Promotion!

This past Saturday, May 23, at the Debrazil BJJ/Rey Diogo seminar, I received my blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from my instructor Martin Escobar and Rey Diogo, fourth degree black belt under Grandmaster Carlson Gracie. I first started training BJJ in the fall of 2001 in Orono, Maine, and started training under Martin at Debrazil Academy in Fall 2003 when I first came to the U of A. I took about 2 1/2 years off when I got married, but started training again in October 2007.

Martin received his black belt from Rey Diogo in 2004, and our academy represents the Rey Diogo/Carlson Gracie Competition Team at tournaments. In March this year, Martin and Rey were Pan-American champions in their divisions, and the Carlson Gracie Team placed second overall. Debrazil Academy sent about ten competitors to the Pan-Ams this year, and almost everyone returned with one or more medals. Martin provides first rate instruction, and is strongly committed to the development of his students. It is a great privilege to train under him, and I look forward to at least two more years of training and competition at Debrazil. Martin says that the blue belt is probably the hardest to earn; it has taken me eight years off and on, and for me it is one of the most important achievements of my entire life. Thanks Martin, Rey, and all my training partners at Debrazil!!!