Sunday, January 31, 2010

European Championships

Guys just got this note from Jacare:

"Guys mission acomplished, we won the adults, novices, women and got second in the master/senior.
Fabio won, Lucas, malfacine, Tarsis too, Bernardo,Langi,Soluco, batista second, Alex third.
I will be back tuesday, tak care."

We won the Adults, Novice and Womens. First tournament down! As soon as we get pictures we will get them up here.

Alliance Purple Belts Cleaning House in FL.


Some quick results from some of the guys competing in the Abu Dhabi Pro Trials.

Pedro, Jordan, Alec and Preston all won their divisions are have moved on to compete in the Pro's.

Congratz Guys! Keep it up!!!!!!

Abu Dhabi Pro Gi

A live stream of the event, thanks for finding it Colin!

Friday, January 29, 2010

European Championships Update

Here is a quick update from Jacare:

Guys,

Well we just won the white belt division (novice) we are going strong on the women and master/seniors as well.
In the adults the main division we are doing very well too, one champion and one third 10 points so far, we will win.
You can check the results on the IBJJF site and post step by step on our blog.

Take care.

Results as of 3:28pm (Eastern Standard Time) 29 January:

Results

Academy Results:

Novice:

1- Alliance
2- Gracie Barra
3- Checkmat BJJ

Friday Lunch NoGi

We started off with pumeling warm-ups. We then went into single leg takedowns.




This was followed by some live training:

A Note from Jacare

We just got an email from Jacare, who is in Portugal right now for the European Championships:

Hi Guys,

I got to Portugal dead tired but alive.
The tournament is big tons of people competing in the first day.
All the black belts are are ready for battle, Alliance will be well represented, I have plenty of confidence that our team will do their best to win, JT and Matt are already here, JT is ready to go seem relaxed, say hi to the rest of the guys for me, tell them I already miss them.


Take care.

Jacare

Thursday, January 28, 2010

DJ's Beginners Class

With Jacare in Portugal for the Europeans, DJ Farmer stepped in to teach the beginners class. For those that don't know, DJ is one of Jacare's Black Belts and a Jiu-Jitsu Encyclopedia!



Today's class focused on techniques from side control.

Balance Ball Training


Cobrinha decided to work on his balance:




Thursday Lunch Class

Today we started with a grip break warm-up:


Jim and Armando:










Tommy and Jeff










Mathew (Robert) and Bo:











Next we moved into a sweep off of the double leg grab butterfly, after drilling the sweep we moved directly into rolling.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Another Blog...

Hey guys, a quick update. One of our newer students, Paul, has his own blog at:


Most of it is about his start in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I enjoyed reading it, so if you get a chance check it out!

Articles from ADcombat.com

We are featured heavily over at ADCombat.com here are the articles from the latest edition:

Kid Peligro Jiu-Jitsu News . . . Romero "Jacare" with the Rangers - Alliance Team Ready for the European

2010-01-27 — KID PELIGRO

army 2.preview.jpg

Alliance Leader Romero "Jacare" Cavalcanti at Special Military Symposium

Jacare (bottom far right), Greg Thompson (4th l-r bottom) Greg Nelson (6th l-r bottom),Rorion and Rener (top right) with military

Romero "Jacare" was at a symposium for the US special military with representatives from the Rangers, Marines and Air Force. The 2 day event was held at Fort Benning, Ga. During the event there series of high level discussions about the program including demonstrations, effectiveness evaluations etc. The idea was to fine tune the hand to hand combat program for the armed forces. There was even a special dinner reception at Fort Benning's commander General Ferriter's home.


"Jacare" was very happy with the developments: "I could atest that the program has been perfected over the years and is very effetive. I am confident that this and the self-defense program is the best program for all military forces in the World. The system is based on the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu. The manual has several JJ positions, many of which I personally taught them and of course many others help further develop".

Present at the event were Rorion Gracie with his son Rener, Matt Larsen (Romero's Black Belt and the main organizer and force behind the program), Greg Nelson, Greg Thompson along with a host of military brass!


Jacare with General Ferriter: Jacare with General Ferriter
Jacare with General Ferriter (r) and other brass

Jacare and Greg Nelson: Jacare and Greg Nelson
Jacare and Greg Nelson


Alliance Team in the European BJJ - By Clinton Gouveia

Alliance Team training: Alliance Team training
Alliance Team training

Jacare leading by example: Jacare leading by example
Jacare leading by example

It’s no secret that Alliance is looking for a clean sweep in all IBJJF Tournaments this year. With the European Championships this weekend in Lisbon Portugal, Jacare and Fabio are leading our army of stars looking to secure our first title of the year.

With the anticipation of the biggest turn out in talent since the tournament began in 2004, winning it will be no easy task. With roughly 100 guys representing “Team A” we are confident that this will be our year!

This is the list of Alliance Adult Black Belts that will be there (Notice the surprise at heavy weight)

Alliance Black adult male

Galo Bruno Malfacine

Pluma Fabbio Passos de Alencar

Leve Lucas Lepri

Leve Michael Langhi

Medio Rogel Monsalve

Meio-Pesado Ricardo Oliveira

Meio-Pesado Tarsis Humphreys

Pesado Bernardo Faria

Pesado Fabio Gurgel

Super-Pesado Fernando Di Pierro

Pesadissimo Antonio Peinado

The Newest Alliance School!

Guys when you get a chance check out the website of our newest affiliate in Brighton, England.





photo 2


Miad Najafi "Mr. Miagi" is the instructor. You guys here in Atlanta probally recognize him as he comes to train with us fairly often. We are excited to have a new European affiliate, and if you ever are in the UK make sure to go say hello!



photo 2

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

An Interview With Ian McPherson

Alliance Manager Bart Stevens is hard at work building his portfolio as a published journalist. In his latest article for Graciemag Bart interviewed Alliance's rising star Ian McPherson


An Interview With Ian McPherson

By Bart Stevens

I recently sat down and interviewed Mr. Ian McPherson, number 5 on Gracie Magazine’s list of who to watch out for in 2010. Ian is known as one of the nicest guys in the entire Alliance organization. He will work repetitions of the most basic techniques with the newest white belt for hours, just out of love for the sport. Ian is always the first one at the academy and the last to leave. His competitive drive is second to none.


Name: Ian McPherson


Age: 24


Place of Birth: Atlanta Ga.


Belt: Brown


How do you feel about being featured as one of the “Rising Stars” according to Graciemag?


It is truly an honor. I feel very proud to be recognized in a sport with so many talented and remarkable athletes.


What was your first academy, and what was the atmosphere like?


My first and still current jiu-jitsu academy is the Alliance headquarters in Atlanta Georgia. There has always been an absolutely electrified feel to the place that encourages learning and camaraderie.


Who was your first jiu-jitsu teacher?


Jacare has always been my instructor and has shown great dedication to the sport and his students. He also has a work ethic like nobody else I know.


What can you tell us about your personal history?


There’s not much to say really. I am originally from Atlanta Ga and have lived here all of my life.


What is your academic history?


When I was selecting a field of study for college, I wanted something that would be applicable to jiu-jitsu. I ended up getting my degree in Exercise Science and am currently working on getting my master’s degree in the same field.


What is your jiu-jitsu/martial arts history?


I was originally a wrestler in high school. My coach, Pat Harvey belonged to jiu-jitsu and used to show us (painfully) various submissions. At the end of my third season I thought I’d try it in the off season to stay in shape. I ended up not wrestling during my senior year because I was in jiu-jitsu instead.


What is your family like?


My father trains jiu-jitsu with me and does well despite his age. Nobody else in my family seems to “get” the sport, though they are highly supportive and proud of my efforts. I have an older brother, but he’s more interested in technology kind of things, so sadly, it’s not for him.


Where you an athlete before you got into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?


Not so much. I was a terrible wrestler, but did a little distance running, which kept me in shape. This is the only competitive sport I have ever seriously pursued, and I never really thought of myself as very athletic until recently.


What is your competition history?


I try to compete often, in both the large events and the smaller local ones. I find it to be a great way to stay sharp and stay motivated to continue improving my game. My goal is to compete every month, but usually end up with about ten competitions each year.


What is your proudest Jiu-Jitsu accomplishment?


That would have to be my victory in the brown belt middleheavy division at the last jiu-jitsu world championship. That was when I finally started to feel I had a working understanding of the game.


What are some of your tournament wins?


As mentioned above, I won my weight at brown belt last year. I also placed third in both the pan am and mundial absolutes that year. In 2007, at purple belt, I won the pan am absolute and placed second at the world championships in the absolute.


What is your training regime like, in preparation for big tournaments?


I believe in staying in peak condition through the entire year. Some other guys will train hard in the weeks leading up to a major event, but I’m training hard all year long. This also means that if I hear of a tournament with only one week to prepare, I’ll handle it ok since I’m already prepared for it.


What is your training regime like when there is not a major tournament on the horizon?


It’s pretty much the same as when an important event is approaching. Like I say, I feel better staying sharp and focused throughout the year rather than allow my level to rise and fall.


Do you follow a special diet?


I mainly do my best to eat healthy and get plenty of fluids. I’ll try to eat a ton of carbs for fuel before an intense workout and plenty of lean protein afterwards for recovery. I also vehemently oppose the concept of cutting weight because you will not only be fighting in a weakened state, but also hurt your ability to fight in the absolute division.


What are your overall goals in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?


Overall, I would love to eventually travel and hold instructional seminars everywhere. I also want to win at least one world title at the black belt. Then of course I would like to open and instruct at an academy of my own, but that’s far in the future. Right now is the time to get to work and train hard.


What are your favorite techniques?


The omaplata and the straight ankle lock are my favorites because they are high percentage submissions that can be employed from a variety of positions and present minimal risk of counterattack.


Who do you look up to in Jiu-Jitsu?


I would say Tarsis Humphreys because I love his aggressive style and tough attitude. Cobrinha too because he sets a great example for anyone who has seen him in action. He emphasizes hard training and self discipline within the school and on the mat.


Does anyone else in your family do Jiu-Jitsu


My father does. At the academy he is affectionately known as “Mr. Jim”. We joined jiu-jitsu nearly eight years ago and still both train together regularly.


What are you tips for people who are new to Jiu-Jitsu?


My message would be to stay focused and continue work hard and learn despite any setbacks. Our sport is the most punishing and demanding one of all, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. But the rewards are by far the greatest for those who will learn. Most people who have gone on to receive their blue belt will agree.


Is there anything else you would like to add?


I’d just like to thank everyone who has helped me so much over all the years. There are far too many to name, but they include my instructors Jacare and Cobrinha, my father Mr. Jim, my supportive girlfriend Christine, my training partners at Alliance, and the entire jiu-jitsu community!

Tuesday Beginner Class


We had a new group of guys coming in to train with us so Jacare decided to review the basics.
As a warm up we worked some stances, footwork and Judo throws



Once on the ground Jacare worked escapes from the Mount

Tuesday Lunch Class

Today we started with a stretching warm-up. Next we moved into closed guard sweeps:



Next we moved to a back take off the flower sweep:

Monday, January 25, 2010

Alliance Stars on their way to Lisbon




It’s no secret that Alliance is looking for a clean sweep in all IBJJF Tournaments this year. With the European Championships this weekend in Lisbon Portugal, Jacare and Fabio are leading our army of stars looking to secure our first title of the year.

With the anticipation of the biggest turn out in talent since the tournament began in 2004, winning it will be no easy task. With roughly 100 guys representing “Team A” we are confident that this will be our year!
This is the list of Alliance Adult Black Belts that will be there:
(Notice the surprise at heavy weight)

Alliance Preta Adulto Masculino
Galo Bruno Malfacine
Pluma Fabbio Passos de Alencar
Leve Lucas Lepri
Leve Michael Langhi
Medio Rogel Monsalve
Meio-Pesado Ricardo Oliveira
Meio-Pesado Tarsis Humphreys
Pesado Bernardo Faria
Pesado Fabio Gurgel
Super-Pesado Fernando Di Pierro
Pesadissimo Antonio Peinado

Monday Lunch Class

Today we started with Jacare's yoga warm-ups.

The guys drilling technique:

Jan and Bo:










Devon going to sleep:










The African Assassins:










Jordon and Patrick:










Big Red!










Bobby and Eric:











Next we went with some takedowns:



Next we went into a knee-on belly back take Ezekiel choke demonstrated here by Eric:

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Saturday Class

Saturday mornings are always busy at Alliance. Since most of them (obviously not us because I'm here) don't work on Saturday's there is always a good mix of guys that usually train in the evening as well as the mornings.
Today Jacare focused on Self Defense. He reminded us that even though we don't get to practice it on a daily bases, it is the bases of the Art and therefore very important for us to know all the details.

Headlock Defense



Guillotine Defense


Friday, January 22, 2010

Friday Night Class


Friday night class just keeps on growing. Chris Moriarty has a very analytical style of teaching that everyone seems to be benefiting tremendously from. If you haven't trained on a Friday yet, you are seriously missing out!
For tonight's technique Chris teaches us a pass from half guard to the mount. There is a lot of steps to this pass so it has been broken down in two parts

Part 1



Part 2

Friday Lunch Class

Today we warmed up with pummeling:



Next we moved into takedowns, starting with a low single:



Next we went into a quick guillotine:

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Thursday Night Class Recap

Tonight's class kept with the closed guard theme from this morning, but tonight we were given 2 options when we trap our opponents arm.

Taking the Back



Choke with Arm Trapped

Tarsis!

Tarsis's preperations for the European Championships.

Thursday Lunch Class

Guys a reminder for our videos, if you cannot view them try clearing your browsing history.


Today we started with a Yoga warm up, from there we moved into takedowns. Here is Jacare teaching a duck-under to side control:




Next was a two handed throw from Cobrinha:



Next Jacare taught a closed guard sweep:

Viewing Our Videos

If you are having trouble viewing our videos try clearing your browsing history. This got the videos to show back up for me.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Wednesday Lunch Class

Today we warmed up with some light throwing drills. This was followed by guard retention drills.


Cobrinha teaching Jordan and Patrick:










Pedro and Marc:










D.J. and Bobby V:










Ed and Vlad:












Professor Cobrinha teaching us about guard retention, after the drill we did some specific training: