Braulio 'Carcara' Estima Seminar: 29 February 2004
The Combat Academy and Hereford Contact Karate Club hosted a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Seminar with Braulio 'Carcara' Estima. A black belt from the legendary Gracie Barra Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio De Jenerio, Braulio is a World Champion, and a 4 x Pan American Champion.
Members from the host clubs were joined by a strong contingent from Heath Gait's Falcons, BJJ blue belt Rob Stevens from Gracie Barra Birmingham and even SFUK's own Pooch dusted the cobwebs off his gi to make an appearance. There were also six juniors fighters in attendance.
Upon his arrival Braulio was officially welcomed to the seminar by 10 year old Combat Academy junior Kate Bishop, with the traditional Brazilian greeting "Tudo Bem Boiola!"
Once Braulio had stopped laughing, Dave Coles introduced him to the class and after a warm-up Braulio opened the techniques with a simple but effective guard pass. This naturally progressed into knee-on-stomach, the same guard pass was then linked to an arm-bar.
With his relaxed and friendly manner the students soon warmed to Braulio as he continually worked his way around the class. Escapes from the knee-on-stomach and the arm-bar were then shown as one technique flowed into the next.
Braulio then recapped over all the techniques that he had demonstrated and gave the class 15 minutes to work on aspects of their choice.
In the final hour everyone had the chance to roll with the man himself, heads were shaken in disbelief as all were effortlessly dispatched with all manner of techniques including helicopter arm-bars and an endless variety of triangles. It is a testimony to Braulio's skill and nature that not one person received the slightest knock whilst rolling with him.
Braulio even took time to 'roll' with all the juniors, the smiles on their face as each one 'submitted' Braulio was a joy to behold.
Four o'clock arrived far too quickly, and Braulio thanked everyone for attending the seminar.
After the session Braulio spent a considerable amount of time having photos taken with just about everyone who'd been on the seminar and also signing autographs.
A few of us then went for some healthy fare at the local Pizza Hut where, in between demolishing half the menu, Braulio kept everyone amused with tales from last years Pan Ams.
Another fantastic day with one of the most genuine guys I have met in over 30 years of martial arts training.
