Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu (Carlson Gracie Team) sets up an arm attack against his opponent at the 2010 BJJ World Championship. Photo courtesy cohost Dan.

Although now two weeks ago, the 2010 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship is still a major topic for discussion. How many times do you get to see the world’s best jiu-jitsu practitioners all in the same building at the same time, competing against each other? There is so much to talk about!

With that in mind, we brought back our good friend and Brazilian jiu-jitsu scribe Kid Peligro. I don’t think Kid needs much introduction as he’s been on The FightWorks Podcast several times in the past but suffice to say he’s been documenting jiu-jitsu technique and events for the better part of a decade, and is (of course) the author of The Gracie Way.

Kid and I will recap the 2010 BJJ Mundials considering the big players as well as some themes you may have missed in the event itself.

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (recommended)
[mp3] Download the show

Bruno Malfacine received by his Alliance teammates after his victory over Caio Terra for the 2010 rooster weight gold medal. All images courtesy Cohost Dan.

by Philippe Balmant

I traveled from New York City with the (mG)inaction team to Long Beach California for the 4 day Mundials event for my first time ever. I found myself in a feeling of Jiu-Jitsu Nirvana. When first arriving at the Walter Pyramid I was blown away. This looks like something out of the movie Stargate. I said to myself, “What a perfect venue to host the Mundials.” Once inside the electricity is running through my body. I felt a great festive atmosphere inside the Pyramid. This event marks my first time linking up with the entire Alliance team. Meeting Mestre Jacare and the General Fabio Gurgel to me was worth the trip alone. Watching the white/blue belts competing in 8 rings at the same time kept me looking everywhere.

The acai stand was my source of a much needed refreshing energy boost when one was needed. I limited myself to two acai bowls per day. One thing was obvious from jump street, that this energy I felt was only going to go up, till the black belt finals on Sunday exploded in full effect! From Friday through Saturday the matches were coming and going non stop. One thing I found hard was when there were 3 or 4 world champions fighting in different rings all at the same time, now that was crazy. When Sunday June 6th arrived, where there were 8 rings are now only two.

There is a connection at the Mundials, like to the BJJ life source we all share, within your own team, between academies from fighters to supporters. It’s a high dose of Jiu-Jitsu on its biggest platform with a sprinkle of a carnival type atmosphere. I fell in love with it. My best experience was meeting Rickson. My favorite moment was when my professor Marcelo Garcia won his 4th black belt Mundial title, even though the last 8 seconds had me on Skype with God. Yes!!!!

Great matches, great victories, gracious defeats, quick submissions, a back and forth war, by 1 point, by 1 advantage, or by judges decision, with BJJ history being made. Mega props to Roger Gracie. The 2010 Mundials had it all. By the end I had pretty much lost my voice, was running around on pure adrenaline and hollering at Caleb and Dan from The Fightworks Podcast. Podium, medals, pictures. That’s all folks. Except for the voice of Tony Torres still in my head saying, “You have now been DQ’d………” Nobody says it better than that guy.

A few hours later with a celebratory dinner for team Alliance, the General gives us our first toast in which he brings to light that today June 6th 2010 marks 28 years since the legendary Mestre Rolls Gracie passed away. With Alliance winning its 5th World title, and Mestre Jacare receiving his red & black belt, our entire Alliance team ended this amazing night with joy, laughter and happiness.

- Caleb

The author and his Alliance teammates.

The Tayta Submission Championships in Lima Peru. All images courtesy Dev Kostal.

by Dev Kostal

I missed seeing (and competing in) the Mundials in LA this year. I am currently training in Lima, Peru at Sniper Fight Sports under black belt Leandro Torres. Sunday saw the second annual Tayta Submission Championships, held in the Nacional Videna (Sports Complex) in Lima.

Facility
The Videna is a sprawling complex that was originally built for national-level training for various sports in Peru. Over the past years, it’s seen its fair share of usage, and sadly, it shows. There are still dozens of soccer fields, and a bunch of other facilities, but the building they use for grappling (wrestling, BJJ, submission (how they refer to no-gi), judo, etc) is fairly worn.

Nonetheless, it was sufficient for the number of competitors there (probably 200 or so), and it provided the backdrop for some fantastic displays of submission wrestling. There are a total of 4 mats in the facility – 2 set up for wrestling, and 2 tatame that are used for karate and judo classes. In fact, when we got there (and through part of the tournament) a judo class was going on.

Level Of Competition
They had separate divisions for novice, intermediate, and advanced, as per usual, but in the end it seemed like the novice and intermediate divisions got kind of crushed together to make fights. Because of the size of the competition, I thought this was pretty realistic, and it guaranteed a couple fights for people to advance in a division.

I personally had never competed in no-gi before, and had entered this competition on a whim, just to get some good experience. Part of my apprehension was my complete lack of knowledge of foot and leg locks, which, as it turned out, was oddly prescient. For me, this constitutes a large part of the difference between gi and no-gi competition, as you see a few very significant modifications in strategy that can make a world of difference.

The weight divisions were set up every 5 kg, which isn’t exactly IBJJF standard, but it was fine. There were divisions at 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, and 90 kg.

Organization
If I’m being honest, it was pretty bad. I heard about the tournament word-of-mouth through some guys at the gym, and tried finding any information on google. Nothing whatsoever. I finally got an email address for one of the organizers from a buddy to sign up. When I emailed, though, the organizer said just to show up at 9 AM for the weigh-in. At face value, I’m okay with this, since NAGA does (or used to, anyway) at-the-door signups.

So about 10 guys and I showed up at 9, and we waited. Around 1030 the food guys showed up and started prepping. A guy went around then and started cleaning off the mats, too, which was a good sign. Around 1100 some of the organizers got there and set up the PA system, and we had weigh-ins. Weigh-ins also included hand-written signups.

About 1200 they started calling people up to the announcer’s desk to pay for their entrance. It was 20 Peruvian soles (about $7) to enter, so it’s tough to complain about that.

Shortly after that, the announcer started calling divisions to confirm names. He went through all the divisions except mine, conveniently. I went up and asked, then 2 other guys from my gym, including the coach, went up and asked about the 85 kg division. He waved us all off, saying he’d get to it. It didn’t inspire confidence, needless to say.

About 2 PM, fights finally started, 5 hours after I’d been told to be there. Again, for $7, it’s tough to be hugely critical, but the guys were touting this as a pretty high-level competition in Peru, which I don’t know that I’d agree with.

The rest of the tournament went okay, or at least as well as one could expect with one guy doing the announcing, the bracketing, and the timekeeping.

Officiating
Again, I’m trying to be fair here. This was, for all intents and purposes, a local competition, sort of an “in-house.” So they pulled “refs” from the guys that were there. A couple of the guys were really good, and obviously knew what they were doing. On the other hand, a couple were completely out of their element. Time was kept from the head table, not on each mat, so most of the refs had no clue how much time was left, and if fights went out of bounds, the clock just kept running. The reffing was really just ad hoc. It was, I suppose, sufficient for a friendly in-house tournament, but no more than that.

Additionally, I was astonished to see two of the refs out there in their shoes on the mats. I haven’t had too much of a problem so far with mat cleanliness, but that was a bit silly.

I’m unclear as to which rules they were actually following, but each match was five minutes, except the advanced division, which I think was 8. If a fight was tied after time was called, they had a 1-minute overtime. If it was still tied after that, it went to “first point.” Honestly, I couldn’t see a reason for the 1-minute round. Almost none of the overtime fights were decided in that period – they all went to the “first point” round.

My Matches
I had three fights in total. My first two fights went into overtime, and then to “first point.” In the finals, during a scramble, I got caught in a footlock that I never saw coming. Good job to my opponent.

Overall Thoughts
I was obviously the only gringo in the building, and as I cruised around in my American Standup fight shorts with a big American flag on the front, I was definitely the subject of some side conversations. That said, everyone was fantastically nice and accomodating for my terrible Spanish and my exceptionally average grappling.

At the end of the day, all problems with organization aside, $7 for a full day of grappling – and a whole new experience – wasn’t a bad deal. Yeah, I missed seeing the Mundials finals, but I saw some excellent grappling on display, and I met a bunch of fantastic, energetic guys all of whom just wanted to train and compete.

- Caleb

The author in second place.

The following email was submitted to us here at Powerlifting Watch, and the issue is basically as old as our sport itself. The author's name has been omitted, but we encourage you to read his/her letter and then participate in our latest Powerlifting Watch poll.

Former UFC lightweight champion B.J. Penn, one of the biggest names in the sport's history, today joins MMAjunkie.com Radio an in-studio guest to discuss his newly released book, "Why I Fight: The Belt is Just an Accessory," and his pending rematch with title-holder Frankie Edgar.

Also joining the show are Don Frye, who takes part in a "Don Fryedays" personal-advice segment, and The Sunday Junkie winner, Ravyn Summers.

MMAjunkie.com Radio begins at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) live from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino's Race & Sports Book. Listen to and watch a video stream of the two-hour show at www.mmajunkie.com/radio.

Powerlifting Watch is pleased to announce a new monthly feature called, “The Power Vault”. The Power Vault will be a monthly powerlifting history piece writtent by Ron Fernando. Fernando is considered by many as the "John Grisham of Powerlifting".

Ron’s powerlifting credentials span almost 30 years and are impressive, both as a high level national and international competitor, USA international coach and many times published author, including the first fictional novel on powerlifting, “The Iron Factory”.

The MMA News recently had the chance to do an email interview with Dr. John Spencer Ellis of the MMA Conditioning Association. The MMA Conditioning Association is a division of the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), an international fitness association, established in 1992.

They offer fighters the chance to take their conditioning to the next level using cutting edge science and the latest training techniques. Membership with the MMACA also offers gyms a chance to access their team of experts who offer the latest information on MMA business strategies and science.

TheMMANews: Tell us a little bit about your product and how you came up with the concept?

Dr. JS Ellis: The MMA Conditioning Association is a division of the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), an international fitness association, established in 1992. It holds the prestigious NCCA National Accreditation for its Personal Fitness Trainer Certification. I have been a fitness educator and martial arts for nearly 20 years. My martial arts background is in kung-fu (2nd degree black belt). I now study BJJ, Krav Maga, Muay Thai and boxing. A crazy mix, huh?

It’s obvious that strength and conditioning has become a more important part of MMA, just as the fine tuning of the striking and ground game has made the fighting more technical and exact. There are and have been so many theories and strategies of what works and what doesn’t. I wanted to synthesize it into a system that gives proper foundation and asks the right questions when developing a conditioning program.

TheMMANews: Is this a program for someone just getting into the MMA training, or does it offer something new for even the advanced trainers and fighters?

Dr. JS Ellis: Great question, and one that is often asked. This is a big reason for
adding science and credentialing. All too often, a person will watch a Youtube video or read an article about a top UFC fighter’s conditioning program and then run out and do it. Bad idea! We go into great detail about assessments, testing, observation, progression, tapering and feedback.

One size does not fit all. However, there are principles, science, and logic that are common threads through all successful training methods. This program can benefit the MMA coach and fighter who wants to know the science, application of the science and strategies for high levels of achievement. Many fitness professionals and sports conditioning trainers are signing up to be a part of the MMACA. No other association or certification offers this type of high-level and specialized training. I’m sure many hardcore MMA enthusiasts will also go through our training program for their personal growth and benefit.

TheMMANews: What is your vision with the MMA Conditioning Association is this something you feel you can build into a global brand?

Dr. JS Ellis: It will definitely become a global brand. NESTA has already educated and certified over 45,000 fitness professionals in over 50 countries. We now have better technology, a better team, and this is the best program we’ve ever developed. The MMA Conditioning Coach Certification will take MMA to the next level just as the UFC has done.

TheMMANews: What different fighters and trainers did you work with in coming up with the program?

Dr. JS Ellis: This has also been a common question, and one that should be asked. Aside from our team of exercise physiologists, sports dietitians, biomechanists, sports trainers, personal trainers, kinesiologists and fitness business experts, we have partnered with top level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling, Muay Thai and Boxing coaches. There is a detailed faculty list on our site. I can tell you that a great addition to our faculty is Martin Rooney. Aside from being one of the world’s leading MMA conditioning experts, he is an Olympian, physical therapist, judo black belt, and author of Training for Warriors. This is a short list. The dude is a stud!

TheMMANews: How much would the program cost trainers looking to incorporate it into their current programs, and what would be included with that price?

Dr. JS Ellis: When we launch on Thursday, January 21, we have a crazy low price for the education, certification and business program. As for cost to implement an MMA conditioning program into a business; this can vary quite a bit. It can range from zero cost to a few thousand. You can offer certain aspects of MMA conditioning programs, or you can do it all. A fully equipped gym will likely have to invest very little if anything. It’s about structure, programming and marketing.

TheMMANews: For someone that buys the program, will it include any upgrades or new exercises once they plateau with the current training program?

Dr. JS Ellis: Yes! That is beauty of the MMACA. The initial education program is 30 days. I know some people want to finish faster, but there is simply too much information you will learn. It would be impossible (seriously) to read, watch, listen,practice and understand all the material in less time. It’s really pushing it to get it done in 30 days. You can take your exam in 30 days if you are ready, but you have a total of 120 before you have to test.

After the initial 30 days, members begin to receive access to the MMACA Inner Circle. This is where we take everything much further. This is the place where you get exclusive content covering new training methods, techniques and research from around the world. You also will learn how to make money in the MMA industry. I will personally teach you how to build a successful conditioning business in a variety of ways. Regardless if you are an athlete, fighter, coach, traditional martial arts school owner, or fitness pro, you will learn multiple business models and revenue streams. The Inner Circle is not a news site (you guys do a great job with that).

I also want to emphasize The MMACA does not instruct or certify coaches in specific fighting strategies or styles. Fighting demonstrations are given in videos to show application of a specific training/conditioning technique or theory.

TheMMANews: Tell us why this program is a must buy for anybody training MMA?

Dr. JS Ellis: There is just too much to know about too many specific topics for any one person to have all the answers. Our team of experts have been working on this for 2 years. They come from 20 difference disciplines. If you want to take your MMA conditioning to the highest level, you have to be on the cutting edge of science and application. Our program will be constantly updated. And, the Inner Circle will provide members with new information on MMA business strategies and science.

If you are interested in the MMA Conditioning Association and MMA Conditioning Coach Certification, get details at http://www.mmaca.net.

Rodrigo Gracie. Photo courtesy Rodrigo Gracie.

Bruce Hoyer, a regular contributor to the FightWorks Podcast and owner of Next Edge Academy sends us this quick interview with Rodrigo Gracie, author of several books on Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts fighter.

The FightWorks Podcast: Growing up a Gracie when did you start training Jiu-Jitsu?

Rodrigo Gracie: I started training at 4 years of age. Growing up being a Gracie can be a bless or a curse. You have to be tough and exceptional cause otherwise it will be a curse.
 
The FightWorks Podcast: For folks that don’t know you, give a little background on yourself?

Rodrigo Gracie: I’m the grandson of the founder of Gracie jiu jitsu Carlos Gracie and the son of Reylson Gracie. I was taught under my Father,but I also trained with my uncle Rillion, my cousin Renzo and I’m currently living in California where I train with my cousin Royce.

• Pride 19 and 24 Champion
• Pride Bushido 1 and 2 Champion
• K-1 heroes Champion
• Abu dhabi Champion
• New York Grappling Challenge Superfight Champion 
• 4 time NAGA superfight Champion

The FightWorks Podcast: You wrote Path to a Black Belt, what made you write this book?

Rodrigo Gracie: I wanted to make Gracie jiu-jitsu easier for people to teach and learn. The book its great for instructors and students to improve. 

The FightWorks Podcast: In the book you breakdown basics more than most books, do you feel this is an area where other books are lacking?

Rodrigo Gracie: There are a lot of great books out there but some of them don’t explain the whys. A lot of practicioners of the art when they execute the techinique have no idea why it works or why they put their hand, feet, head, shoulder, hip, etc in a certain way. Every little step has it reasons.

 The FightWorks Podcast: Also in the book you speak of subjects like using different body types and strengths like taller guys developing good guards, can you expand on this?

Rodrigo Gracie: Gracie jiu-jitsu its like water,it adapts to any form.It doesn t matter if you are tall, short, fat, flexible, strong, etc, you can find the right techniques that will be good for your body type. An example is the triangle from the guard: it doesn’t mean that its impossible for a person with short legs from applying a triangle on a big partner but for a person with long legs it will be easier to do it.

The FightWorks Podcast: When some one first comes to you to learn Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, what are some of the ideals you try to instill in them?

Rodrigo Gracie: Lots of repetitions and lots a drilling. The teacher has to know the right time for the student to start sparring. I’ve seen many people getting injured or frustated cause they don’t know what they are doing.
 
The FightWorks Podcast: Any plans for another BJJ book?

Rodrigo Gracie: Yes, I’m coming out with a advanced no gi book.
 
The FightWorks Podcast: We saw you compete several times in the ADCC’s, but not much as of recently, what are you plans for BJJ competitively?

Rodrigo Gracie: I love watching those talent guys going at the ADCC but I prefer training for MMA. I’ll be back in the cage in 2010! Took some vacation time but I know where I belong.Time to have some fun in the ring again.
 
The FightWorks Podcast: Who are some of the guys that  helped shape your style of grappling?

Rodrigo Gracie: My father and my cousins.
 
The FightWorks Podcast: Where are you teaching these days?

Rodrigo Gracie: I travel in the US and overseas teaching seminars. I currently live in Los Angeles , I go train in Long Beach at Neutral grounds with Evaldo Lima and to Hollywood Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with Shawn Williams.
 
The FightWorks Podcast: We haven’t seen any crazy hair colors from you lately. Was that just a phase or will we see them again?

Rodrigo Gracie: That was some crazy times lol.
 
The FightWorks Podcast: Where can folks get more information about you? and anything you would like to bring up?

Rodrigo Gracie: Go on my websites:

• www.virtualgracie.com (online training with me)
• www.rodrigogracie.com (my official website)

Rolls Gracie celebrates a victory at the 2007 ADCCs. Image courtesy Rolles Gracie.

After a long annual winter hibernation, The FightWorks Podcast is back! Our first episode of 2010 will help you shake off the holiday lethargy and return to the mats to train Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

We start off with a conversation with combat athlete trainer extraordinaire and author Martin Rooney. Martin is the author of the popular Training for Warriors and Rooney will give you specific steps to make sure that you don’t let the new year pass you by. If you follow Martin’s advice 2010 will be a great year for your BJJ and physical training.

Next we will speak with Rolles Gracie. Rolles runs his own academy in Holmdel, New Jersey and can often be found in Renzo Gracie’s Manhattan academy. He recently caused some ripples in the BJJ community when it was announced that he awarded a black belt in jiu-jitsu to Rashad Evans, who does not come from a jiu-jitsu background. (Got an opinion? Share it in our poll). Rolles will discuss his reasoning for giving Evans his black belt, and we will also talk about Rolles’ upcoming UFC debut at UFC 109 in February.

Finally we will introduce the work of Alex Rosenstein, a fellow jiu-jitsu practitioner and psychology researcher who is investigating the positive effects that training jiu-jitsu has on a person. Like fellow BJJ researcher Bryan Hogeveen, Rosenstein’s important work will help us understand why jiu-jitsu is so good for people. Please participate in his work by taking this short online survey!

[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (recommended)
[mp3] Download the show