Rodrigo Gracie MMA Seminar
September 5, 2008
USBA is a great place to train! Here’s an example: a couple of weeks ago, we were “advised” by Master Kravitz, at the conclusion of training on a Monday evening, to attend the class on Wednesday. No reason was offered, only that we would “really be glad we did,” and that we did not need to bring our sparring gear, as is normal for our Wednesday night adult class. Staff was tight-lipped about Master Kravitz’ secret…
Well, Wednesday soon arrived. Arriving at class early with some anticipation about what awaited, and leaving some extra time for stretching, I figured out quickly that we had a special guest instructor — Rodrigo Gracie had come to Orange County and was “in the house” at U.S. Blackbelt Academy.
What a great class it was! We learned a sequence of techniques beginning with two counters to a jab, chosen purposely to set up a takedown. After the takedown, we were taught to properly set up for a submission. After the end of this terrific MMA class, Rodrigo stayed to also teach the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu class at 8:30pm. During the Jiu-Jitsu class, we learned an impressive sequence of positions, reversals, submissions, and escapes.
Rodrigo Gracie is a great instructor….his directions are specific, and he is a stickler for keeping things precise and smooth, stopping and correcting us when we were even slightly off the mark. The biggest challenge for me was remembering the huge amount of material we learned in two classes that evening!
I was also excited to learn that the night’s events were not a one-time treat. Instead, Rodrigo Gracie will be teaching monthly at USBA a mixed martial arts seminar as part of our regular curriculum! He has also agreed to assume the role of head MMA coach, and to guide our MMA program at USBA. I guess it is now time to order my fingerless MMA gloves from the Online Proshop.
Thanks to Master Kravitz and USBA staff for putting together yet another great addition to our school!
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