Archive for the ‘News:’ Category

Posted on June 1, 2011 - by Doug

Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu Network Glastonbury News

Jim Hughes taught class in Glastonbury on Tuesday night. Great class. I really liked what was taught. It was more than teaching some moves. The concepts were simple yet effective, and the details were useful. Some new stuff was taught, and some great details on passing the guard. I’ve seen Royce teach the same pass, but the detail this time from Jim may just be a game changer. Sometimes you need to have something shown to you 1000 times to figure it out.

Congratulations to Pete Kowalczyk for being promoted to blue belt. Awesome accomplishment!
Also Congrats to Savon Vigil, Lee Whitford, and Pedro Dadario for getting stripes in their current ranks! Good job guys!

Posted on June 1, 2011 - by paul

Jim Hughes will be visiting the West Hartford location on Thursday June 2nd

Jim, and Paul Bratslavsky will be team teaching on Thursday, June 2nd in West Hartford. It will be great class, we will focus on basic, Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu self defense and fight strategy.

Posted on May 27, 2011 - by Jim Hughes

Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: The Importance of Preparation By Dan R

Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: The Importance of Preparation. By Daniel R.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu emerged when Helio Gracie, a man who was considered too small to participate in martial arts, decided to create his own form of jiu jitsu. His new form relied not on the size, strength, or athletic ability of the fighter, but leverage and timing. This would allow smaller fighters, like himself, to have a better chance of defending themselves from larger opponents.

Helio’s sons, Rorion, Rickson, Royler, and Royce began an academy to teach this successful form of self-defense in California in 1989. The strategy of Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu stresses to always be prepared. You should always be aware of how to escape if you suddenly find yourself in a bad situation, such as knowing where the exits are located in the case of a fire. Practicing Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu’s techniques of self-defense is crucial to our preparation as repetition enables one to efficiently defend oneself by having a fluent fight plan. It is always beneficial to be prepared for whatever conflicts may arise.

The fight plan of Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu can begin two different ways. The first option is to run away from the fight, hoping you avoid the fight altogether or come back to the fight on terms that are more to your advantage. The other option is to avoid harm by getting closer to your attacker, because he or she will be unable to throw powerful punches of kicks from a close distance, and follow that by wrapping your attacker’s arms to prevent harm and especially to prevent the possibility that your attacker is trying to reach for a weapon. One should attempt to tire his or her opponent, force the opponent to the ground, and end the fight with a submission hold. The idea is often to end the conflict without hurting one’s opponent because it can prevent the situation from escalating, which often occurs when someone gets physically hurt.

Self-defense is very important in today’s society, especially on college campuses. As I approach the end of my final year at the University of Connecticut, I’ve seen countless fights off-campus, been at parties where stabbings have occurred, read about the recent murder of Jasper Howard on-campus, and heard of attempted rapes in the UConn community. One of these rapes was prevented because the woman knew a form of self-defense and was able to fight off her attacker and find an exit. Still, this university is regarded by many as a relatively safe environment, which proves how important it is to know self-defense as the world can be a very dangerous place. Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu is a very effective form of self-defense that doesn’t rely on size or strength, which allows anyone to benefit from its teachings.

Posted on May 23, 2011 - by Jim Hughes

“Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer” College Paper on Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the Evolution of MMA College Course Paper By Kelly W

“Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer”

​I have always been taught to run in the opposite direction in the case of an emergency. In the situation that someone was trying to hurt me, run away and try to find safety. But, this is not always possible, in fact, it is more likely than not that I won’t just simply be able to run and escape my attacker. I have learned from this class that closeness may in fact be my best bet to escaping an attack unharmed. By staying in close, I have a better chance of catching my attacker make a mistake and, therefore, be able to put to use what I have learned in class and be able to gain an advantage over the other person.

​In the unfortunate case that someone is attacked, without the proper training that we have received in this class, their first instinct is probably to try to run away. Of course there is a chance that this will work out for the best, with the hope that there will be someone or something that can provide safety nearby. Unfortunately, in most cases of attacks that is not actually the case. Even if you do try to run away, there is always the risk that your attacker will catch up to you, and when they do they will be even more upset. Your best bet is to actually get in close to the attacker. Most, if not all, of the moves that we have learned in this class require one to become closer to the attacker and to restrain them in this manner. If you are able to get in close to your attacker, you have a better chance of practicing a move that could potentially save your life. There are also times when running away is not even an option at all. Say, for example, someone grabs my neck to choke me against a wall. If this were the case, running away would certainly not be an option. The move we learned to push their hand away and then restrain them with a hug is a way to protect yourself that I certainly would not have been aware of if I had not taken this class.

​Being a female on a very large college campus, there is always that fear of being attacked by someone. There have been many times that I have stayed at the library late at night and then had to walk back by myself. A situation like this is obviously not ideal, but knowing what I know now I have a better chance of protecting myself against someone who may be trying to hurt me. Of course, it is always best to never be walking alone late at night, but sometimes that is not always possible. I now know that if I absolutely have to walk home by myself, I need to be alert and prepared to practice the moves that I have learned throughout this course. If I do experience an attack, I now have the confidence and knowledge to defend myself against someone, even if they are bigger or stronger than me.

Posted on May 22, 2011 - by Katie

Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Jim Hughes in Boston Tuesday

Join us this Tuesday, May 24 for a seminar with Jim Hughes, one of the handful of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belts promoted by Royce Gracie in his families martial art, Gracie Jiu Jitsu. We will be working on escapes from the most common chokes in real life self defense situations. Jim will base the seminar on his extensive knowledge of Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and years of work as a specialized clinician treating dangerous criminals in prisons and community settings. Few have the depth of understanding of self defense that Jim Hughes brings to the mat.

Posted on May 21, 2011 - by Kirkor

Kirkor fighting tonight at Mohegan Sun

Come support Kirkor tonight! he has been working hard and Gracie Jiu Jitsu and his stand up practice and will be putting it all to the test in the best arena in the world; Mohegan Sun…. Kirkor is a great example of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Spirit in action…. Jim Hughes

Posted on May 20, 2011 - by Jim Hughes

Find a Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & MMA Affiliated School or Academy

Check out the links below for a royce gracie brazilian jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts school or academy near you. first. go to www.gracie-jiu-jitsu.com for bjj/gjj throughout the new england areas including ct and mass.

then go check out:

Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Schools around the world

Royce Gracie
www.roycegracie.tv

Jeremy , Alexandria VA
www.gracieva.com

Greg Thompson, Durham NC
www.team-roc.com

Jason Culbreth, Raleigh NC
www.team-roc.com

Steve Gupton, Henderson NC
www.hendersonkarate.com/index.pml

Mike Kogan or Hallie Hair, Charlotte NC
nc.roycegracie.tv/

Marc Fletcher, Graham NC
www.roycegracie.tv/network.htm

James Speight, Greenville NC
www.groundgrappling.com/am-home.htm

Ray Simpson, Greensboro NC
tandrsimpson@aol.com

Jeff Reese, Scranton PA
www.gracie-nepa.com

Jim Campbell, Jupiter FL

http://www.harmonymartialarts.com/

Sensei Frank Cook, Naples FL
SenseiCook@gulfcoastaiki.com

Jon Burke, Orlando FL
www.apex-martialarts.com

Rob Khan, Tampa FL

http://www.gracietampa.com

Harlan Taylor, Port St Lucie FL
harlan@mmasportsplex.com

Brandon Durham, Bedford Hills NY

http://www.blackdragon2k.com/

Tosh Cook, Fresno CA
toshcook@worldnet.att.net

Ivan Kravitz, Laguna Niguel CA

http://www.usblackbeltacademy.com/

Evaldo Lima, Long Beach CA
www.neutralgroundsbjj.com

Craig Cramer, Cleveland OH
ccramer@roycegracie.tv

Mark Flynn, Pittsfield MA

http://www.pittsfielddojo.com/

Mike Torres, Bloomingdale NJ
info@tetsushin.com

Pat Hardy, Silsbee TX

http://www.tpcjiujitsu.com/

Jonny Garcia, Brownsville TX
jdmfgarcia@yahoo.com

Tony Torres, Houston TX
torresaponte@yahoo.com

Jason Hawkins, Paducah KY
trmaa@bellsouth.net

Chad Chilcutt, Arlington TN

http://www.memphiskarate.tv/

John Simons, King William VA

http://odysseymartialarts.com/dnn/

Lamonte B. Tyler, Charlottesville VA

http://www.teamroc-va.net/

Jeff Gordon, Germantown MD

http://www.graciemd.com/

Kendall Goo, Kapaa HI
kendallg15@hawaii.rr.com

Eric Aasen, Savage MN
info@americanfistlaw.com

Mike Stump, Parkersburg WV
stumpsmail@1st.net

John Oliverio & Charlie Wisport, Augusta GA
augustafighter@yahoo.com

Adam Martinez, Loveland CO

http://www.lovelandmartialarts.com

John Crouch, Arvada CO
jcbjj@comcast.net

David Benyamin, Carmiel Israel

http://www.bjj.co.il/

Roberto Fleischmann, Guatemala
bobi_9@yahoo.com

Roberto Bitar, Ecuador

http://www.bidokan.com/webpages/contenedora.htm

Pedro Shihan, Mexico
www.roycegracie-mexico.com

Steven Cowan, Norfolk UK

http://www.norfolkbjj.tk/

Jason Davenport, Leicester UK
www.bjjuk.com

Steve Marsden, Yorkshire UK
the@marsdens.plus.com

Shunji Akamine, Oita City Japan

http://www16.plala.or.jp/royce-gracie/

Gracie Japan, Tokyo Japan
www.graciejapan.com

Gracie Family Links

Royce Gracie
www.roycegracie.tv

Royler Gracie
www.rolyergracie.com

Rorion Gracie
www.gracieacademy.com

Rodrigo Gracie
www.rodrigogracie.com

Posted on May 19, 2011 - by Jim Hughes

Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Life and Baseball?

The Concepts of Royce-Gracie Jiu Jitsu & Baseball

Throughout the semester we have learned a lot about the fundamentals and philosophies of Royce-Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Simple, yet effective practices, coupled with proper training can prove to save a person’s life in a dangerous situation; however we have also been taught that the same concepts can lead us to success in other areas of our life. When originally given this assignment, I tried to think of something in my life that interested me and that I cared about. To me this was easy, ever since I’ve been old enough to run around, I’ve played baseball and it’s something that I love to be around. At first thought, the two seem relatively similar – success in both require proper athleticism and training, but also heavily rely on being mentally prepared and disciplined. Digging deeper, I was able to think of more and more connections between the two and how someone could relate the concepts learned in one to help succeed in the other.
One of the first topics we discussed in our Royce-Gracie Jiu Jitsu classes was to control our breathing and to remain calm, collected, and relaxed. It is much easier to deflect a dangerous situation when keeping an even mindset, waiting for an opportunity and making the most of it. The same can be said of a hitters approach during an at bat. Of course, swing mechanics and fundamentals are important, but being able to clear your mind before you step into the batter’s box is vital. Knowing the situation, whether it be two men on base, 1 out, or an infield shift is the same as knowing your surroundings, which Mr. Hughes has expressed to us is extremely important. Even more important is understanding your opponent, in baseball’s case, the pitcher. Analyzing what type of pitcher they are, do they follow patterns, what is he going to try to get you to do during your ‘fight’ and using it to form a strategy, wait for that perfect opportunity and execute. Knowing what to expect, and what you want to do before the situation arises can be an extreme advantage to a hitter or a fighter. We’ve learned that when a hostile person reaches back, a punch can be expected. The same concept applies to baseball, waiting for the pitcher to step back, lift his knee, and when his motion moves forward to get into your ‘ready’ stance and put yourself in the best position to hit the oncoming pitch.
Positioning can be just as important, in fighting there are times where creating distance is the best defense, or when closing the distance can protect you the most. This all depends on the situation. This, again, relates perfectly to hitting. If you are trying to work a walk, you might want to position yourself closer to the plate and attempt to take away the strike zone. If the hitter is trying to advance the runner, he might back off the plate in order to take a pitch the other way. The similarities seem endless. Sometimes it can be valuable to give up position, say maybe leaving your ears exposed in order to position yourself to take your opponent down. In baseball it may be necessary to sacrifice your at bat, in order to advance the runner and place yourself or your team in better position to succeed. Both are examples of fighting to win the ultimate war, and doing what is necessary to gain an advantage. Additionally, as Mr. Hughes has told us countless times, being a fast runner can have its advantages in more than one situation.
During our meetings, we learn beneficial techniques and spend time practicing them in a hands-on approach in order to be prepared for a real life situation. This is no different in baseball training. You often take a hundred swings or a hundred throws, so that in that one moment during a real game you are prepared and your muscle memory and instinct can take over. Knowing how to react when any approached with any situation is important, even if that situation may never arise, it is worth knowing what to do and being prepared to execute.
In baseball as in a fight, there are two sides -offense, and defense. In baseball, it may be a more formal distinction, but the ability to excel at both is important in both disciplines. For each practice, the best defense can be to put yourself in the best possible position and to be prepared to react to whatever may happen. Mr. Hughes has told us many times to put ourselves in a good position by not walking alone, or keeping your head up to the world and walking with a purpose in order to be aware of your surroundings. In baseball positioning is a little different. This may include judging the type of hitter and situation in order to play closer to the line so as to prevent any doubles, or to cheat in if a bunt is expected. After putting yourself in position the only thing one can do is to know what to do if the ball comes to them and get into a ready stance. For example, we discussed in class if someone is to grab your throat to lower your chin to take away access, grab the arm with your off hand, dip your knees, and push the hand away from your neck. This is extremely similar to a second basemen playing in a close ballgame with men on second and third and 1 out. If the ball is hit hard and fielded cleanly, the first act is to check the runner at third, if he breaks for home throw home, if not, pump fake to make him return to the bag then throw to first for the out.
Of course there are situations where some fights are just unwinnable. The pitcher could throw a perfect pitch, and every player can be in great position, but sometimes the hitter is just as good and hits an indefensible ball for a hit. Fighting is the same way, there are some fights that we may never win, but the best approach is to train properly and put yourself in the best position to succeed. When the opportunity arises its best not to shy away from it, but to stand tall and be willing to engage in whatever fight may be necessary. This is no different than in fielding a ground ball. Players are not taught to sit there and wait for the ball to come to them, but to ‘charge’ the ball in order to engage contact and then make the play. In this case sitting back and waiting for the ball to take an awkward bounce is the equivalent of standing back and waiting for your opponent to reach for an unsuspecting weapon. There are times where being passive rarely helps in either situation, therefore we are taught to be prepared, accept the responsibility, and engage to reduce the threat.
The more time I spend writing this paper, the more and more similarities I see between Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu and a sport like baseball. How waiting for your opponent to tire themselves out and making an aggressive move, is the same approach a hitter may take towards a pitcher with a climbing pitch count. Or how sometimes it is best to stay away in order to come back and fight on a better day with better circumstances. From what I can draw, the concepts and attitudes we discuss in class not only pertain to Jiu Jitsu, but to almost all walks of life. Every day we will be met with challenges, and the best way to get through these challenges is to always be prepared and be ready to face them head on. One day it may save your life, or just help you get through a tough exam, but the key is to take every battle seriously and approach it the right way, always finding a way to succeed.

-Craig

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.