Testimonials

360 degrees and upside down! That is the best way to describe my experience over the last six months with Gracie Barra Jiu-jitsu. I remember hearing about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the early nineties, when the first UFC fights were televised. What was immediately apparent to me was the legitimacy and undisputable effectiveness that Brazilian Jiu-jitsu possessed. Having been a competitive athlete my entire life, I understand the requirements associated with developing in sports and life.

However, I traditionally adopted a seasonal attitude and philosophy towards the sport in which I was training and competing at the time. With the passage of time and age, this flawed paradigm lead to me gaining more weight than I had ever carried before. When I signed up in September of 2008 at Gracie Barra Huntington Beach and started training under Professor Filipe “Jerry” Oliveira, I weighed 250 pounds.

I did my first tournament (South Cal Classic) six weeks later and fought at the 221 pound weight class. I did the US Gracie Nationals in January and fought at 205. At the season opener on February 21th I fought at 207.5. For me Gracie Barra Jiu-jitsu and the Legacy that Mastre Carlos and Helio Gracie have left is a phenomenal testament to the best humanity is capable of. Living in San Diego but being registered at Huntington Beach I split my training between Professor Oliveira and Professor Dominick Parker.

To my ever increasing surprise not only was this not an issue but I was welcomed by Professor Parker and treated as much as a family member in San Diego as I was in Huntington Beach! With the foundation clearly laid I was now training between four and five times a week at two schools. Most importantly, I was not just undergoing a physical change but emotional and spiritual rebirth.

I have control over both my personal and professional lives. My attitude is the best I has ever been. And as a result those who care close to me all ask what am I doing differently? I want to thank all the professors who dedicate themselves to our beloved art. I want to thank my fellow students of all ranks who keep in mind the necessity for humility and learning. And finally, I want to thank my two sons (one of whom is now a student), and of course my best friend and wife for life, Liza.

Mark Dearing

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has changed my life by making me stronger physicaly and mentaly.
Train hard, train good train Gracie Jiu-Jit su!

Shawn Luketic

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