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I look at the training facilities of Ryan Hall, Paulo Guillobel , Marcelo Garcia or Ari Bolden (Submissions101.com) on Twitter and Facebook and I see their spaces. Just a simple store front or loft space with mats on the floors and walls, a watercooler, registration desk and some place to change and they are set to go. I've always wanted to run my own business and perhaps Jiu Jitsu will allow me to do this. Even if I have to return home to Ireland at some stage Jiu Jitsu may allow me to be self sufficient if I can save some money and afford the rent to set up a training facility as I get closer to my 40's (I am 33 now). When something interests me I begin dreaming. I already see my dream and need to be dedicated to study. The intention is there. I see 'Belfast Brazilian Jiu Jitsu'. I see the spreading of Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu to the UK. I see my Professor, Jorge Britto, coming across to Northern Ireland to give a seminar. It's all possible. A great way to begin might be to even start with a garage. You may laugh at the idea. But this is actually something the Gracies themselves promote - The Gracie Garage. And is part of Helio Gracie's vision to make Jiu Jitsu available to anyone in any city. Join the Gracie Brothers - Part 1 of 3You can learn all about the history and pre-requisites of running a Gracie Garage here So in a tradition that started in 1978* you can, by following the guidelines set forth by the Gracies, find a space and begin instructing others the way of Jiu Jitsu. *The Fightworks Podcast recently interviewed Richard Bresler who was the man Rickson & Rorion Gracie met in Hermosa Beach in the late 1970's (and ultimately placed a vital role in the Gracies starting up in the States) . Check out these 2 'lost videos' from (what might be) the very first Gracie Garage in the USA which feature Rickson, Rorion and Helio. Thanks to Richard for allowing me to use these clips.
Now, obviously, running a Gracie Garage would not lead to financial stability. But it offers a great opportunity to get some basics down in the responsibilities of 'teaching' and sharing your knowledge and building a team of people to train with. I was also thinking about showing up to a park with mats throughout the summer and offering lessons in the park. Seems very organic. Don't expect me to be jumping on this any time soon. Even though you do not need a rank to begin teaching in this manner - I have always said I am not going to even think about giving instruction to anyone (apart from helping at Open Mat) until I have my Purple Belt, which I hope to get at the end of this year. Blue and White belts are really beginner belts. By purple belt - you at least have a definite understanding of Jiu Jitsu and your own game and therefore you should be able to give some guidance and be able to back it up with experience and explaining 'why' you do certain things which is key. Plus it is FREE to start up. A guy can dream... Call me mad - but the idea of a grass roots beginning in teaching really appeals to me. Not that being a 'Garage leader' sounds as cool as running your own academy but - it's going to cost you alot less money to get started while helping to fulfill Helio Gracie's dream of making Jiu Jitsu available to everybody. Imagine the lives you can change - by simply finding a garage and offering free lessons. The ripple effect could lead to great things for yourself and others. First Ever Surprise Gracie Garage Seminar
INFO (from GracieAcademy on Youtube) Gracie Garages are unofficial at-home training centers dedicated to the practice and perpetuation of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. In appreciation for their efforts, Garage leaders are awarded with early access to the Master Cycle, 10% discount on Gracie Gear, free training at Gracie Academy headquarters, and are automatically entered in a semi-annual drawing for a free Surprise Seminar with one of the Gracie brothers. Best of all, no experience is necessary and opening a Gracie Garage is 100% free! This video documents Rener Gracie's attempt to shoot-in on two Gracie Garages for the first ever free Surprise Seminars. For more information on how to join the Gracie Garage family, please visit http://www.GracieUniversity.com |
As I get deeper into Jiu Jitsu my mind is turning to one day teaching (| related articles |
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