Archive for April, 2010

Posted on April 22, 2010 - by Jim Hughes

Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu NORWICH CT moved to 439 SALEM TURNPIKE UP West Main ST just north of I-395

WE MOVED THE NORWICH SCHOOL DOWN THE STREET TO 439 Salem Turnpike, up West Main just accross the NORWICH BOZRAH LINE.
CLASS IS MWF 7:45 to 10:00

Posted on April 7, 2010 - by Jim Hughes

The First for-credit College Gracie Jiu Jitsu Class at the University of Connecticut

Jim Hughes teaching first ever University for-credit class in Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Self Defense and MMA at the University of Connecticut, Storrs CT

Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Self Defense, and the Evolution of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a new for-credit class now offered at the University of Connecticut (UCONN). This is the first and only University level class in Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Self Defense and MMA. Jim Hughes, a long time student of Royce Gracie comments “we are doing this class in honor of Royce’s father Helio Gracie. He dedicated his life to the development of his jiu jitsu so that the smaller, weaker person, would have a fighting chance in realistic self defense situations.”

Mr. Hughes continues: “Growing concerns regarding campus safety all around the country, suggest any classes that give students an opportunity to learn self defense skills would be welcomed by students. Considering that Gracie Jiu Jitsu is arguably the most proven form of self defense in the world (evidenced by its adoption by the US Army as the standard for their hand to hand combat training) the timing for adding this proposed class could not be better. The class filled to maximum capacity in just a few days after being approved and placed on the official University schedule.” UCONN Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club President Michael Sykucki says, “I have only been practicing Gracie Jiu Jitsu for several years and I cannot believe how much it has evolved. The fact that we now have a class is incredible. Students are learning a lot and I have learned a lot as well. After I graduate in May with a degree in Communications I will be able to use what I have learned about creative problem solving as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club President to help businesses use creative solutions to attract new customers.”

The University of Connecticut is a leader in higher education and provides innovative classes that meet the learning needs of its students. The more relevant that classes are perceived to be (from the student point of view) the more successful any University will be in its mission. Current social trends suggest that the most talked about martial art in the world today is Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. This is due partly to the wide spread media attention of television programs such as Ultimate Fighter and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a growing international sport and self-defense art popularized by the Gracie Family from Brazil. Royce Gracie, utilizing his Families Martial Art, propelled himself to international fame by winning the first UFC and a new genre of martial art was born –MMA. Media exposure of MMA makes it a hot topic on college campus. Jim Hughes one of a handful of Black Belts promoted by Royce Gracie is a Faculty Member at the University of Connecticut in Storrs as well as The University of Connecticut Medical School. Long time Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing Coaches, Paul Bratslavsky and Josh Randorf, have been appointed to the UCONN Faculty and assist with Instruction. “We are pleased to be offering this class at the University of Connecticut and are looking forward to a long association serving the needs of college students” says Hughes.

For student papers and additional Inofrmation go to: and

Posted on April 2, 2010 - by Jim Hughes

Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Self Defense Seminar with Legendary Royce Gracie APR 17 and 18

Saturday April 17
11:00am to 1:00pm
West Hartford CT
276 Park Road, West Hartford CT 06119

11:00 am to 1:00pm $80: GRACIE JIU JITSU SELF DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS FOR STAND UP FIGHTING. Most Self defense situations start from standing. There are certain cues to help you know what is going to happen before it happens This seminar will help you take your stand up kick boxing and self defense skill to the next level in your quest to be the best martial artist you can be!

IN ADDITION, STRATEGY FOR ADDING GRACIE JIU JITSU CLINCHING AND TAKEDOWN SKILLS TO YOUR KICKBOXING SKILL SETS. We will focus especially on how to close the distance and get in a clinch with a good kickboxer and why you would want to do that even if your stand up skills are at a pro level. You will learn how to protect your head and neck, how to avoid being knocked out, and how to take your opponent down to the ground safely, as well as the best positions and submission holds, so that you can win a fight or altercation as humanely as possible. If all you care about is stand up fighting, then you really need to know this information because it will help you understand how to not be taken down.

The seminar is first come first serve and space is limited. It is open exclusively to members of Jim Hughes and Royce Gracie New England and friends. If you have a friend that has always wanted to meet Royce Gracie, please ask them to come in and sign up in one of our great programs and participate in the seminar.

Sunday April 18
At Connecticut Martial Arts,
61 Newtown Road, Danbury CT 06810
Three Sessions:

SESSION 1: CHILDREN: 10:00 to 11:00am, $40

SESSION 2: ADULTS: 11:00 am to 1:00pm $80:
GRACIE JIU JITSU SELF DEFENSE FUNDAMENTALS.

SESSION 3: ADULTS: 2:00 to 4:00 $80 :
STRATEGY FOR ADDING GRACIE JIU JITSU CLINCHING AND
TAKEDOWN SKILLS TO YOUR KICKBOXING SKILL SETS.