Gracie Barra Knightsbridge Opens in Two Weeks!
Gracie Barra in Knightsbridge: Continuing to Spread Master Carlos’ Vision
The United Kingdom is home to the one of the big names in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. Names like Braulio Estima, Ze Marcello, and UFC’s Dan Hardy shows just a small number of talent found in the country.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has long been a widely accepted form of martial art in the region. With the opening of a new Gracie Barra school in Knightbridge, it is sure help make the vision Master Carlos Gracie Jr.’s to have a GB school in every city of this planet a reality.
A direct pupil of Master Carlos is Lúcio Rodrigues; a 3rd degree black belt with a renowned record in MMA and BJJ. Starting his career in BJJ instructing in Portugal, he moved to the European countries to further spread the art.
He is a 3x world Jiu-Jitsu Pro Cup champion, the same achievement adds in his European Open titles.
The new school will offer courses such as the Fundamentals, the Advanced Class, Black Belts, Self-Defense, and No Gi.
Here’s a short correspondence from the school owner himself.
Knightsbridge is an awesome name for a new school. Can you tell us more about it?
Knightsbridge is the most convenient location, because it can be easily accessed from all parts of London, for the students, this place has a lot of schools around and it’s close to the city where the majority works!
Bullying is a hot topic in social media sites. What’s your stand on it?
I believe bullying is a big problem in every community, bringing many physical and mental problems, with consequences in the rest of the life. So one of our goals is to help every single student who is victim of bullying, using Jiu Jitsu, to become more self-confident and improving the self esteem!
Who will be helping you within the school?
One of the biggest things I learned from Master Carlos Gracie Jr. was How to choose the right people to the right mission. I will be leading the instructing of the academy. With me are Instructor Lucio Sergio (Black Belt 1st Degree), Instructor Paul Hartley (Black Belt), Instructor Marlon Queiroz (Black belt), Instructor Matt Callaghan (Black belt), Instructor Esther Tang (Black Belt). To help with the management, I have Coach Gustavo Morais (Blue belt), Coach Inder Biant (Purple belt)
Your long standing record in winning tourneys. Every competitor has their own style. So tell us about your training, competing style.
Well I am always training, but the biggest thing is to keep a good mind and a good healthy life style! Plus I do a lot of drills and try to fix my mistakes everyday after my classes and my training sessions!
What’s your personal philosophy about jiu-jitsu and the lifestyle that comes with it?
Well Jiu-Jitsu saved my life. Because of Jiu-Jitsu, I learned how to eat well and how to live in a such healthy way, and I have the chance to hangout with the most different people all around the world. I do have the best job in the world!
Lastly, please do send an invite to your school?
I would like to invite everybody to come and be part of our family. Give yourself the chance to be a better and happier person! Start to train Jiu Jitsu, even if not with me, just make sure you are training with someone who will really look after you and teach you the right way and the right philosophy! Oss!
click to follow Prof. Lucio on twitter