RACHEL WHEATLEY WINS THE PAN PACIFIC

Rachel fought the Pan Pacific on the last weekend and show that she is in a great shape by clearing the absolute category submitting everyone. At the Final of the weight division she got DQ in a controversy action as she was about to apply a leg lock ( position that can only be applied by Brown belts and above) that was only a set up. the decision was a bit to early as the ref should have adverted before hand.Rachel was controlling the hole fight without any problems but by a precipitation of the ref she got DQ. AT the final of the absolute she paid back against the same opponent, winning by rear naked choke. Rachel was elected the most technical female fighter of the competition.
well done Rachel and Barry( Her husband ) for keeping representing GB Braulio Estima around the World.

KIDS QUICK RESULTS

Kids -9 years old
1st Louis Davis
2nd Azim Morgan
3rd Charlie Simkin
4th Oscar Man...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Junior -10 years old
1st Liam Martin
2nd Jay Herridge
3rd Ewan Mcandrew

Junior +10 years old
1st Ellison Tipton
2nd Lewis reed
3rd Reece thorne
4th Aadam Sajawal

Junior B
1st Ellis Baggott
2nd Makhan Charl
3rd Wesley Morgan
4th Lewis Hawkins

Teens A
1st Sean Mcdonagh
2nd Inka Doyle
3rd James Beardmore
4th Mollie Baxter

Teens B
1st Peter Adams
2nd Bradley swindell
3rd Kane Oxberry
4th Ben Docherty

Heavy Weight
1st liam swindell mmf
2nd connor cooksey

Girls open class
1st Inka Doyle
2nd Lauren Reeds
3rd Mollie Baxter

Boys open class
1st sean mcdonagh
2nd kane oxberry
3rd james beardmore

best fight
liam swindell
kane oxberry

best take down
louis daves

fastest submission and best fighter
sean macdonagh

BRAKETS FOR THE KIDS COMPETITION

Brakets ready here.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

RULES RESTRICTIONS FOR THE KIDS TOURNAMENT

• In all catagories the central referee has the athority to stop a match when either of the competitors is in danger of serious bodily harm as a result of a submission and award the victory to competitor applying the submission.

• Cervical locks or neck cranks are not allowed in any category except for chokes in the juveniles or adult divisions in all belts.

• Athletes under 18 (Juveniles) are only allowed to compete in the open class if they are middle weight or heavier.

• Wrestling shoes or any type of shoes, head gear, shirts under the gi (except for girls) and any kind of protectors that can alter the outcome of the match in any way are not allowed in competition.

• In childrens divisions between 4-15years, when a competitor is executing a triangle and the opponent stands up it is the referees obligation to stand in a position to protect both athletes, specifically to reduce the risk of cervical damage.

• FROM 04 THROUGH 12:

SLAM FROM THE GUARD

BICEPS LOCK

WRIST LOCK

TRIANGLE PULLING THE HEAD

FOOT LOCKS OF ANY KIND

KNEE LOCK, LEG LOCK

CERVICAL LOCK (ANY KIND)

FRONTAL NECK CRANK

EZEQUIEL

CALF LOCK

OMOPLATA ( SHOULDER LOCK)

FRONTAL GUILLOTINE

SCISSORS TAKEDOWN

HEEL HOOK

FROM THE AGES OF 13 THROUGH 15:

SLAM FROM THE GUARD

BICEPS LOCK

WRIST LOCK

TRIANGLE PULLING THE HEAD

FOOT LOCK S(ANY KIND)

KNEE LOCK, LEG LOCK

CERVICAL LOCK(ANY KIND)

FRONTAL NECK CRANK

EZEKIEL

CALF LOCK

SCISSORS TAKEDOWN

HEEL HOOK

AGES 16 TO 17

KIDS TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION ONLINE NOW

the kids competition will cost 15 pounds per competitor. please register online now and we will collect registration fee on the day. make sure that everyone who fill the forms will turn up to compete. the weigh in will be just before the first fight. You will have all the details that we need from you at the online form. All the best luck to everyone and we are looking forwards to seeing you guys giving that show of BJJ.
GB Braulio Estima

BRAULIO’S SEMINAR TOUR IN AMERICA

Braulio’s seminar tour in America was a great success. After the Pan American Championships Brauilo headed to colorado where he tought a course of 3 days in Boulder at the Easton BJJ Academy then he went to California to teach two seminars in Orange County one at Gracie Barra Huntington Beach and one at Gracie Barra Yorba Linda. After a two days break, Estima flew to the paradise Island, Oahu in Hawaii where he taught a big seminars, one in Maui at the Maui BJJ Academy and the last one at Gracie Barra Honolulu which had over 30 students.
Braulio is now back in Birmingham teaching the regular classes every week.
Braulio Estima would like to thank Luca Atalla, Amal Easton, Filipe Jerry, Roberta Oliveira, Marcio Feitosa, Flavio Almeida, Renee and Rexy Barnum and Limao for the organization and all the support for the seminars.

News Flash! - Pan Ams Photos By Lucas Noonan

Braulio has done it again by winning double gold at the first Pan Am No Gi championships held in New York this weekend. Braulio is ecstatic after winning his weight division and the coveted absolute categories. He has had a challenging year follow his knee operation earlier this year with a come back at the Mundials where he won silver.

He is now back at his best with his latest triumph.

Great well done from all at GB Birmingham

Semi final against Tarsis Humphreys

Celebrating the second Gold of the day

Ross Mason in critical condition

taken from cagewarriors 3rd October

Contrary to local radio news reports this morning which stated that Ross “The Boss” Mason had died after receiving stab wounds outside a Birmingham Nightclub; we can now announce that these reports were incorrect.

However we are able to confirm that Ross Mason was found in the early hours of this morning with severe head injuries and had initially died as he was taken to Alexandra Hospital in Redditch. However he was resuscitated at the Hospital and is presently in a critical condition in the ICU Unit.

Earlier today Marc Goddard was taken into an office at the Liverpool Olympia and was informed of Ross’ death, due to these incorrect media reports. Goddard and his Management then decided he would not fight later tonight at Cage Gladiators, because he wanted to be with Ross’ family as they are close personal friends.

Goddard was then taken back to Birmingham only to be told that Ross had not died but was in a “critical state” on a life support machine. This has only added to Marc’s turmoil and it would be an understatement to say that his mind was not connected with fighting at this time.

Everybody at Warrior Promotions and Cage Warriors are deeply saddened by this incident and our thoughts are with Ross, his family and friends during this dreadful ordeal. We also hope he will be able to pull through this and make a full recovery.

Ross, we’re all thinking of you and your family from Braulio, Victor and all your friends at GB Birmingham

GB Derby open new dojo with Victor Estima seminar

GB Derby run by Braulio’s students, Patrick Martin and son World Champion Stephen (junior blue belt) are celebrating the opening of their new full time academy with a martial arts fest packed day. Two seminars will be held - the first is a traditional jiu jitsu with pressure points, tae kwon do, and control and restraint course lasting 11am - 2pm. The finale is a 2 1/2 hour seminar with Victor Estima, regular chief instructor at GB Derby.

The event takes place on Sunday 19th October. £25 for one course and £45. Make sure you get down there and support BJJ and GB Derby.

For further information call Pat Martin direct on 0776 9977413 today and reserve your place.

Braulio will fight this saturday

Braulio will be fighting from 11 30am (NY time) on the heavy weight division and the absolute will start at 4 30am. Braulio will be representing the Renzo Gracie Academy. Considered the best student of Carlos Gracie Jr ever, Renzo Gracie is based in Manhattan NY and will go in full for this Pan Am’s 2008, as the Gracie Barra is not in a big number this year, Braulio was called to complete the Renzo gracie Team which will be the favorite for the title. With Estima also will be fighting, Rolls Gracie, Samuel braga, Bruno Mamute and many other top fighters to help the team.
keep tuned for more informations about the Pan Am’s 08

BRAULIO IS READY TO GO

“The hard part of training for the Pan Am’s 2008 finished today”, says Braulio. He trained very hard with his brother Victor and training partner Rominho this afternoon (Saturday 27th) prior to his departure. Braulio showed a great deal of confidence in his techniques."I am ready to go, if I could, I would fight tomorrow”, said Estima.

The Pan Am’s will be in New York on Saturday October 4th, and is the first Pan Am NO GI competition to be staged. Braulio leaves on Monday 29th of September to finish his the final preparation touches at Renzo Gracie’s Academy. Keep tuned for more news about it.

The very best of luck to Braulio from all at GB Birmingham and the UK!

GB BIRMINGHAM ABSOLUTE IN THE NATIONALS

Kevin Webb, Chiu Kwong Man, Tom Barlow , Stephen Martin, Kamran Ali and Miles shines at the GB Grappling National this weekend.At the advanced, Stephen under 65kg Tom under 62kg, Chiu under 72kg and Kevin under 92kg didnt gave chance to nobody , every one passed through the opponents with excellence and control until the gold, at the novice, Miles -62kg and Kamran -72kg also got at the final in a perfect rout beating 3 opponents each to get the gold.
Chiu with 39 years of age, fought at the adult division against tough young opponents and showed what technique is all about. the fighters didnt know how to react, falling straight away into his traps , at the final his opponent from the london shoot fight who had submitted all his opponents until then, didnt have other choice, unless, run away all the way until Kwong Man catch him with a beautiful triangle which gave no other choice to the shootfighter unless to give up, but unexpectedly he stood up with chiu locked on his neck instead and slammed him on the mat on a unfair and against the rules attitude, the referee didnt hesitate to disqualify Chiu’s opponent giving not only one more gold to the club but also a lesson that with respect, humbleness, honor and technique you can be the beat any one and be proud of.
well done to all those who competed and showed the support to the club
Gracie Barra Birmingham

GB GRAPPLING TRIALS WEIGH IN THIS SATURDAY

the weigh in for the grappling british trials will be on This saturday 13th of SEPTEMBER from 3pm till 4pm at Gracie Barra Birmingham.
for more detais contact us on :
thank you.

BRAULIO TRAINS ZELG GALESIC

Croatian to face Jacare at Dream

It is no easy mission: beating Ronaldo Jacare. The one to try his luck this time is Croatian fighter Zelg Galesic. Both will face off in the semifinals of Dream 6 (middleweight GP), on September 23rd in Tokyo, Japan.

To help with the task, Zelg went after the help of a friend who knows the Brazilian black belt’s game quite well: Braulio “Carcara” Estima. The Brazilian living in Birmingham’s objective is good provide pointers on the ground, where Jacare reigns supreme. Readers are probably wondering how Braulio and Zelg know each other.

The best answer would be just casual acquaintance. Zelg’s agent, Charlie, is a good friend of Braulio and things unfolded in such a way that the two become friends and trained together. “My forte is Jiu-Jitsu, as is Jacare’s. So we can study the pros and cons and put together the right strategy for Zelg to win the fight. I learned a lot fighting Jacare. I haven’t beaten him yet, which is why I’ve studied his game a lot. I know where he’s strong from my own experience and I’m trying to pass that on to Zelg,” said Braulio.

Queried as to whether he thought twice about accepting the offer to train Zelg to fight the hard-to-swallow Jacare, Braulio was up front. “I didn’t think twice. As I’ve know Zelg a long time, I’ll try to help him as much as I can. We’re on the same team. I know Jacare will be representing Jiu-Jitsu, that’s the only thing I didn’t like about being against him. I respect “Jaca” a lot. He’s an excellent fighter and I rooted for him in his other fights, but not this time. However, if he goes through, I’ll cheer for him in the final,” stated the black belt.

Braulio sees the exchange between athletes of diverse nationalities as something natural. “All fighters are always looking to perfect themselves. We’re always looking for the best to train with. Here in Europe the countries are very close together, making this exchange easier. In England we have high-level fighters, like Roger Gracie, Victor Estima, Lucio Lagarto, Sirizinho, and now Rominho Barral in the area. I consider England to be the place with the best Jiu-Jitsu training. As Jiu-Jitsu is an area not much exploited by most European MMA fighters, here in the United Kingdom we’ve been drawing people who want to develop their ground games in. Thus we have an exchange of knowledge that goes both ways, everyone comes out a winner,” says Braulio in finishing.

Braulio’s latest interview - MAI magazine

Braulio is featured once again in the UK’s leading martial arts magazine - Martial Arts Illustrated. The 4 page interview is by regular MAI contributor and Gracie Barra regular member, Jamie Clubb, a known martial artist in his own right. Braulio talks in-depth about the changes at his new club and the teaching methods adopted. He also talks about the forthcoming Disney event and how much he is looking forward to it.

Get a copy today of Martial Arts Illustrated September issue.

ROMULO BARRAL’S SEMINAR FULL REVIEW

Multiple World Champion Romulo Barral did not fail to disappoint over hundred students from around the UK when he held his seminar at the weekend in GB Birmingham. The day was an overwhelming success with everyone enjoying the championship winning ‘spider and open guard’ trade mark techniques of Romulo.

Barral taught a sequence of attacks from the spider guard with lots of variations which lead to an overhead sweep; omoplata; straight arm bar; triangle and a further sweep. With attention to the finer detail Romulo demonstrated how easy the open guard can be part of your arsenal in bjj..

Here are a few pictures of the seminar

More pictures will be uploaded in the week .

The end of the seminar closed with guard passing from the Spider guard.

Braulio concluded the day by thanking all for attending and supporting the day and wrapped up by personally thanking Romulo, his good friend and training partner for visiting the UK. Romulo returned the gratitude with a short speach to the day’s visitors.

A great seminar once again held at GB Braulio Estima. Check out this site for reular updtaes of future seminars.

Romulo will be helping with classes during his 6 month long stay in the UK - take this great opportunity to train with one of the current World Champions.

NEW LONG LIFE PATCHES BRAULIO ESTIMA

The long awaited new Braulio Estima patches designed to resist tough grips are now in stock. The patches are fully embroidered and are available from GB Birmingham in 3 different sizes (small , medium and large). They are ideal not only for gi’s but also any other clothing. Support your club now and get the new patch.

For more information consult a member of the GB Birmingham staff or email us on

ROMULO BARRAL’S SEMINAR @ GB BIRMINGHAM ON 17TH OF AUGUST

ONE WEEK TO GO.
PLEASE REGISTER BY SENDING A EMAL TO BOOK YOUR PLACE

The seminar will take place at Gracie Barra Birmingham on 17th of August from 1pm till 4pm.
Dont miss this opportunity to train with a great athlete and world champion.
Cost - £20 advanced and £25 on the door.
email us on to book your place


See you guys here on 17th.
GB Birmingham

INTERNATIONAL MASTERS 08

At the International Masters and Senior, which took place at the same time of the Rio Open, also in the Tijuca Tennis Club, Eduardo Santoro (Cia Paulista) stood out. The Portuguese competitor dominated the master category with wins at medium heavyweight and in the absolute. Other famous names to stick their necks out in the fighting areas in the master division this Sunday were Roberto Godoi (Godoi JJ), who won the heavyweight; Omar Salum (GH), who took the featherweight; Adriano Silva (Barbosa) defeated Regis Lebre (GH) to take the middleweight. At Senior 1, more emotion and names carrying weight. Instructor Muzio de Angelis (Brasa) defeated Carlos Vicente (GH) and took heavyweight gold. After the fight, Muzio turned in his black belt and retired from competition. At absolute, Danilo Rodacki (Behring) took gold after beatinig Luciano Nucci (Alliance). Also to shine with gold dangling from the neck: Alexandre “Gigi” Paiva (Alliance) at senior 2; super tough Helveccio Netto (De La Riva) at senior 3; Mauricio Robbe at senior 5.

Eduardo Santoro took weight and absolute in the Master

Godoi was one of several instructors to compete in Tijuca

Gigi (on top) showed his well-known technique at senior 2

Helvécio (right) using his judo in the senior 3

Gracie magazine report.

In the red and black belt bout, Maurição reigned absolute

It’s Jiu-Jitsu time in Rio

Rio Open and Master and Senior underway

It’s time to tighten up the belts, straighten out the gis, step onto the tatami and look opponents in the eye, as the Rio International Open and International Master and Senior championships are both underway, both held by the International Jiu-Jitsu Fedeeration in the Tijuca Tennis Club gymnasium. According to its organizers, around 1,100 athletes are expected over the three days of the event, which ends on Sunday.

The events are open to the public. And several beasts of Jiu-Jitsu are guaranteed to appear, like the veteran Alexandre “Gigi” Paiva; Mario Reis; the Nova Uniao featherweight and champion of Brazil, Marcelino Freitas; Brasa fighter Gabriel Vellz; and Serginho Moraes, world welterweight champion, who eliminted Kron Gracie, son of legendary Rickson Gracie. Among the ladies, featured is world absolute champion at black/brown Kyra Gracie.

“The idea’s to hold International Opens in several grand metropolitan centers around the world. The next Open, next year’s, for example, should be in New York. The goal is to do an international championship in Rio for the folks who like to visit the city, for the athletes overseas who want to get to know it here and also for Brazilians who are unable to compete at the Worlds,” explained Marcelo Siriema, director of events at the IBJJF.

GRACIE MAGAZINE #136

Over 50 thousand photos were taken, the notes for the report took up more than 40 notebook pages - with results, quotes, detail, interviews, names of athletes and everything imaginable to readers.
Including the hole sequence that made the difference in the final of the absolute between Roger Gracie and Xande Ribeiro. Many pictures of Braulio , Victor and Otavio also are in this edition.

New Purple at GB Leeds

Following a recent seminar by Brauio at GB Leeds, Braulio handed out a well deserved purple belt promotion to Richard Couch. The club is run and coached by Tom Harris who is one of a total of three purples (the other is Darren Good) at the growing club which has a high standard and is gaining popularity in the Leeds area.

GB Leeds is well worth checking out and can be found at: Coal Hill Lane, Farsley, Leeds
class times
monday 7pm-9pm
wednesday 7.30pm-9pm

all classes are Gi classes

men and women welcome 16 years old and above

more info on http://www.graciebarraleeds.com

Give Tom a call now on 07809 226 493

Ben Downing Subs All-Comers @ Angrr Management!

After an unlucky loss, in a fight he was dominating, at adcc last week (Ben’s first competition outing in years) he decided at the last second to enter the angrr management tournament this weekend, ronin-like and without team mates or a cornerman, in order to make full use of his hard training over the last few months. The results were exactly what any sparring partner of Ben’s would have predicted (with a sympathetic wince for his opposition!!) as he submitted all of his opponents to win his category in style.

Ben displayed an excellent all-round game in the tournament, using his excellent wrestling to dominate from top position, but also playing guard when required with equal finesse. 3 takedowns, a guillotine, an arm-triangle and an armbar later and Ben walked away with the gold.

I’m just taking this opportunity to congratulate Ben on his achievement, thank him for the sparring and to beg him to move up a weight category so I can avoid him in future lol!

Luke Cole

First quarter review seminar

The end of June saw the review of material covered over the last few months in one seminar at the club. The day was well attended by students from affiliated GB schools under Braulio and Victor from as far as Plymouth, Wales, as well as a welcome appearance from Nick Brookes from Roger Gracie academy.

The intense but enjoyable and informative day had something for every level. Braulio went over some finer points of guard passing and defending from the butterfly guard, as well as a couple of excellent sweeps from the open guard. He ended the day by spending time discussing the finer points of game plan and strategy.

A very good day was had by all. The next review will be scheduled in due course, so keep watching this space.

ADCC TRIALS PODIUM PICS

On the left Kevin Webb

The ADCC british trials that took place last weekend 28th of July at Cocksmoor Leisure Centre, defined who is going to represent England at the European trials in Poland in the end of the year.
there are more UK trials to come. the next one will be in Ireland in the next couple of months . Keep tuned.

On the right Luke Cole with his siver medal

SOME PICS FROM GB BRAULIO ESTIMA IN WARSAW-PL

Group picture
Those pictures were taken on Braulio’s last visit to GB Braulio Estima Copacabana in Warsaw - Poland.
Braulio spent 4 days doing courses and a seminar on the 3rd day, on the last day they had an instructor’s meeting which some directions was given to keep the instructors updated with the new system and programmes structures.

Gi Techniques

No Gi Techniques

Sparring

ADCC TRIALS RESULTS

Luke Cole got silver under 66kg after applying a flying arm bar in the semi final, considered the most impressive and best submission of the tournament
Aaron Au-yeung got silver under 66kg novice
Kevin Webb got silver losing in the final by only 1 point in a controversial fight
Rache Wheatley got silver but couldnt fight in the final due to medical stoppage
Chico Chata under 99kg got silver in the first ever no gi tournament
Ashley James swansea won the under 100kg
Marley Awindles (72KG) swansea won the open weight
Sahid Khamlichi Milton Keynes won under 91kg
Ben Downing,David Iverson, Wesley Trevellian and jamie Harper also did a great job.
well done to all the fighters who fought in the ADCC trials. with a lot of heart,honor and supporting each other. 

THIS SUNDAY-29th June @ 1pm !!!

BRAULIO ESTIMA QUATERLY REVIEW SEMINAR
A review SEMINAR will be held this Sunday, the 29th of June, at the GB Birmingham.
Everybody is welcome to attend the seminar, weather you are advanced or just starting your bjj career.
Braulio will review the techniques from the past 3 months as well as teach you the famous “tricks” to improve your bjj game.
Gi and No Gi students are welcome as the techniques will be helpfull for both.
Great chance to meet training partners and club members from various GB Braulio Estima Academies in UK.

The cost of the seminar is only £15 per person
Duration: 2,5 hours

Hope to see you all on Sunday
GB Birmingham team

Stockport Braulio Estima’s Seminar

Last Sunday Braulio Estima was doing a No Gi Seminar in Sockport north of England, at the Jeet Fan Jeet Kung Do Academy. John who runs the club is a blue belt 2 stripes under Braulio and have been training with Estima for the last 3 and a half years.All the guys from Stockport enjoyed their time with the new techniques from Half Guard shown by Braulio.Loads of action in the end of the class. Braulio trained with advanced students, who gave him a tough time before the end of the seminar.
Braulio will be back in Stockport in the middle of October 2008

NEXT SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE GRACIE BARRA LEEDS ON THE 6TH OF JULY AT 1 PM

ADCC TRIALS IN BIRMINGHAM

GRACIE BARRA BRAULIO ESTIMA, in the final week preparation for the ADCC trials which will be held in birmingham on the 28th of june.
“All the athletes are focused for this competition and im very confidant on the good results, im sure we will go in a big group to the europeans final trials in poland together” says Braulio.
keep plugged, more updates about the preparation to come soon…

Good luck to Braulio and Beata on their wedding

Very best wishes to Braulio and Beata on their forthcoming wedding which takes place on 12th July. The happy couple will be married at the Chata Za Wsia Hotel in the beautiful town of Myslakowice in Poland where it will be attended by family and close friends from Brazil, UK and Poland.

Best wishes from all your friends and supporters from around the world, in particular your fellow students at GB Birmingham.

Carlos Gracie Jr receives red and black belt

Before the eyes of 50 black belts, cousin Rickson and a large number of other people who packed the new Gracie Barra America branch in Irvine, CA, Head of Gracie Barra - Master Carlos Gracie Junior was awarded his red and black belt by student Renzo Gracie in a ceremony on June 3rd.

“Belts hold no importance to me. We are the ones who give personality to the belt, and not it that give personality to us. But I’m proud to have all you here together. That is what I love and I’ll never change. In the future, I may have a better house, a better car, but I’ll continue coming to the academy every day, training with my family.

“I’m 52 years old, and I model myself on the example of my father, who, when I was born, was 56, and still went on to have five more kids. However, when someone shows up to train at 40 or 50 years of age and thinks they are too old for it, I explain that it’s never too late to do what we dream of doing.

“My father stimulated us to dream. The other day, I read that if you wish to reach the moon, you’ll at least get to the stars. That is why I have a healthy life, and I hope to have all you, many white and blue belts, together with me with black belts, 18 years from now, when I receive my red belt. And all this will be ten times bigger.”

Carlinhos, whose achievements are of the caliber of Gracie Barra, the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation and GRACIEMAG, promises:

“This is just the beginning.”

(extracts and image courtessy of Graciemag.com)

New Promotions

Well done to Rob Allen and Steve Male who are the most recent blue belts at GB Birmingham. Both guys were promoted in the last week by Braulio

World Championships 2008

Braulio, Victor and Otavio Sousa will hope to make it a treble win for the club when they compete in June at the BJJ World Championships in California. Otavio has been training back home in Recife, he is expected to meet his nemisis in a tough challenge against the new black belt of Kron Gracie. Braulio and Victor have been training relentlessly with each other at the club. Both have a point to prove, with Victor’s self confessed disappointment with the results in his last couple of competitions and Braulio who fights his first major competition since his operation earlier this year.

Good luck from all at the club and the UK!

Brazilian national’s 2008

Otavio Fought at the Brazilian Championships in the last weekend. The National’s is one of the toughest championships in BJJ. Otavio proved once more that he is part of the top bjj fighters in the world. he got second on his weight division loosing by points in the end of the fight. the fight was considered the best fight of the event. in the open weight he won 2 fights beating the middle heavy weight champion , taped the tough Fernado di Pierro and lost in the quarter finals to the favorite to the titel Braga net by only pne advantage. Lucas Rocha , Ze’z nephew submited every one on his first competition as adult confirming the good fase.

GB Birmingham sweep medals at Gracie Invitational

The UK’s largest Brazilian jiu jitsu event, The Gracie Invitational at the SENI show held at the weekend proved a massive success for the club and it’s members, who turned up in droves to compete and support one another. The two-day event saw the club’s members compete at the highest level at all ages; experience levels with both genders competing.

Everyone showed true team spirit and family hood throughout the day, which proved to be a great day full of atmosphere and fun. With over 50 competitors from GB Birmingham alone competing across all categories, the club showed a larger than ever before representation. In addition, affiliated GB clubs also made a fantastic show.

There were many highlights over the weekend, with several gold, silver and bronze winners across all the belt divisions and age categories.

Braulio wants to take the opportunity to thank everyone for the team and individual performances in getting ready for the competition and fighting for the team on the day.

He comments, “I’m extremely proud to see all my students compete at this high level. Everyone has come such a long way and I know that everyone has pushed themselves to the limit in readiness. It is especially pleasurable to see that we have produced so many champions too. Everyone should pat themselves on the back. I would also like to thank all of the support team, friends and family who were there at the weekend to. We were all winners at the end of the day and I look forward to the next year. A great well done and thank you to everyone.”

Full results and promotion announcements to follow soon.

Gracie Invitational report

Gracie Invitational report

This year’s Gracie Invitational was the biggest yet. In a short space of time it has grown quickly to a size that rivals the Europeans and the Panams. The weekend’s event attracted the cream of British talent.

Our team at GB Braulio Estima and affiliated clubs, gave an impressive overall performance, both team wise and individually, with no less than 14 Gold, 9 Silver & 10 Bronze medal winners (excluding the kids divisions) collectively.

Team achievement

In the club table we came in at 3rd place behind Roger Gracie Academy and Carlson Gracie Revolution Team, to lead the way in the best team outside of London, an achievement in itself bearing in mind the population of London compared to the rest of the country.

There were many highlights from the weekend, too many to mention – here is only a few.

Kevin Webb beats two black belt fights

Recently promoted brown belt club member and assistant instructor Kevin rose to the challenge at the weekend captaining the team competition where he won two fights against black belt Pedro Bessa and one other black belt. His wins reinforced Kevin as one of the UK’s most dominant forces on the scene today. A great well done to Kevin.

Absolutely Polish!

Also worthy of praise were our good Polish friends, Norbit Nowak and Piotr Kapral who both won silver in their respective Purple and Blue belt Men’s Absolute divisions. Piotr was emphatic in his winning of the Blue belt Heavy weight division.

Most improved fighter
a very special mention to Steven Martin from Gracie Barra Braulio Estima who was voted most improved fighter by a panel of independent judges. Steven is the current World blue belt junior champion following his epic win at the Mundials last year. Steven helps run GB Derby with his father Pat, who both train regular at GB Birmingham. Really pleased for you Steve.

Kids news

Our club again well represented the kid’s division. A couple of final mentions in the kids divisions are Jack Wages (8 years old) who fought a phenomenal competition managing to beat everyone else who were heavier and stronger than him. Great well done to Jack.

Also a special mention to 12 year old Lewis Hawkins for winning Gold.

Once again thanks to all and a great well done to everyone who competed and who is associated with GB Braulio Estima.

Club promotions

The Gracie Invitational proves to be the ultimate testing ground for our members. Following all the hard work, special recognition was given to the following who were promoted.

Rob Stevens promoted to Brown belt
Piotr Kapral promoted to Purple belt
Nathan Roberts to Purple belt
Luke Cole promoted to Purple belt
Paul Janu promoted to Purple belt
Chris Rawlins promoted to Purple belt
Wayne Farrington promoted to Blue belt
Sayid promoted to Blue belt

Note: Luke Cole was promoted to Purple just before Seni. Having been a new Purple belt for less than 2 weeks, Luke ‘Awesome Macacinio’ Cole won the Purple belt Super feather weight (64.kg) division in emphatic style, beating Mundial, Panam and European medallist, Spencer Hewitt 9 points to 0 in the final, with no advantages against him. What a guy! Well done ‘Pocket Predator’

Promotions

Well done to students who were recently promoted by Braulio and Victor.

Luke Cole was finally promoted to purple belt by Braulio - arguably one of the finest competitors on the UK scene at his weight, Luke was ecstatic and very emotional when the promotion was handed to him. Luke who is usually not short of a word or two, thanked all who supported him at the club.

Also worthy of mention are Martyn and Kerry Cope, owners and instructors at Gracie Barra (Walsall), who were both also promoted to purple belt by Braulio. Kerry is current World (blue belt) champion and Martyn recently won his division in the Europeans.

Finally, a great well done to Christine McDonagh who was promoted to blue belt by Victor during class where she trains at Gracie Barra (Derby). Christine won the European Championships in the women’s division at only 15 years old recently. Now at 16, she is one of the youngest blue belts in the UK. Christine trains regularly at GB Derby under close instruction of Patrick and Stephen Martin.

Combat academy competition (Hereford) - Saturday May 10th 2008

All you competitors make sure you get down to the Combat academy competition, in Herefrod, one of the best independent run events for all levels.

As usual, all competitors are guaranteed a minimum of two fights.

Time and numbers permitting there will be a Masters category and an absolute category for the seniors

Groundfighting Competition (Gi). Seniors Only details and entry forms here… http://www.thecombatacademy.com/Comp-Flyer-GiGF-2008.html

Ju Jutsu Kumite Competition. Juniors Only details and entry forms here… http://www.thecombatacademy.com/Comp-Flyer-JJK-2008.html

This event is very well attended, so get your entry in asap. For further details log onto the above weblinks. 

Ross will show who’s “The Boss”

Our very own Ross “The Boss” Mason is one of the main bouts featured in the hotly awaited Cage Rage 26 Extreme event. Ross will fight against archrival Ross “The Gladiator” Pointon in the welterweight division on Saturday May 10th at the NEC, Birmingham.

Ross has been training extremely hard at GB Birmingham in no gi under the watchful eye and guidance of Braulio and the team. Ross comments, “I’m really looking forward to the night, I’ve trained extremely hard with the help from all the lads at GB Brum. I’ve never been in better shape.” The Mr. Nice guy will be Mr. Not So Nice on the night!

These two fighters are formidable strikers with aggressive styles, that will make this one of the most anticipated and exciting fights of the night. Both Mason and Pointon love to throw leather and both have been involved in some of the greatest tear ups at Cage Rage. In the words of Cage Rage ref Grant Waterman,” get ready for War” Good luck to Ross, we’re all behind you. Visit http://www.theticketfactory.com or http://www.cagerage.tv for further information and tickets. 

Bitter Sweet Results for GB Duo at Panams

Mixed fortunes for Victor Estima and Otavio Souza at the Panam 2008 Championships last weekend.

Both fighting in their respective black belt categories, Victor went out in his fight in a bitterly disappointing performance. In an interview with Victor, he humbly admits defeat, and commented, “I did not fight, it was almost as if I’d not turned up. It is terribly disappointing for me. I just don’t know what happened on the day, it’s never happened to me before. But, I remain positive and will be back even stronger.”

In contrast, Victor was there to see fellow training partner and long time friend and one of GB Birmingham’s adopted sons, Otavio reach the final. He fought gallantly to eventually concede defeat to win silver in the hotly contested middleweight division against Guto Campos (Rickson Gracie) who submitted Otávio with a leg lock.