I recently returned from our annual Gracie Humaita Jiu-Jitsu 2019 Meeting in San Diego. I must say what a wonderful time it was and how much I always come home renewed and rejuvenated to teach more inspiring classes, and of course implement the new ideas I have learned over the 4 days of training. I am guilty of sometimes not being so enthusiastic before leaving (it’s hard to leave the school and students, as well as a lot of preparation to do before going), however I never regret going and thoroughly enjoy the experience.
This time around was a little different than normal. I usually partner with friends, however it did not happen this time around – and to my surprise I really enjoyed having different training partners each time, grew from learning with them and made it a different experience.
The first day was a seminar with Crosley Gracie and that was just a wonderful treat to learn from another person in the Gracie family. There is a long line of Gracie family members both on Helio and Carlos’ sides of the family. The second day I was training with Omar, 4th degree Black Belt who still competes in his 40’s. The third day I was training with Milton, he is a big name on the competitive side of Jiu-Jitsu. You would have never known this by training with him, he was friendly, kind, and such a pleasure to have as a training partner.
As the week goes by I end up having three seminars in total. The last two were with Rorion Gracie and Pedro Valente; the wealth of knowledge and the way these gentlemen speak and articulate themselves is truly amazing. We also spend a full day with Master Royler and Rolker Gracie reviewing the self defence.
Being in this organization for over 14 years, I can truly say how important it is to know your self defence but also be able to apply your self defence. It’s just as important to be part of a team, learn and grow from each other, and help support our journey in the Martial Arts; whether that be as a competitor or recreational student. The students at Gracie Humaita Barrie have expressed their enjoyment of the new implementation of warm ups, how we learn from our posture and of course the self defence for street application.
The best way to describe being part of our team is this: a drop of water from the ocean is part of the ocean, however if its separated from its source then its no longer a whole unit. Once that droplet returns to the ocean, it becomes whole again and is part of the source. This holds true with the Annual Meetings, getting together, collaborating and returning to the source – Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with Master Royler and Rolker Gracie. This team is just incredible to be a part of and I can’t wait for next year!
Professor Trevor Lewis.
