Posted on January 26, 2010 - by Jim Hughes

Jim Hughes teaching Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Self Defense and MMA for College Credit at University of Connecticut

UCONN STUDENTS interested in the Worlds First and Only ACTUAL for-credit University class in Royce Gracie Jiu JItsu Self Defense and MMA, READ BELOW:

My Friend,

Sorry for the form letter, but, I am getting an amazing amount of email regarding our new University of Connecticut Class titled “Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Self Defense and the Evolution of MMA.” Unfortunately, it is impossible for me to respond individually:

No previous experience is needed. We spend half the time in presentation and discussing the history of Royce Gracie Jiu JItsu and the evolution of MMA and general self defense preparation and psychology. We invest the other half of class learning the basic Royce Gracie techinque in a slow, methodical , hands-on, non-competitive manner. No, you do not need to be athletic to do this class. No, you do not need a gi, uniform, or any special clothing or equipment. Show up wearing comfortable clothes. You will be taking your shoes off to step on the mat. If you have physical limitations I will show you how Royce’s father Helio Gracie learned when he first got started and could barely do anything physical. I am one of about 20 Black Belts worldwide promoted by the legendary Royce Gracie. Yes, I have very regular contact with Royce and train directly with Royce. I am primarily focused on teaching and helping people develop solid and realistic self defense skills but i have trained people who have fought amateur and professional MMA. No, this class will not help you become a professional fighter or get on the TV show “Ultimate Fighter.”

A short paper will be required on a relevant topic of your choosing and a presentation of the basic fight plan strategy. You have to register for the course with the school. It is a one credit course. If you want to learn and practice more intensively, I can direct you to the UCONN Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club that meets Friday nights 7 to 9 in Hawley Armory.

The one credit class is Wednesday at 11am in Hawley Armory. Yes, you must be a matriculated UCONN student. all UCONN students are welcome. Yes, I will be teaching this class in the fall semester and again next spring. Yes, I believe that peaceful resolution to problems is the always the best policy. But, if someone breaks into your house in the middle of the night and you have no option but to fight, I want you to know how to position yourself and move and keep yourself safe for as long as it takes for the bad guy to get tired and make a mistake. Then, its up to you, whether or not you let the choke go. Yes, I believe Ghandi would love Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu if he were here now.

Who would win in a battle between Frylock, Shake, or Meatwad? There is only one way to find out. However, my money is on whichever one trained the most in Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu JItsu and MMA.

Yes, the University of Connecticut and the Department of Allied Health, particularly, Dr, Silbart, Dr, Gregoire, and Graduate Student Steve Szczepanek RULE!!!. That is because their support made it possible that Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu and MMA has become a for-credit class. This is the first and only such class in the entire world.

Royce is appreciative that his Father’s life work of developing jiu jitsu (so the smaller and weaker person has a fighting chance) is being honored in this way.

If it is full and you want to do it, print out a drop ad form, come on in, ill sign it, and you will get in the class.

I hope that helps,

jim