Archive for the ‘news’ Category

Posted on July 23, 2010 - by Jim Hughes

Message from Jim Hughes to Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu members competing in Grapplers Quest Hartford CT

Good classes this week all around the Royce Gracie Network in prep for Grapplers Quest. Here’s the short course: breath out, let everything go. Light your hair on fire and run directly into battle free of hesitation. Breath and run towards your destiny calmly. Anything can, and will, happen in a fight. Be present and open, allowing your true nature to reveal itself. Take good care of what you find on the battle field.

Posted on July 5, 2010 - by Jim Hughes

Rodrigo Gracie teaching seminar in Connecticut Saturday July 17

Members and friends: please join us for a Gracie Brazilian Jiu JItsu Seminar with Rodrigo Gracie Saturday July 17, 2010.

Schedule:

Norwich: 10:00 to 12 Noon; $60 cash at the door.
439 Salem Turnpike, Bozrah (Norwich) CT

New Haven: 3:00 to 5:00; $60 Cash at the door.
214 State Street, New Haven CT

Please be ready for both gi and no gi training. All skills levels are welcome.

Learn as close to the source as you can get. Rodrigo Gracie has been at Royce’s side at many of his fights. He is an accomplished fighter. He is an amazing teacher and conveys his families Martial Art with great authority and passion.

We look forward to seeing you.

Posted on May 1, 2010 - by paul

ESPN.com takes pot shot at Jim Hughes for teaching Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA at University of Connecticut (UCONN)

check it out and chime in at http://espn.go.com/extra/mma/blog/_/name/mma

Jim Hughes Comments: “if you do anything well, and have standards you care about, there will always be people who want to rip you a new one and chip away at you. ESPN will have to get in line behind a bunch of other people who like to complain about me.”

Posted on May 1, 2010 - by Jim Hughes

Jim Hughes UCONN Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Class Sylabus

SYLLABUS
AH 1200: Introduction to Martial Arts
Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Self Defense and the Evolution of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

Instructor: Jim Hughes, Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

Royce Gracie Black Belt, Jim Hughes, is the course instructor. His office hours are immediately after class. He is one of a handful of Black Belts promoted by Royce Gracie and is the Chief Instructor of a network of 10 Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kick Boxing, and Self Defense and MMA Academies. Mr. Hughes is also on the faculty of the UCONN Medical School for his work in the Clinical use of Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga in Healthcare and is a prior instructor at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center Stress Reduction Clinic, as well a former adjunct faculty of the Southern Connecticut State University. UCONN Adjunct Faulty, Paul Bratslavsky, Certified Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Coach, will assist the instructor. more information may be found at and

Uniform Requirement:

Uniforms are not required. Students may wear comfortable athletic wear. However, they may wear a plain white karate or judo/jiu jitsu style uniform with a white belt if they like.

Recommended reading:

* The Path to Black Belt: Rodrigo Gracie, Invisible Cities Press, 2005
* Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Self Defense Techniques: Royce Gracie, Invisible Cities Press, 2005
* Royce Gracie Self Defense in Stress Reduction and Health, Jim Hughes, Work in Process

Introduction:

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 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and a new genre of martial art was born –MMA. The training process of Gracie jiu-jitsu is a well-formulated and studied process. It helps students learn effective self-defense skills quickly and easily.

Course Objectives: The student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in the basic self-defense plan of Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense & MMA through practical physical exams.

2. Students will learn basic strategies as they apply to this martial arts discipline.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the history, philosophy, and training principles of Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA as evaluated by final written and oral examinations.

Learning points and objectives:

In this class section, students will learn the basic self-defense plan of Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense & MMA and how Mr. Gracie used that strategy to win competitions in the ring such as UFC, Pride, and K1. The basic strategy includes 1) Closing the distance; 2) Establishing the clinch; 3) Organizing a take down; 4) Achieving a dominate position; 5) Protecting oneself in bad positions; 6) Reversing bad positions and improving positions; 7) Concluding the fight with a submission hold; 8) How to cause one’s opponent to “give up” without hurting them.

Approximately half the class time will be invested in learning the technique and half in discussion of the strategy. Students of any physical condition can learn this practice. Students with significant physical challenges will be taught to learn the way Royce Gracie’s father, the creator of Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, initially learned when he was unable to physically do “moves.”

Assessment:

1. Students will be required to demonstrate the basic fight plan with a partner in a slow and cooperative manner at the end of the semester.

2. Students will be required to write and present a paper in class on a relevant topic that captures their attention. The following are possible examples of lines of inquiry; however, students may pursue any relevant topic of interest to them:

• Current issues in the regulation of MMA from State to State
• Licensing requirements to become a professional or amateur MMA fighter
• Medical testing required to compete at the amateur and professional level
• Ethical issues of mixed martial arts
• Social impact of Mixed Martial Arts
• The importance of Self Defense in today’s society and workplace
• Public safety on college campuses
• How to use Gracie Jiu Jitsu strategy to get and maintain a job after college
• Gracie Jiu Jitsu and problem solving strategy

Written paper:

1 points for the relevance of the topic,

6 points for expressed understand of the history of Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu,

6 points for expressed understanding of the fight plan,

6 points for identifying issues relevant to personal or social safety,

6 points for relating the components of the fight plan to solving identified problems

Presentation:

2 points for relevance of topic

3 points for enthusiasm for one’s selected topic

5 points for clarity and speaking skills

15 points presentation of topic

Student Evaluation: Weight

Participation 25%

Paper 25%

Paper presentation 25%

Final practical exam 25%

Course Outline:

The following outlines the approximate time of introduction of various techniques through the course of the semester. Once a technique is introduced, it will be practiced during subsequent training sessions along with previously introduced techniques. Thus, the outline should be considered cumulative. Throughout the course, the student will also be lectured on the historical and philosophical foundations of Gracie Jiu Jitsu as well as on the theory and application of Gracie Jiu Jitsu techniques and training methods.

WEEK # TECHNIQUES INTRODUCED

1. Introduction of Gracie Family Self Defense process created by Grandmaster Helio Gracie
2. Awareness and attitude in self defense; principles of breathing; problem solving skills
3. Techniques for “closing the distance”
4. Clinching strategy, grips, and pummeling
5. Strategy for protecting the head and neck in the pummel
6. Technique for falling down safely
7. Take down strategy
8. Establishing dominate positions on the ground
9. Protecting oneself in bad positions
10. Reversing bad positions and improving positions
11. Concluding the fight with submission holds
12. Review of fight plan and principles of sparring
13. Paper Presentations
14. Paper Presentations
15. Final Exam: Demonstration of Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Self Defense Fight Plan

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.

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

Posted on December 8, 2009 - by Jim Hughes

Matt Somuk promoted to purple belt

Congratulations to Connecticut Gracie Jiu Jitsu coach Matt Somuk on his promotion to purple belt by Royce Gracie and Jim Hughes.

It was a great seminar in Pittsfield mass with longtime Royce Gracie students Mark and Connie Flynn. The Pittsfield/ Western Mass Gracie Jiu Jitsu crew is very enthusiastic and eager to learn” said Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, Jim Hughes, Royce Gracie’s senior representative in New England. On hand was Brown belt Jim Harpe and his daughter and son. The Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu, self defense, and MMA organization is really a family oriented martial art said coach Harpe, head coach in Agawam.

Matt Somuk has been involved in martial arts for many years. He is a black belt in kenpo karate and has studied kickboxing and Krav Maga. “There is never a dull moment when Somuk is on the mat, he is super fun to train with except when he is on top and crushing the crap out of you” said someone who did not want to be identified out of fear that Matt would get on top of him and crush the living crap out of him.

Purple belt may in fact be the most important belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu. It is an important acknowledgement of one’s ability and heart for representing the Gracie Family in it’s amazing martial art.

Congratulations Matt!

Posted on November 26, 2009 - by Jim Hughes

Happy Thanksgiving! Heres the latest on Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA Seminar Schedule

Thanksgiving: We have a lot to be thankful for. Turkey Day roll in West Hartford 10 AM. Thursday Night class is canceled throughout the Jim Hughes and Royce Gracie New England Netork,

Friday December 5: Royce Seminar in Pittsfield MA; 6:15-9:15

Saturday December 6: Royce Seminar in Norton MA 40 (min north of Boston) with our Karate School friend Chris Rappold; 1-4

April 17 and 18: Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu JItsu Self Defense and MMA Seminar in West Hartford CT

April 24 and 25: Royce Seminar in New York City. location and details to be announced.