Posts for August, 2009


What is the adult belt progression in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

August 30th, 2009
By GBC

White

1 stripe
2 stripes
3 stripes
4 stripes

Blue

1 stripe
2 stripes
3 stripes
4 stripes

Purple

1 stripe
2 stripes
3 stripes
4 stripes

Brown

1 stripe
2 stripes
3 stripes
4 stripes

Black

1st degree (after 3 years)
2nd degree (after 6 years)
3rd degree (after 9 years)
4th degree (after 14 years)
5th degree (after 19 years)
6th degree (after 24 years)

Red and Black:  7th degree  (after 31 years)

8th degree (after 38 years)

Red:  9th degree (after 48 years)

(there is also a 10th degree black belt (colored red as well) limited to the 5 Gracie brothers who were the founders of Brazilian jiu-jitsu:  Carlos Gracie Sr., Hélio Gracie, George Gracie, Oswaldo Gracie, and Gastão Gracie)

For additional information visit the IBJJF graduation system page.

 belt-system_GBA

Professor Russell Black Belt Superfight

August 26th, 2009
By GBC

Earlier this week Professor Russell accepted an invitation to compete against Jorge Brito in a black belt gi superfight occuring on September 20th, 2009 at the 5th Annual Bravado BJJ Open Championships taking place in Toronto, Ontario.

The event draws entries from all over Ontario, Quebec, Michigan, Western N.Y., as far east as the Maritimes, and as far west as Alberta.  Last years tournament drew over 300 competitors.

Click here for further information.

- Professor Russell’s last superfight vs. Joe Bossenberry at Copa Sask 2009.

Paapa Promoted to MFC

August 26th, 2009
By GBC

Here is a great MFC article on Paapa stepping up to face stiffer competition in Canada’s largest MMA promotion The Maximum Fighting Championship.  Paapa’s next fight is on October 2nd in MFC 22 at The River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton (Jason, Buckland, and Ryan are on the card as well).  Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

paapa_mfc

Ft. McMurray Seminar

August 23rd, 2009
By GBC

This weekend saw Professor Russell lead a 2 day BJJ seminar hosted by Gracie Barra Ft. McMurray.  The turnout was great with nearly 20 students attending and all were picking up the techniques demonstrated nicely.

To view additional photos of the seminar click here.

Good Luck Joel

August 20th, 2009
By GBC

Joel Nealon, who had been training with us throughout his summer visit to Calgary from Toronto, had to head back to Ontario this week.  

While here Joel placed second in both the gi and no-gi 170 lb divisions at the Mind Body Soul grappling tournament in Edmonton.  It was his first grappling competition and he had only been training in a gi since his arrival to Calgary. 

Joel quickly became a well liked member of the team and on behalf of everyone at the academy we wish him well.

2 More Belt Promotions

August 17th, 2009
By GBC

Earlier tonight during Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Professor Russell presented 2 belt promotions with Aaron recieving his purple, and Dan getting his blue.  Congratulations to both of you on your well deserved achievements!

Competition Scoring

August 16th, 2009
By GBC

Competition scoring in jiu-jitsu is set up to reward positional advancements against your opponent with the greatest amount of points being given for achieving the most dominating BJJ positions.

2 points are given for a takedown.

2 points are given for a sweep (reversing bottom position).

2 points are given for knee on belly (must hold for 3 seconds).

3 points are given for a guard pass (must have control for 3 seconds).

4 points are given for achieving the mount position (must hold for 3 seconds).

4 points are given for taking your opponents back (must have both hooks in and hold for 3 seconds).

After being rewarded points you cannot intentionally switch positions just to return in an attempt to score more points (ex. knee on belly to side control to knee on belly).

Matches are one round typically 5 minutes in length for white belt beginners and increase up to 10 minutes long at the black belt level.  At any time should a submission be secured the match is over immediately regardless of the score at that point.

For more a more detailed explanation of tournament rules from the IBJJF click here.

Submission Grappling Tournament Results

August 15th, 2009
By GBC

Thanks to all of those who came out this weekend for the submission grappling tournament in Lethbridge and helped us take home 8 medals.  Every GBC member who competed placed within the top 3 of their divisions!

Garrett, Slim, James, and Denis all took first,  Ben and Theoren placed second, and Paapa and McLuvin won 3rd.

See more pictures of the tournament on our Flickr page.

Blue Belt Promotions

August 14th, 2009
By GBC

Congratulations to both Adam and Red Deer Rich on their recent and well deserved promotions to blue belt.  Adam was presented his blue belt in mid July with Rich receiving his at class this past Wednesday.  Several other white belts received additional stripes as well.  Congratulations to all!

GBC is now on Flickr and YouTube

August 12th, 2009
By Jonathan

Just letting everyone know that GBC has now established photo and video channels for everyone to share on Flickr and YouTube.  You can view our club related media by using the following links:

www.flickr.com/graciebarracalgary

www.youtube.com/graciebarracalgary

Cheers!