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 pro cage fighter Danny Batten (a BTT purple belt), his brother ## and purple belt Michael ## (both who train under Carlos Lemos). Julie Williams from the Welsh Kempo Association and Falcons BJJ Royce Gracie Blue Belt, Shaine Redman were also in attendance. The seminar also attracted six juniors fighters which can only serve to get BJJ going at grass routes level.
Running on ‘Brazilian time’ Braulio arrived slightly late blaming the directions I had given him.
Braulio opened the techniques with a simple but effective take-down. This naturally progressed to defence against the take-down and then counters to the defence.
With his relaxed and friendly manner the students soon warmed to Braulio as he continually worked his way around the class.
The focus then switched to the ground where counters to the hooks guard were shown including passes and a gi choke. The defence against a gi choke was examined which then developed into a choke attack from the mount.
Braulio then recapped over all the techniques that he had demonstrated and gave the class a 10 minute talk on BJJ contest rules.
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. A blindfolded Braulio then took on 4 of the juniors at the same time!
Five o’clock arrived far too quickly, and Braulio thanked everyone for attending the seminar. A few of us then accompanied Braulio for some healthy fare at the local Pizza Hut.
Another fantastic day with one of the nicest guys I have met in over 30 years of martial arts training.
