Rodrigo Gracie at the Okinawan Karate School
Click on the image for larger version
Click here to download a printable version of the announcement
Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and MMA fighter Rodrigo Gracie will be visiting the Okinawan Karate School/RGJJN of Pittsfield, MA to provide another amazing three hour seminar. Wedneday 10/1 (6:15PM - 9:15PM)
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is considered to be one of the most effective martial arts and self-defense systems in the world. The Gracie style is a grappling martial art focusing on escape and restraint techniques. The words Jiu-Jitsu translate to "Gentle-Art", emphasizing the use of strategy and technique to overcome an opponent. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is also a great fitness program improving the student's strength, cardio, flexibility, co-ordination, relaxation and confidence.
History
Gracie Jiu-jitsu was developed from the Japanese style by the Gracie family in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In the early 1900’s a Japanese Master and “no-holds-barred” fighter named Maeda began teaching his fighting style to members of the Gracie family. The style was modified for effectiveness in NHB competitions in Brazil known as Vale Tudo. Most notably the smallest member of the family, Helio, refined the style taught by Maeda to emphasize leverage so that it would work regardless of size or strength. Helio became a national hero in Brazil due to his success in NHB fighting despite his size.
Master Helio Gracie
The Gracie style began to revolutionize the martial arts world at large in the 1990’s with the introduction of the UFC or Ultimate Fighting Championships. UFC audiences were captivated as young Royce Gracie, like his father Helio, consistently dominated his opponents despite being the smallest competitor in the tournament. Gracie Jiu-jitsu, also known as Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, is now considered standard training for many mixed martial arts competitors, law enforcement agencies, and military organizations around the world.
Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie
Royce Gracie has been practicing and teaching his family’s style of jiu-jitsu for most of his life. After demonstrating the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-jitsu in the UFC Royce, who had once taught classes in relative obscurity, had become one of the most recognized martial arts figures in the world. Royce found himself in a situation where people around the world wanted to learn his style of Jiu-jitsu. He began to travel the globe to share the style that had impressed so many. With the new millennium, Royce created a network of affiliated schools known as the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network. With the explosion in popularity of mixed martial arts an entire industry has developed around these simple beginnings. Today, when he isn’t training the next generation of fighters, providing commentary for MMA events, or competing himself, Royce continues to teach his jiu-jitsu style to students around the world.
For more information about the RGJJ network click here.
Royce (Bottom) helps nephew Ralek prepare for an MMA fight
Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu of Western Massachusetts
Jiu-jitsu students practicing a takedown.
The Okinawan Karate School has been the home of the Western Massachusetts chapter of the Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu Network since 2002. All instruction is based on the techniques and strategies taught by Royce Gracie. Classes typically begin with warm up exercises and basics. From there students are drilled in throws, take-downs, positioning, escapes, and restraint and submission techniques. Lastly, students perform freestyle drills or grappling. At more advanced levels, this takes on the characteristics of a chess match with each participant playing several moves ahead of the game. Newer students are introduced to this gradually. Classes are run by experienced coaches certified by Royce Gracie. The Western Massachusetts Royce Gracie group also trains individuals who wish to compete in Jiu-jitsu or mixed martial arts competition. Private training is also available.
Freestyle grappling
Success at Jiu-jitsu tournaments
Meeting the Masters
The Royce Gracie Jiu-jitsu of Western Massachusetts frequently sponsors seminars with leading instructors from the RGJJN. Visiting Masters or “Professors” include Rodrigo Gracie, Rolker Gracie and Royce Gracie. Students enjoy the opportunity to learn directly from the originators of one of the most incredible martial arts ever developed. Adult rank certifications are taken very seriously and are given only by visiting Professors.
Rodrigo Gracie seminar
Royce with coaches and members of the Pittsfield jiu-jitsu group
Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu In Action!
Check out our video of Rodrigo Gracie In Action at OKS!
Please Check out our Gallery to download a high quality version (High Speed Internet Recommended)
Class Schedule
Adults
(Ages 12 and Up)
- Monday: 7:15pm - 8:30pm
- Tuesday: 7:35pm - 9:00pm
- Wednesday: 10:30am - 11:45am
- Thursday: 7:35pm - 9:00pm
- Friday: 10:30am - 12:00pm
- Sundays: 10:35am - 12:00pm
