Front Row: Prof. Alan Stockman (left), Prof. Justin Morris (center), GMA Schhol Host Prof. Benjamin Salas (right). Photo: Personal archive
Students studying Jiu-Jitsu from across the Midwest traveled to Port Washington, WI to participate in a very unique training experience – guard training from three different black belt school owners! This fun and informative event was presented in the spirit of our art…mutual benefit.
The technical descendant of polymath Jigoro Kano’s Jiu-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and most notably, taking the fight to the ground. It can be enjoyed as a sport or practiced for self-defense.
To most people the defining element of modern Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is most probably the Guard Position. Owing most of its development to the Gracie Family, this primarily defensive position is as diverse as it is effective.
Guest instructors at this exciting event included:
Prof. Benjamin Salas has been training since the early 90’s and holds a black belt under Master Carlson Gracie Jr. Benjamin is an IBJJF ranked competitor and a frequent provider of training to agencies within the law enforcement and military communities.
Prof. Justin Morris is a black belt under Master Marcelo Monteiro, who was a student under and protégé of Master Ricardo DeLa Riva. Justin runs Third Heaven Martial Arts in Beaver Dam and is one of the earlier pioneers of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the state of Wisconsin.
Prof. Alan Stockman runs Carlson Gracie Indianapolis and holds a 1st degree black belt under Master Carlson Gracie Jr. Alan who earned his purple and brown Belts from Master Marcelo Monteiro, is a fluent Portuguese speaker having lived, trained, and fought in Brazil.
Participants in attendance represented many different schools including:
Four Winds Martial Arts – West Allis, WI (Carlson Gracie Team)
One World Martial Arts – Appleton, WI (Jeff Curran Team)
Stockman Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu – Greenwood, IN (Carlson Gracie Team)
Third Heaven Martial Arts – Beaver Dam, WI (Marcelo Montierio Team)
South Elgin Budokan – South Elgin, IL (Carlson Gracie Team)
Seamless Progression Academy – Port Washington, WI (Carlson Gracie Team)
To learn more about GMA Seamless Progression Academy and see more photos from the event go to www.facebook.com/seamlessprogressionacademy
