Bains, Saulo Ribeiro, Jatinder Bains

Article written by Jatinder “JT” Bains-

When I was younger, I had always been a kid that got into a lot of fights in school. One day, I was watching some videos on fighting on the internet. The name Royce Gracie repeatedly kept popping up. After watching a few of his fights, and his execution of submissions, I became a Jiu Jitsu fanatic. I found the nearest Jiu Jitsu academy in the area and began training. I trained at other gyms as well, but I always felt lost and without a home. After two years of training at this academy, and practicing my moves on my younger brother “Tarn” at home, I decided to seek out help from the outside. I thought who should I contact? At the time, Xande Ribeiro had just become the Absolute Jiu Jitsu Champion in the world. So I thought, if I was going to leave Canada to learn Jiu Jitsu, why not learn from the best in the world? So, I decided to contact him with an email. I asked him if it would be okay if I came to the University of Jiu Jitsu to train and learn. He welcomed me with open arms! I honestly believe that was the turning point in my life. I worked an extra job for a months and finally saved enough money to make the trip to California. I would go for two weeks. The minute I stepped into the University, I felt at home. The atmosphere was very friendly and highly traditional. During these two weeks, I was exposed to some of the greatest Jiu Jitsu in the world. Xande and Saulo Ribeiro absolutely smashed me, and even the lower belts were much better than me. Despite having my blue belt, I felt like a brand new white belt. I returned home with a burning desire and new understanding of what Jiu Jitsu really is. I revealed to my brother that we were so behind in our Jiu Jitsu, and the only way for us to improve was to make a trip to the University annually. I brought my brother on my second trip to the University. We stayed for two weeks and trained three times a day. This year, I worked two jobs and saved enough money to stay 3 months. Both my brother and I. The training was amazing, the friendships irreplaceable, and the feeling of being without a home gone. My brother and I now have a great Jiu Jitsu family, and a man I am proud to call my leader, friend and mentor, Saulo Ribeiro.

Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu wins 10 medals, placing 5th for overall team results in debut!!!

In it’s inaugural year as an independent competition team, Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu finishes with a strong fifth place spot. And was one medal away from leaping to the fourth overall position. A very questionable call against brown belt Johannes Weith in the weight division final may have kept RJJA from the number four team spot. All that while it’s centerpiece in the black belt division, Xande Ribeiro, sat on the sidelines due to a rib injury suffered in the World Pro Cup Abu Dhabi. The strength of the team was in it’s younger competitors, showing that this team will be a force to reckoned with for years to come. Also, the juvenile bluebelt duo of Absolute winner Dante Leon and Absolute runner up Angelo Barden, was not counted towards the teams overall points. These two rising stars will soon add firepower to the adult team, solidifying Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu as a team of contention in the immediate future. RJJA now sets it’s sights on the American Nationals in September. A third place finish in 2010 left a bitter taste in the team, after an overall team win at the 2009 American Nationals. Ribeiro competitors, get your airline tickets, and fall in line with one of the most dynamic teams in the world! See you in September…