Toronto BJJ gets ready for Royler Gracie, Xande Ribeiro & Copa Ontario

Wednesday, 14 April 2010 11:59

The next 2 weeks at Toronto BJJ will be great for the team.

We have the legendary Xande Ribeiro teaching all next week, Professor Britto returns from Brazil to the academy to lead the team into Copa Ontario and we have Master Royler Gracie returning for the second time for a special seminar with limited space.

If you have been fortunate to have trained with Royler Gracie you will know that he is one of the happiest guys you will ever meet. The thing that I took from his last seminar that really stands out was his joy. Joy of Jiu Jitsu. He still holds his father, Helio Gracie, in the highest regard and to be honest - the group picture you get at the end is worth the cost of the seminar.

Royler Gracie Seminar 2009

During his first visit to our academy we learnt old skool Gracie Jiu jitsu self defence as well as many moves that were 'invisible' to me before. Royler always spends time speaking and sharing his experiences and always has a smile from ear to ear. For a Jiu Jitsu fighter, to be able to spend time with a Gracie and learn directly from the source is not something you can put a dollar value on. I left the last seminar beaming with happiness (and new Tshirts, DVD's and Patches lol)

It's an amazing experience to learn from one of the men who gave our Professor his Black Belt and I look forward to being part of this seminar also. (Monday 26th April)

I'm also really happy to learn that Xande Ribeiro will be amongst us again next week (April 19th onwards). Xande is in town for Copa Ontario and will help the Toronto BJJ students polish our techniques in the days before we compete. Xande comes to our school 2-3 times a year and everytime I have added something to my game from his teaching. He also was one of the guys who presented me my Blue Belt. Xande is not the same as his brother Saulo. He is more relaxed and you will notice that right away. His knowledge of Jiu jitsu runs deep and the opportunity to add new tools in your tool case is something that we are very fortunate to have access to.

with Xande and Professor Britto just after getting my blue belt in 2009...

And the reason everybody is here in the first place, Copa Ontario II, is shaping up to be another historic tournament for Toronto.

The 2 day tournament held at Downsview Park will offer fighters an experience unmatched in the city. Not only do we have 2 days of international level competition and experience (including an inter-team challenge) but there will be some cool cats hanging out at the championship.

In attendance:

Royler Gracie, Xande Ribeiro, Andre Negão (IBJJF Ref), Maurilio Ninja Rua (Dream & Pride), Jack Bateman (W1 MMA), Mauricio Veio (Evolution Thai), Gracie Mag, The Fight Network & more

And it's important to remember that Copa Ontario supports some great charitable causes in our community such as the Yonge St Mission and Daily Bread Food Bank. It's a perfect chance for the Jiu Jitsu community to play an active role in helping those less fortunate that ourselves. Everybody should bring 2kg of food to donate.

You can still register at CopaOntario.org - each competitor will get a FREE event T Shirt & GracieMag.

Look for you on the mats!

& train hard!

Scott