Alliance BJJ

Closed for Construction

2012-01-29T12:29:00.000-05:00

We'd like to publicly thank everyone who came out on Saturday and helped us move into our new facility. Due to the bureaucracy of the city of Dunwoody and Dekalb county, we are still in the process of renovating our new location and will not be having classes on Monday as we hoped.

For all the updates and info about when we will be having our first class in our new home watch this spot and check out our fb page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alliance-Headquarters/287886581259669

We thank you for your patients as we build the greatest school in N.America

- Alliance Management

Directions To Our New Location

2012-01-26T16:04:00.000-05:00

New address: 4630 N. Shallowford rd, Dunwoody GA 30338

Directions from our old location

Highway option: Turn left onto Roswell rd. Make left onto 285E. Take Chamblee Dunwoody off ramp and turn left on Chamblee Dunwoody. Turn right on N. Shallowford rd and we are on the right.

Side Streets: Turn left onto Roswell rd. Left on Mt Vernon. Right on Chamblee Dunwoody, Chamblee Dunwoody becomes N. Shallowford and we are on the right.

Directions from the North

400S to 285E. Take Chamblee Dunwoody off ramp and turn left on Chamblee Dunwoody. Turn right on N. Shallowford rd and we are on the right.

75S to 285E. Take Chamblee Dunwoody off ramp and turn left on Chamblee Dunwoody. Turn right on N. Shallowford rd and we are on the right.

85S to 285W. Take Chamblee Dunwoody/N. Shallowford off ramp. Go straight over the first light onto the access road running next to the highway. Turn right onto N. Shallowford and we are on the left

Directions from Downtown

75/85N to 400N to 285E. Take Chamblee Dunwoody off ramp and turn left on Chamblee Dunwoody. Turn right on N. Shallowford rd and we are on the right.

Rapid Fire Purples

2012-01-23T20:56:00.000-05:00

In our latest installment of our in house tournament, our purple belts showed that the biggest difference between blue and purple belts is their ability to finish. Some expected to see some long matches and even stepped out for lunch as the tournament began, only to return with the event already over.

After some exciting finishes it came down to Joey Collins and Jim Brochu. Two men with very different games. Jim got into the final by his ability to set up chokes from odd angles while Joey relied on his leg locks to put him in the finals. After some back and forth between the two, Jim was the one who went for Joey's foot. Unfortunately for him, this played into the big man's game and didn't let the opportunity to exchange go to waste. After some resistance it was Jim who found himself tapping.

Congratulations to Joey Collins who booked himself a spot at Pan in March. Your registration is on us!

Fight For Your Belt Tournament - Blue Belts

2012-01-17T21:22:00.000-05:00

In the second installment of our Fight For Your Belt Tournament our blue belts put on a great show! 21 competitors from our association came to fight for a purple belt.

Match of the day - Record Breaking

We thought the white belts had some long matches, but Philipie Bitencourt and Dexter Rivers took it to a new level. Their first round match lasted 1 hour 46 mins and 25 seconds. An extraordinary battle that came to the brink so many time, but the guys always found some way to hold on. Well almost always.

Philipe went on to win that epic battle, and fought another 2 matches before falling to the eventual champion. Philipe ended up competing for a grand total of 1 hour, 55 mins and 47 seconds. Clearly he was exhausted!

After watching the marathon of a match Jacare decided that 37yr old Dexter River had earned his purple belt. Even though he lost the match, a new belt is a nice consolation

New Purple Belt

Chris Nicolias fought his way to the top of the blue belt mountain on Saturday. Chris requested to delay his official promotion until he competes in the Pan in March. Hopefully Chris will have another dominating performance in Cali

Jacare on The Fight Works Podcast

2012-01-17T20:28:00.000-05:00

Great interview from the founder of 6x World Championship team Romero Jacare Cavalcanti

http://thefightworkspodcast.com/2012/01/08/submission-only-drug-testing-bjj/

And you can listen directly here:

http://www.thefightworkspodcast.com/podcasts/fightworkspodcastepisode253.mp3

Pan Camp 2012

2012-01-10T20:58:00.000-05:00

We are excited to announce confirmation of two champion black belts will be joining Lucas Lepri and Michael Langi at our Pan Camp. Gabriel Goulart and Tiago Rocha will be joining us in March to prepare for the Pans.

This is what we all have to look forward to:

Gabriel Goulart

Tiago Rocha

Alliance In-House Tournament - White Belts

2012-01-10T20:38:00.000-05:00

We had a great turn out for the first week of our In-House tournament on Saturday.
Representatives from Greenville, Gentry MMA, Megaladon, Tekniques and Alliance Huntsville joined our guys on the mat for a great day of friendly competition.

Match of the Day

Special shout out to Derik Wilson and James Godwin who ended up fighting for 54mins and 23 seconds in their first round match. You guys are both worriers, that was incredible!

New Blue Belt

Big congrats to Brian Hutchings who came out on top on Saturday. Brian fought 4 tough matches to be the last man standing and our newest blue belt. Good job to our black belt Casey Banes who is obviously doing a great job in Athens at Megaladon BJJ to have his student win this event.

Keiko Gi's in stock!

2012-01-03T17:57:00.001-05:00

Limited numbers available so act NOW!!!

All GIs are white and customized with Alliance logos and patches


Rip - Stop Pants with Alliance Logos


Hoodies Also In Stock!

For questions or to place orders please contact the school at 404-843-0606

Fight for your belt tournament!

2011-12-24T17:01:00.003-05:00

Email clinton@alliancebjj.com with questions.

Good Luck!

IBJJF Rules in English and Portuguese

2011-12-22T21:24:00.001-05:00

English: http://www.ibjjf.org/docs/rulesibjjf1stedition.pdf
Portuguese: http://www.cbjj.com.br/docs/regrasibjjf-1aedicao.pdf

NOTE:

In 50/50 guard, when attempting a sweep, the athlete takes the opponent down and unlocks his/her legs in an attempt to achieve top position but is unable to complete the sweep movement.

HAHAHA, no more stalling in 50/50 and trying to rack up advantages

Help us renovate our new location

2011-12-15T20:36:00.000-05:00

Please "like" Empower-Green and follow their Twitter. These are the guy's that are helping us renovate our new school. For every person that likes their site they will discount $1 on our renovation cost.

Please follow the link and click at the bottom of the page (Make sure you are signed into your accounts before clicking)

http://www.empower-green.com/

Alliance Holiday Schedule

2011-12-15T16:34:00.000-05:00

We will be closing Friday and Saturday on the Christmas and New Year weekends. We will be having our regular full schedule Monday through Thursday both weeks.

Days Closed

Week 1
Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th

Week 2
Friday 30th, Saturday 31st

Fabio Interview for Fight Channel

2011-12-13T20:53:00.002-05:00

What we have to look forward to in 2012 :)

2011-12-06T17:10:00.002-05:00

Lucas Lepri Coming to ATL Permanently

2011-12-06T13:02:00.000-05:00

Article from http://www.georgiafighters.com/lucas-lepri-coming-to-georgia/

Alliance HQ in Atlanta announces that World Champion Lucas Lepri will be the Instructor at their new Facility opening early 2012 in Atlanta.

Big Georgia Welcome to another Jiu Jitsu World Champ.

Lepri’s dosier is lengthy as he brings his winning ways to Georgia:

2011 World No Gi Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2011 Pan American No Gi Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2011 Pan American Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2011 European Championship Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2011 Abu Dhabi Trial Black belt 74kg CHAMPION

2010 No-Gi Worlds Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2010 No-Gi Pan American Black Belt Middleweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2010 World Championships Black Belt Lightweight 3rd Place-IBJJF
2010 Pan American Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2010 Long Island Pride Black Belt Open Class CHAMPION
2010 European Championships Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF

2009 No-Gi Worlds Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2009 Pan American Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2009 No-Gi Pan American Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2009 Long Island Pride Black Belt Open Class CHAMPION
2009 New York Open International Black Belt Lightweight and Open Class CHAMPION-IBJJF
2009 World Pro cup ( Brazil) Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION

2008 No-Gi Worlds Black Belt Middleweight 2nd Place-IBJJF
2008 Worlds Black Belt Lightweight 2nd Place-IBJJF
2008 Pan American Black Belt Lightweight 2nd Place-IBJJF
2008 Grapplers Quest Pro Division Lightweight CHAMPION
2008 Grapplers Quest Copa Atlantica Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION
2008 Pan-Am Black Belt Lightweight 2nd place-IBJJF

2007 Worlds BlackBelt Lightweight CHAMPION-IBJJF
2007 Mundial in Brazil CBJJE Black Belt Lightweight and Open Class CHAMPION-
2007 Sao Paulo state Black Belt Lightweight CHAMPION
2007 DEEP X No-Gi (Japao) Superfight CHAMPION
2007 Team Brazilian Black Belt CHAMPION-IBJJF

Inside BJJ Article - Ask Cobrinha

2011-12-02T18:54:00.000-05:00

Original Article - http://www.insidebjj.com/2011/12/01/advice-cobrinha/

Rubens Charles, also known as “Cobrinha” – Little Snake – is a 5 time World Jiu Jitsu Champion with the longuest reign in the featherweigh division’s history. This Brazilian competitor from the town of Londrina, is famed for his agressive game inside the matted arena, but he is also an acomplished instructor as he has shown teaching at Team Alliance’s HQ in Atlanta.
From BJJHeroes

Ask the Nail,

I rolled with Cobrinha at a seminar a year or two ago. When I was defending his backmount attacks, it felt like his hands were teleporting through my hands to get at my neck and finish me…over, and over again. What grip fighting strategies do you use to defend the backmount?

From JRockwell

JRockwell,

I will address both situations. Most Jiu-Jitsu players don’t have great back attacks or back takes. I drill that position so that I can take the back even if they only turn away from me a little bit. When someone thinks they can get away, I am already on their back. Some people can take the back but they don’t know how to maintain so that for me is the key. To take the back, people can get there but to maintain is different. It is harder to do but there are a lot of drills we can do to help. One thing I will tell you is that I make the opponent send negative information to their mind. I do this by having such a good seat belt hold that they feel they are in danger. When my seatbelt is on, it’s tight. Then they panic. They try to escape but they cannot and they panic and that’s when I go to their collar.

In regards to defending, you need to trap their arm that goes under your armpit with your elbow and then the one over your shoulder, you need to grab the sleeve while you look towards that side. Then you can escape to the same side as the under arm.

Good Luck!

Cobrinha

Nail,

What is a good strategy against bigger/stronger opponents? Can you provide some examples of sequences of techniques you use to carry out the strategies?

From ChiTownBJJ

ChiTownBJJ,

One thing about training with bigger opponents is you have to be flexible. With larger, stronger guys I play open guard. Spider guard is a great option to maintain the space so you don’t get smashed. Place your feet on the biceps and hold the collar. Try to get omaplatas or sweep. If I can submit, then great. If I can’t, I just sweep and try to maintain the top position. You just have to play smart. The big guys don’t usually choose to put their back on the floor with smaller guys. But if you are smaller, taking them down could be hard or dangerous so play smart and play guard. Just make sure you have a good guard.

Thanks,

Cobrinha

BJJ Advice,

When is it a good time to use the 50/50 guard? What are some good strategies to use it effectively?

From SleepBomb,

SleepBomb,

I used to use the 50/50 a long time ago to sweep and get in a better position but some people now are taking advantage of this position to stall the game. 50/50 for me now is like a virus. What do we do with a virus? We kill it. That’s what we should do with the 50/50. If we love jiu jitsu, that would be the best plan. If it was taught with a purpose other than to manipulate the competition game, it would be good to use. But because competitors today are using it the wrong way, it is no longer a part of my game.

Keep Training,

Cobrinha

Inside BJJ,

What was his [Cobrinha's] gameplan going into the Jeff Glover fight this year in ADCC? He shut him down and I want to know what he was thinking?

From Stubbsy

Stubbsy,

My goal when I step on the mat is to finish. It doesnt matter who I’m going to face. With Jeff Glover it was no different. When i was fighting him, I was just trying to get into a better position to finish the fight. I dont like to have a gameplan with anyone because if I plan something and the gameplan doesnt work, I’ll be in trouble, causing me to send the negative information to my mind. I try to have a complete game and take what my opponent gives to me instead.

Thank You,

Cobrinha

Testimonial From Out of Town Guest

2011-11-30T19:40:00.002-05:00

Hi.

I just wanted to drop a quick line before I fly out, back home to Toronto, to thank you for the training last night. The atmosphere alone makes me want to extend my visit for another week just to train. But on top of that I was able to learn from Master Cavalcanti which was an incredible and humbling experience. Everyone on the mat was exceptionally nice and welcoming, and each roll was challenging in itself.

Thank you again, and see you on the mat’s soon!

Kyle Pindar

Jordonbjj.com Jordon Schultz Newsletter!

2011-11-25T14:43:00.001-05:00

To sign up for my newsletter go here: http://jordonbjj.com

I’ll be sending out a newsletter every few days, and share my MANY secrets I’ve learned on how to excel quick in BJJ, starting strength training, competing, and much more!

Here is a video:

Thanksgiving Schedule

2011-11-21T17:20:00.000-05:00

We will be closing the Gym Thursday and Friday in celebration of the thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen for the 12pm class on Saturday.

Lucas Lepri Seminar

2011-11-20T23:21:00.003-05:00

Preregister online, or by calling the gym before November 30th to save $20!

http://www.alliancebjj.com/online-store.html

Alliance Rio

2011-11-17T15:07:00.003-05:00

Lucas Lepri Seminar Dec 4th

2011-11-17T14:00:00.002-05:00

Lucas Lepri will be doing a Seminar at Alliance Atlanta Main Gym on Dec 4th. Lucas Lepri is a World Champion Black Belt. Lucas is known for being incredibly Technical and an Amazing teacher. The seminar is $50, preregister today and reserve your spot. This seminar will fill up quick!!

Jordon Schultz vs Deigo Saraiva. Grappler Quest Advanced $3000 Absolute.

2011-11-17T11:26:00.001-05:00

Amazing Audio Interview with Master Jacare!

2011-11-16T10:26:00.003-05:00

http://www.submissioncontrol.com/main/2011/11/pioneers-of-the-sport-romero-jacare-cavalcanti/

Shoyoroll fighter Ian McPerson shows how he deals with Deep Half Guard

2011-11-14T20:21:00.001-05:00

New Alliance School in Naples Flordia!

2011-11-10T09:08:00.004-05:00

Today we welcome Giancarlo Russo Battistini into the Alliance Jiu Jitsu Association. Alliance BJJ of Naples became realized as a result of Giancarlo's passion for the teachings of jiu-jitsu. Gian has a vast background in many martial arts such as tae kwon do, judo and Brazilian capoeira. Throughout his journey it became very clear that jiu-jitsu was his calling. Gian had a dream to make it possible for others to learn the great techniques and philosophy of jiu-jitsu. The Alliance BJJ Naples mission is to share with it's students the jiu-jitsu teachings, techniques and lifestyle.

If you are in the area please visit the school:

Alliance Jiu Jitsu of Naples

Giancarlo Russo Battistini

1269 Airport Pulling Road

Naples, FL 34104

(239) 404-0398

alliancenaples@hotmail.com

Interview With Jordon Wallace Schultz

2011-11-08T11:36:00.003-05:00

http://www.submissioncontrol.com/main/2011/11/young-guns-jordon-wallace-schultz/

Jordon talks about trying to make BJJ a career and gives advice on how to do it.

Alliance ATL Girls Dominating GQ

2011-11-06T14:14:00.001-05:00

Congrats to Shereen Fons and Sera Kim for closing out their weight class and finishing 1st and 3rd respectively in the open division.

World Champions once more!

2011-11-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

Congrats to Alliance Black Belts Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles and Lucas Lepri for once again winning the No GI Worlds

Painting Gift for Jacare

2011-10-31T12:09:00.003-04:00

Bobby VanHuynh's girlfriend painted this amazing piece of art for Professor Jacare's birthday. Thank You Ivy!!

Alliance Indonesia Video of Training in Atlanta

2011-10-31T01:46:00.001-04:00

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150342693651748

South Carolina BJJ Open Results

2011-10-30T12:34:00.005-04:00

Jordon Wallace won the advanced, open-weight division taking the cash prize with two submissions. Want to learn some cool moves? Take a personal training session with Alliance Atlanta's most active competitor email him now at jordOn@alliancebjj.com

Congrats to Austin Broach for placing First in Men's feather weight blue belt gi division. He also competed in the open division where he had a hard fought match with a 200lb purple belt.

Fabio Gurgel Mount Attack

2011-10-29T13:03:00.000-04:00

Alliance Apparel

2011-10-28T19:49:00.000-04:00

With the winter weather rolling in, we are stocking hooded sweat shirts at our store.

Jacare requires all Alliance Jiu-Jitsu students to wear our patch on the back of their GI. We now have embroidered patches in red, blue as well as black

If you'd like to purchase any items please see our managers or visit our online store

A week with Fabio Gurgel

2011-10-26T19:43:00.000-04:00

We have been truly blessed to have had a week of training with the The General Fabio Gurgel. We have all benefited from having two masters on the mat watching over our training.

Fabio has been available to us, sharing his expertise and giving us a new incite to our training, teaching and Jiu-Jitsu as a whole.

Thank you for your time, we hope to have you back soon!

Ian McPherson

2011-10-24T23:18:00.001-04:00

Schedule for Saturday October 22nd

2011-10-21T15:11:00.002-04:00

We look forward to seeing everyone. Please spread the word.

Schedule for Saturday October 22nd:
11:00am to 12:00pm - Fundamentals class and Belt testing
12:00pm to 1:30pm - Regular Class
2:00pm to 2:45pm - Black Belt Graduation
3:00pm to 6:00pm - Instructors course Phase II

Phase II With Fabio Gurgel

2011-10-15T13:38:00.002-04:00

Alliance Atlanta is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the General Fabio Gurgel who will be in town teaching the second Phase of our Instructors Course.

Jacare's first black belt and co-founder of our team Fabio is a 4x World Champion and still actively competes. As a present to himself on his 40th birthday Fabio entered the European Championship's Adult division, and won!

Fabio will be with us from the 21st- 27th teaching and training. There are still a few spots available for the course so if you'd like to attend and have completed Phase I please contact the school (404) 843 - 0606

Welcome Benito and Jorge from Panama to our Association

2011-10-12T19:51:00.000-04:00

Alliance HL Vid - by Jonathan "Jamanta" Tooker

2011-10-11T18:07:00.000-04:00

Phase I course complete!

2011-10-09T15:29:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to all the attendees!

Jacare Talks about NAGA, IBJJF, Alliance Online

2011-10-09T15:07:00.002-04:00

New Belts in Croatia

2011-10-07T12:07:00.001-04:00

Dear Professor

Training with Fabio was great, he is a great men and a coach and i hope it was nice to him as well it was to us.He gave the belts to Ilija and me and we are very happy and proud because of that.Now that i am your black belt i will try further to justify your trust and make our team even better.

Please when you find some time send us the certificates.I hope you are good and will be able to travel soon so you can visit us.

Thank you for everything you did for me

Phase 1 This Weekend

2011-10-06T20:54:00.000-04:00

With Phase 1 starting on Saturday we still have 3 spots available. For last minute registration please call the school at 404-843-0606

Cobrinha interview after ADCC - Graciemag

2011-10-06T20:36:00.000-04:00

Article written by: Marcelo Dunlop
October 5, 2011

Rubens Cobrinha submits David Marinakis in his first match in Nottingham. He would also defeat Baret Yoshida and Jeff Glover. Photo: Daren Bartlett.

One of the big names of ADCC 2011, our GMA Rubens Charles Maciel returned to his academy in Hollywood, California, from England with a silver medal. It’s not the color of metal he wanted, but life goes on – and his classes, too.
After getting a special prize from his students, “Cobrinha” broke down ADCC 2011 and addressed what he learned at the quaint biennial tournament and from the final against the winner, Rafael Mendes.

How was your return to the academy?

Couldn’t have been better. I got a cake and a dinner from my students and family. My students and family are the ones who drive me to keep competing. I’ll tell you more, I feel in better physical shape than I did when I was 20.

So will we be seeing Rubens Cobrinha fighting for a fifth Jiu-Jitsu world title, in 2012?
As far as I’m concerned, yes, you can expect to see a Cobrinha who’s much better prepared than at the last competitions, especially since my students will be much more technical by then, so they can help me more in training.
What’s your break down of ADCC 2011, on September 24 and 25?

The ADCC was awesome! OF course there are some things that could have been better, like the refereeing, for instance. They still get muddled over point-scoring sometimes. I don’t want to cry over spilt milk, as my mom would say (laughs). But, for example, the IBJJF is overhauling the rules for next year. I have high hopes the changes will be for the better and the matches become more dynamic, with more submissions, more pleasing to watch, and not a festival of defensive stances that stall the game and make the matches tedious. I feel the refereeing department needs to be made professional to avoid partisanship. In my opinion that would be a huge contribution from the federation. And – who knows? – other tournaments might follow suit.

Rubens at the academy, in photo by Exequiel Videla / Personal Archive

What do you make of your ADCC campaign?

I feel I had an excellent campaign, at 95% of what I could do. And as Sheikh Tahnoon says, silver is a cornerstone of the world economy, of inestimable worth (laughs)! I can’t complain, if just because I fought really well, attacked for most of the time and was given a penalty point that no one has been able to explain to me so far [pulling guard in the final against Mendes]. But the main thing is that I rediscovered my desire to fight and compete – even if it’s just to show that Jiu-Jitsu has to stay in constant evolution, rather than merely getting stuck in defensive positions, as is the case with the 50/50 [guard].

Have you gotten over the negative point yet?

Like I said, I feel I fought really well and didn’t deserve the penalty point; that’s why it’s not about “getting over” the result. I’m in great physical and mental shape, and I was ready for another 40 minutes of overtime. But like I said, the ADCC was important in that it reawakened my appetite for competition, so… on to the next one.

What’s the main thing you learned from watching some of the matches? Did you derive some worthwhile lessons from watching Renzo vs. Zé Mário, for instance?

I was impressed by Bráulio’s supermatch [against Jacaré] because he demonstrated how much he has studied Jiu-Jitsu. It was nice to be able to see him compete again, because I learned a lot from the match. Now seeing Renzo and Zé Mário was great for our sport, as it’s always nice to bring in the people who did so much to develop our Jiu-Jitsu. And to me to be able to talk about Renzo has been an honor lately. Every time I go to Abu Dhabi with him I get a bunch of private classes (laughs). I’ve been learning a lot from him, not just when it comes to Jiu-Jitsu techniques but also in terms of life experience. What’s more, he’s in excellent physical shape, which I think comes down to the superfoods diet he’s been on.

Is there any lesson or final word you’d like to pass on?

I want to thank all the people who helped me prepare for the ADCC – my students, family, friends, Marcelo Garcia, Michel Maia, Pedro Lott, Renzo, Fabio Gurgel, my sponsor Keiko, and especially Sheikh Tahnoon for having provide the training camp of my dreams in the lead-up to the tournament.

The cake, a present from students to the toughest ex-delicatessen in Jiu-Jitsu

Marcelo Garcia interview after ADCC

2011-10-06T20:18:00.000-04:00

Goodbye and Good Luck Pedro Torres

2011-09-30T19:44:00.000-04:00

Very sad day for us at Alliance Atlanta because we are loosing our good friend Pedro Torres. Pedro has been training with us for the last 2 years, but now will be returning home to Orlando FL. We wish Pedro the best of luck, he has been a great training partner and friend

Marcelo = Greatest of All Time?

2011-09-29T18:18:00.000-04:00

This is a guest post by T.P. Grant, part of the Bloody Elbow Grappling Coverage Team.

Marcelo Garcia is one of the most popular fighters in the BJJ community. Known as 'Marcelinho', he is a member of the trinity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, along with Roger Gracie and Ronaldo "Jacare" Souza. This past Sunday Marcelo may have set himself apart by winning his fourth ADCC championship.
An accomplished BJJ middleweight (163 lbs), Marcelo is a five-time world champion at the black belt level in Gi Jiu Jitsu. He entered the ADCCs fresh off of wining an IBJJF championship and in the first two rounds Marcelo dispatched Davis Heart and Vitor Estima in less than two minutes combined with his patented guillotine from mount.

In the semi-finals, Marcelo faced the young and hungry up and comer Kron Gracie, son of legend Rickson Gracie. Kron, a black belt since 2009 and still seeking his first World Championship, was trapped in a stacked division with veteran competitors. In his semi-final match with Marcelo, Kron locked on a guillotine choke that appeared very tight. Marcelo admitted he thought about tapping, but resolved to fight until he passed out and managed to escape.

Marcelo won the match on points, but it was the sternest test he had faced in years. In the finals Marcelo faced Leo Vieira - a 2x ADCC champion who once fought an almost 100lbs heavier Mark Kerr to a stand-still. Marcelo quickly defeated Vieira with a triangle from mount. Marcelo finished the two biggest grappling competitions of 2011 not only as the champion, but without a single point being scored against him.
With this victory Marcelo Garcia moves into a class of his own as the most decorated ADCC competitor. Roger Gracie's greatness stems from domination with fundamentals, Jacare Souza's from physical brilliance, while Marcelo's stems from technical brilliance. Marcelo's creativity and innovation has lead him to create amazingly effective, deviously simple and detail heavy sweeps.

Marcelo realized as he was progressing towards black belt that at the highest levels of BJJ, submissions from the back had become the exception instead of the rule and focused his guard game on sweeping rather than submitting. Marcelo mastered the butterfly guard and then adapted it to the super technical X-Guard and tinkered with both positions with and without the gi.

Marcelo is still a young man, in his late twenties, and has a long grappling career still ahead of him. While Roger Gracie's accomplishments are well-documented and his ability to pass the guard and submit seemingly anyone will always earn him a spot among the all-time greats, Marcelo Garcia stands alone as the pound-for-pound greatest living grappler. Nine of the most prestigious gold medals in submission grappling hang in Marcelo's closet and the technical innovations make him a once in a generation type talent, akin to Carlos and Helio Gracie the original innovators of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Felipe's Graciemag Ad

2011-09-29T17:33:00.000-04:00

New Alliance School in Hawaii!

2011-09-28T15:55:00.005-04:00

Alliance Jiu Jitsu is proud to announce our fist affiliated school on the beautiful island of O'ahu, Hawaii!

Head instructor, Rexie Barnum began training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in 1991 after moving to Hawaii from California. After 18 years of training, Rexie Barnum was promoted to black belt in 2009. Rexie Barnum has participated in various competitions throughout his career and continues to participate in competitions, always striving to improve himself and keep in touch with the direction of Jiu-Jitsu for his students. Aiming to provide a great place where students can call "home" and are "family" while learning the art of Jiu-Jitsu, Rexie opened his academy in 2007.

Rexie Barnum dedicates much of his time to the academy and his students as he teaches most of the classes and makes it a priority to teach and train with all his students. The academy also strives to support the community and participates in service projects.

The Academy offers programs for children (beginning from 4 years old to 12 years old), teens (from 13 years old to 17 years old), women (Gi), adults (both Gi and No-Gi) and a program for "Master Senior" adults (over 30 years old). The Academy strives to offer training for all individuals: from the serious competitor to the person who simply enjoys the art. Alliance Hawaii's mission is to help students reach their goals, whatever they may be and make them a part of their growing family.

School address: 94-1388 Moaniani Street, Unit 227, Waipahu, Hawaii 96797

School phone number: 808-222-7967

School contact email: info@alliancebjjhawaii.com

School web address: www.alliancebjjhawaii.com

Ian and Jordon take home cash in Advanced Absolute

2011-09-24T18:40:00.003-04:00

This Saturday, Ian McPherson and Jordon Schultz traveled to Blue ridge Georgia where they dominated the rumble in the mountain's advanced gi under 170 and over 170 divisions.

Jordon won his division taking home the cash prize only having one match. Ian closed out his division with Rafael Rosendo Dos Santos from Alliance Greenville. Ian and Rafa were kind enough to have a friendly final match as a symbol of their respect for each other.

ADCC Final Brackets

2011-09-22T19:29:00.000-04:00

The ADCC (Abu Dhabi Combat Club) Submission Wrestling World Championship
24th and 25th September 2011
Capital FM Arena.
Nottingham, England
Friday: Weigh in and rules meeting at the arena at 3pm
Saturday: Competition start at 12pm
Sunday: Competition start at 12pm
Weigh-ins will be on Friday after the rules meeting and both days Saturday and Sunday before the first fight.
Superfights:
Mario Sperry vs Renzo Gracie (Sunday, September 25, 2011 before the ADCC Absolute Semifinals)
Jacare vs Braulio (Saturday, September 24, 2011 Last match of the day)
MEN'S

-65.9kg
1. Rafael Mendes. Brazil (current champion, ADCC 2009)
2. Greger Forsel. Finland (European trials winner)
3. Marko Ramos. USA (North American trials winner)
4. David Marinakis. Australia (Oceania trials winner)
5. Tetsu Hadairo. Japan (Asian trials winner)
6. Jeff Glover. USA (second North American trials winner)
7. Bruno Frazzato. Brazil (South America)
8. Timo-juhani Hirvikangas. Finland (Second European trials winner)
9. Ryan Hall. USA (confirmed invitation)
10. Rubens "Cobrinha" Charles. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
11) Barret Yoshida. USA (confirmed invitation)
12) Rani Yahya. Brazil(confirmed invitation)
13) Robson Moura. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
14) Jeremy Umphries. USA (confirmed invitation)
Denny Prokopos. USA (confirmed invitation)(out injured)
15) Tom Barlow. England (confirmed invitation)
16) Justin Rader (confirmed invitation)

-76.9kg
Pablo Popovitch. (current champion)(Moving up to 88kg)
1. Jorge Britto. Brazil (European trials winner)
2. Vagner Rocha. Brazil (North American trials winner)
3. Davis Hart. Australia (Oceania trials winner)
4. Sanshiro Nakakura japan (Replaced Gomi)
Takanori Gomi. Japan (Asia trials winner)(Looks to be out))
5. Enricco Coco. USA (Second North America trials winner)
6. Murilo Santana. Brazil (South American trials winner)
7. Daniel Strauss. England (Second European trials winner)
8. Marcelo Garcia. Brazil(confirmed invitation)
9. Clark Gracie (confirmed invitation)
Gunnar Nelson. Iceland (confirmed invitation)(Moved to under 88kg)
10. Leo Viera. Brazil(confirmed invitation)
11. JT Torres. USA (confirmed invitation)
12. Kron Gracie. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
Gregor Gracie. Brazil (confirmed invitation)(Out injured)
13 Victor Estima Brazil (confirmed invitation)
14. Augusto Mendes “Tanquinho”. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
15. Claudio Calasans Brazil (confirmed invitation)
16. Jason Manly (confirmed invitation)

-87.9kg
1. André Galvão. Brazil (current runner-up – Bráulio will face Ronaldo Jacaré in superfight)
2. Marko Helen. Finland (Europe)
3. Kyle Griffin (confirmed invitation)
Rustam Chsiev. Russia (North America) (Out Injured)
4. Cameron Rowe. Australia (Oceania)
5. Jeon Doo Kwang. South Korea (Asia)
6. James Harbison. USA(confirmed invitation)
JJ Holmes. USA (North America)(never responded to adcc)
Claudio Calasans. Brazil (South America)(Moved to 77kg)
7. Zbigniew Tyszka. Poland (second European trials winner)
8. Pablo Popovitch. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
9. Rafael Lovato jnr. USA (confirmed invitation)
10. Romulo barral. Brazil (confirmed invitiation)
11. Rousimar Palhares. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
12. Sergio Moraes. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
13. Paulo Filho. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
14. David Avellan. USA (confirmed invitation)
15. Dan Schon. Mexico (confirmed invitation)
16. Gunnar Nelson Iceland(was in under 77kg)

-98.9kg
1. Xande Ribeiro. Brazil (champion)
2. Kari Peltola. Finland (Europe)
3. Joseph Lee Baize. USA (North America)
4. Igor Praporshchikov. Australia (Oceania)
5. Animal Anzai. Japan (Asia)
6. James Poupolo. USA (North America)
7. Augusto Ferrari. Brazil (South America)
8. Kamil Uminski. Poland (second European trials winner)
9. Lucio "lagarto" Rodrigues. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
Roger Gracie. Brazil(confirmed invitation)(out)
10. Rodolfo Viera. Brazil(confirmed invitation)
11. Joao Assis. Brazil(Confirmed invitation)
12. Dean Lister. USA/Brazil (confirmed invitation)
13. ???
Robert Drysdale. USA (confirmed invitation)(out)
14. Radek Turek. Poland (confirmed invitation)
15. Antonio Peinado (confirmed invitation)
16. James Brasco (confirmed invitation)

+99kg
1. Fabricio Werdum. Brazil (champion)
2. Janne-Pekka Pietiläinen. Finland (Europe)
Mario Rinaldi. USA (North America)(Out)
3. Luke Costello uk(confirmed invitation)
Lucio "lagarto" Rodrigues. Brazil (confirmed invitation)(moved to under 99)
4. Mick Wilson. Australia (Oceania)
5. Sekine Hideki. Japan (Asia)
6.Rodrigo Artilheiro (confirmed invitation)
Jared Rosholt. USA (North America)(never responded to adcc)
7. Gabriel Vella. Brazil (South America)
8. Mateusz Juskowiak. Poland (took second in trials but winner already had invite- Europe2)
9. Jeff Monson. USA (confirmed invitation)
10. Bruno Bastos. Brazil(confirmed invitation)
11. Roberto "cyborg" abreu. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
Antonio ”bigfoot” Silva. Brazil (confirmed invitation)(out)
12. Jarrod Bunch(confirmed invitation)
13. Vinny Magalhaes . Brazil(confirmed invitation)
14. Geraldi Rinaldi. USA (confirmed invitation)
15. Fereira Jose Junior. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
16. Alexander Trans. Denmark (confirmed invitation)
WOMEN'S

-60kg
1. Luanna Alzuguir. Brazil (champion)
2. Lara Jayne Ng. Australia (Oceania)
3. Hashi Takayo. Japan (Asia)
4. Cathilee Albert. USA (North America)
5. Michelle Nicolini. Brazil (South America)
6. Sara Svensson (European trials winner)
7. Krya Gracie. Brazil (Confirmed invitation)
8. Rosi Sexton. U.K (confirmed invitation)

+60kg
1. Hannette Staack. Brazil (champion)
2. Fiona Muxlow. Australia (Oceania)
3. Penny Thomas. South America (North America)
4. Talita Nogueira. Brazil (South America)
5. Devi Ahuja. Norway (European trials winner)
6. Gabi Garcia. Brazil (confirmed invitation)
7. Ida Hansson (confirmed invitation)
8. Katrina Weilbacher(confirmed invitation)

Langhi Bros Highlight

2011-09-18T22:07:00.002-04:00

Graciemag article: Cobrinha ready for ADCC next weekend - Ivan Trindade

2011-09-18T11:37:00.000-04:00

There aren’t many athletes qualified for or invited to the ADCC who have a CV quite like Rubens Charles Maciel’s.

Cobrinha, a five-time Jiu-Jitsu world champion who in 2007 captured featherweight gold without so much as an advantage point scored against him, will put it all out there at ADCC 2011, as he told GRACIEMAG.com in an exclusive interview: “The event itself has lost a bit of importance to me. Of course I still like the championship a lot and will put in an effort to become champion. I always liked the ADCC, but what I liked most was preparing for the ADCC”

On Joel Tudor's back in 2009

Taking the post of runner-up in the under-66kg division in 2009 after an historic, 40-minute final with Rafael Mendes, Cobrinha decided to innovate in preparing for the 2011 event: “This year I did things a bit differently. I started training in Los Angeles with Michel Maia and Pedro Lott and then headed for New York, where I trained with Marcelo [Garcia], Lucas Lepri, Antônio Peinado, Piui, Gabi Garcia and the other Alliance students there.”

If the stay in Manhattan already featured such a stellar cast to train with, what’s to say about Cobrinha’s subsequent training tour? He tells it himself: “To wrap up I came to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed [founder of the ADCC]. Here I had the welcome surprise of a dream training camp, with Renzo and Rickson Gracie, as well as the Sheikh himself.”

With Marcelinho in NY

The training and time spent with such a select group furbished Cobrinha with extra weapons with which to take on the other aces of the under-66kg division when competition time comes in Nottingham: “Having gone through all these preparations, I’m more than ready to face my opponents. And I even added a few more secrets to my game.”

Being the champion he is, Cobrinha is always in it to win it, however, as he reveals candidly, “After all this training, what will endure in my memory forever is the knowledge I acquired from these legends of the sport. To me that’s worth even more than an ADCC title.”

Don’t forget to stay tuned to the GRACIEMAG at the ADCC blog for all the latest and greatest on ADCC 2011.

Oma Plata Technique by Jordon Wallace Schultz

2011-09-16T15:11:00.002-04:00

Link to his youtube page: http://www.youtube.com/user/triangulo6

Anyone interested in private lessons or seminars please contact him. Group rates available. BJJ black belt Jamel McCurry had this to say after a 3 hour seminar with Jordon

‎"World Champion Jordon Schultz gave one of the best seminars I've ever been too! I'm so glad I didn't miss this one... priceless!"

Graciemag interview of Felipe “Zicro” Neto - Ivan Trindade

2011-09-15T16:45:00.001-04:00

GMA member school Alliance Tallahassee is a safe place if you are looking for a top class Jiu-Jitsu training facility in Florida. Its leader, Felipe “Zicro” Neto lives the gentle art 24/7 and is restless in improving his teaching and management skills to bring more and more benefits to his students.
In this quick interview, Zicro, who started Jiu-Jitsu at 17 years old at the legendary Master Academy, in Rio de Janeiro, under Master Romero “Jacaré” Cavalcanti, talks about his views on Jiu-Jitsu and what and how the gentle art can turn everyday people into more confident and successful persons.

Did Jiu-Jitsu change your life?

Felipe “Zicro” Neto: I think that not only Jiu-Jitsu, but also any well-oriented sport can change people’s lives. I’ve been into sports since I was a child, with judo at 6 years old. I encountered Jiu-Jitsu as a teenager, a time of our lives when we make the passage from family to broader social relations. That’s an especially dangerous phase because we can get in touch with new experiences, not always good ones. I cannot say that Jiu-Jitsu changed completely my life, but I can sure say that it strengthen my values, such as discipline, respect, honor, integrity and loyalty.

Is there a secret for owning a successful academy?

Zicro: That’s a question I hear often and a hard one to answer. To me, the most important quality a professor/owner of a Jiu-Jitsu academy must have is to like what he or she does, which is to help people to develop. To be a great teacher being a great champion is worthless if that is the only thing you developed during your career. You have to know how to communicate and organize, to deal with delicate situations, have creativity, leadership, be persistent, responsible and to know how to transmit your technical knowledge. Those are things you learn at school, so I consider vital to have a degree, preferably in Management or Physical Education.

What gives you more pleasure, to turn a white belt into a black belt champion or to turn a lonely and shy child into someone with great self-esteem?

Zicro: Competitions bring me a lot of satisfaction, but Jiu-Jitsu is the environment that I try to create in my academy, more family oriented. Other than athletes, teenagers, women and children develop themselves daily on our classes. To see a housewife learn to defend herself, an executive to vent his stress, an overweight person loose weight and a lonesome guy or girl not only learn Jiu-Jitsu but make a lot of friends is something priceless.
For more info, go to alliancetallahassee.com.