End of year seminar

What a great end to a fantastic year. We opened our doors for the first time on June 13th 2016 and in our first 6 months have grown into an already established school with many wonderful students who have shown full commitment and support. So far this year we have seen one of team members compete in his first tournament and win silver medal in his category. We got to meet Rolles Gracie, Daniel Strauss and Professor Carlos Lemos Jr in some very enjoyable seminars. But to top it all off, we attended our end of year seminar at Gracie Barra Bath hosted by Professor Salvatore Pace. With 4 black belt instructors on the mats, Professors Salvatore Pace, Jason Tripp, Richard Weatherall and newly awarded black belt Harvey Dine, we were truly privileged to learn from such experienced high level and truly inspirational martial artists. We began the night with a presentation where Harvey Dines received his hard earned, very well deserved black belt from professor Salvatore Pace. Harvey then took to the mats to demonstrate some fantastic self defence techniques showing us distance management, pulling guard and control techniques. Richard then took over, showing mount control and some very interesting side control arm and shoulder locks. Jason carried on the theme transitioning from knee on belly to north south position finishing off with a nice shoulder lock and showing a great defence to being swept from knee on belly. Professor Salvatore then proceeded with a very effective defence to knee on belly position transitioning to open guard. From open guard we transitioned from Omoplata, triangle and short arm bar and then to sitting guard to a sweep ending up in side control. The night was ended with an awards presentation and student promotions. Students of Professor Salvatore Pace and affiliate schools who were in attendance were then awarded their hard earned grades. But the high light of the night was for me to stand up in front of everyone and with Professor Salvatore Pace by my side, promote students and team members of Gracie Barra Marlborough who have shown full commitment, loyalty and trained hard. Paul Stephens , Matthew Stephens, Lynda Andow, Nigel Holborow, Stephen Todman and Tom were all awarded hard earned grades after many months of continued attendance, many hours of being on the mats training and embracing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I feel privileged to share the mats with such wonderful people. We have also grown our Future Champions Kids class where we have a great time learning Jiu Jitsu through games and technical demonstrations. We have also seen first promotions of our Future Champions.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy new year. Let's look forward to a great 2017.

Gracie Barra Marlborough