GJJR! EP 63   Year End Recap featuring clips from 2016 episodes

Mark Marins, Gracie Jiu Jitsu black belt and  owner and head instructor of (North Vancouver BJJ (NVBJJ). is an accomplished Jiu Jitsu practitioner with over 20 years of experience. He’s also a black belt  in Kodokan Judo and has used it to compliment his Jiu Jitsu. In this interview Mark discusses his start in Jiu Jitsu, training in Brazil, the variety of camps/instructors he been involved with, the Gracie academy instructor program and implementing the GA programs at his school,  the upcoming Steve Maxwell visit, and more.

Pedro Sauer Black Belt, Allan Manganello, is the founder and head instructor of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Louisville, in Louisville, KY. He has over 35 years of martial arts experience and is also currently a police officer in Louisville, KY. Professor Manganello received his Jiu-Jitsu training from Masters Rickson Gracie and Pedro Sauer. He was awarded his Black Belt from Master Sauer in 2006 and currently holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt.  During the interview Allan talks about the recent  Pedro Sauer fall camp, his recent trip to England, his long history in the martial arts (including studying under Cynthia Rothrock and Gene Atheroe),  the GST program (and his upcoming GST class at his academy) and the importance of this training for law enforcement officers, and his the expected arrival of his new baby boy!

In this Episode Ryron Gracie returns to the show to discuss what make the best sparring/training partner, why people leave Jiu Jitsu, how often to roll hard, and to share a big announcement.  

Rob Kahn, Royce’s first black belt, and owner and head instructor of Gracie Tampa, a gym that has produced numerous UFC fighters, as well as several Abu Dahbi competitors and champions. In the interview, Rob discusses his training at the Gracie Academy in the early days and how Rorion Gracie’s teaching style influenced his teaching style, his MMA career and coaching MMA fighters, training several Abu Dabi competitors, No gi training, working with special operations soldiers and the wounded warrior project, his hobbies and interests off the mat, and his special relationship with Master Royce Gracie.

Tom Tom Callos is a veteran martial arts teacher, martial arts activist, and martial arts business coach who has helped countless people grow successful businesses, and even more important, become better, more fulfilled people. Tom is a high level  black belt in TKD under Ernie Reyes jr and a Brown belt in BJJ under Elliot Kelly and Gustavo Enriquez. He was BJ Penn’s first BJJ coach and is the father of Keenan Cornelius (and , world champion BJJ competitor. Tom recently won gold in his division at the BJJ worlds. In this interview he discusses everything from corresponding with Rosa Parks, his sons Keenan and Shannon, training BJ Penn, attracting more students and teaching what’s really important (not just techniques), what  “The Ultimate Black Belt Test”  is, and how it’s  like Joseph Campbell's “The Hero’s Journey;” the Alabama House Building Project, his portrait  artwork, promoting your school/academy through community impact; and how he believes success is measured by how you’ve affected your family, your friends, your students, and your community….if not the world..

Master Pedro Sauer is an 8th degree RIckson Gracie black belt. He is a world renowned teacher and considered to be one of the most technical instructors in the world. He has been an ambassador for Jiu Jitsu for decades, first proving it's effectiveness through challenge matches, and then spreading the word about Jiu Jitsu through his organization, the Pedro Sauer BJJ Association, his academy, and seminars, etc. 

Marty interviews the one and only Royce Gracie. Royce Gracie is a true martial arts legend. Because of his victories in the early UFCs, he started a martial arts revolution and open millions of people’s eyes to the power of Jiu Jitsu. He has inspired countless people (including myself) to study Jiu Jitsu and continues to spread the word around the world and in 2003 became the first fighter inducted into the UFC hall of fame. In this interview Royce talks about the early UFc days, the influence of his father, growing up with his brothers and cousins, his mother, what inspires him, working with Bellator, traveling and teaching Jiu Jitsu, time off the mat, and more.

Mike Moses, BJJ black belt and Owner/ head instructor of Evolve Academy of Mixed Martial Arts in Gaithersburg, MD. Mike discusses his martial arts background and history (including having Black Belts in 5 different martial arts and time training with Lloyd Irvin, Frank Cucci, and Pedro Sauer, and doing “mini UFC” type events back before the UFC started), what’s made him successful, executive protection experience, his competition days, deciding to complete the Gracie Academy ICP and making his school a certified training center (CTC), and living in the moment.

Dave Porter is a very accomplished martial artist and Master Pedro Sauer’s newest Black Belt. He is also an instructor at Professor Sauer’s headquarters in Herndon, VA. Dave talks about his martial arts background and experience, how he got started in Jiu Jitsu, serving in military, his favorite hobbies off the mat, his recent seminar in NC, etc. 

Dave Porter is a very accomplished martial artist and Master Pedro Sauer’s newest Black Belt. He is also an instructor at Professor Sauer’s headquarters in Herndon, VA. Dave talks about his martial arts background and experience, how he got started in Jiu Jitsu, serving in military, his favorite hobbies off the mat, his recent seminar in NC, etc. 

In this episode Marty interviews “Little Tony” Pecenski, 3rd degree BJJ black belt and Co-founder of the Jiu Jitsu Global Federation (JJGF)

 Alex Stuart,  Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black Belt and n instructor at the Gracie Academy (aka Jiu Jitsu Heaven) in Torrance, CA. In this interview Alex discusses his start in Jiu Jitsu, becaoming an instructor, some JJ practitioners he's never rolled with but would love to, his hobbies, being a father, his Jiu Jitsu philosophy, and the huge impact Jiu Jitu's had on his life......

Professor Hopkins  is a 3rd degree Pedro Sauer Black Belt. He is head of Team Hopkins Jiu Jitsu, with affiliates in several states. He has been practicing Gracie Jiu Jitsu for over 25 years and is a highly respected teacher and practitioner.  In this interview he discusses his start in Gracie Jiu Jitsu, the early days, his association, his relationship with Master Sauer, attending the first UFC, etc.

Grandmaster Relson Gracie, second oldest son of Grandmaster Helio Gracie. GM Relson is head of the Relson Gracie association, as well as the Relson Gracie Academy in Honolulu, HI.  Winner of countless street fights as well as Brazilian National Jiu Jitus champion for many years, GM Relson is a true pioneer and legend in Jiu Jitsu. Through the years he has touched countless lives by staying true to, and spreading his father's Jiu Jitsu. In this interview GM Relson discusses growing up in the Gracie family, his father's influence on him, his mother, self defense, competition, and living the Gracie lifestyle.

Marco Moreno, Relson Gracie Black belt, as well as Gracie Academy Black Belt, Owner of The Basics Gracie Jiu Jitsu in Leesburg, VA

In this episode Marty speaks with Fabio Santos, 7th degree jiu jitsu coral belt (black & red) awarded by Relson Gracie (and Rickson Gracie Black Belt). Fabio talks about being a former student of the legendary Rolls Gracie, training with Rickson and other Gracie family members, coming to the United States in the 1980’s, his thoughts on competition, self defense, his academy in San Diego, and living the Jiu itsu lifestyle.

In this episode Marty interviews Rickson Gracie black belt Eric Silver. Eric is a very accomplished martial artist who holds  a sixth-degree black belt in Wado-Ryu Karate as well as being one of only a handful to be promoted to black belt directly from Rickson Gracie. He owns and operate Zanshin Dojo in Nashville, TN. Eric is also a very accomplished musician, having toured and/or recorded with artists ranging from country stars The Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain, jazzers David Grisman and Victor Wooten to pop legends Cyndi Lauper and Donna Summer. His playing can be heard on recordings from Keith Urban to superstar Shania Twain's 40-million selling album, Come On Over. He has written hits for artists like Diamond Rio, Michelle Wright and the Dixie Chicks, who took his song, "Without You," to number one on the Billboard charts.

Marty interviews the 1st Pedro Sauer black belts to attend/complete the Gracie Academy ICP: Robbie Singh, David Kristic, and Alan mangenelo

He also interviews Gracie U students who recently completed the ICP: Ron Wilder and Bill Oestereich

In this episode Marty interviews Roy Dean.  Roy is a 3rd degree black belt in BJJ under Roy Harris. He is a world renowned Jiu Jitsu instructor through his seminars and his very popular DVDs and online videos. Roy has recently completed his book Becoming the Black Belt: One Man’s Path in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu One Man's Journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In this interview he discusses his book at length, his start in martial arts, twists and turns in his journey, who's influenced his life the most, yoga, etc.

Interview with Chris Saunders, Rickson Gracie's first American Back Belt and instructor at Gracie academy Beverly Hills. Chris talks about his journey, including his start way back in the 80's through present day, his time in Brazil, competition, the Gracie academy ICP, etc. 

Todd Tanaka is a Relson Gracie black Belt. He owns and runs Team HK/Todd Tanaka Relson Gracie Academy (which is also a CTC through the Gracie Academy) in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is a long time practitioner and has been very involved in the Relson Gracie association for many years. He has a wealth of  Jiu Jitsu experience and insight, and spreads this to all his students.