Teaching the art of Self-Defense

Monday, December 31, 2007

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Teach the art of self-defense

 Carioca fighters achieve success with school in Miami by saying no to violence.

 For three generations one of the Valente’s family foundations’ has been the philosophy and the practice of Jiu-Jitsu taught by Grand Master Helio Gracie.  Guided by their grandfather, Syllo Valente, and the father, Pedro Valente (Vasco’s Doctor), the three brothers Pedro, Guilherme, and Joaquim grew up on the mat and now are continuing those same traditions in the United States.

 Contrary to what some might think, the brothers are not participating in tournaments, but rather teaching a martial art.  Following Grand Master Helio Gracie’s philosophy, the three created a training center, Gracie Miami Jiu-Jitsu Academy, in Florida, to teach self-defense to its students.

 The academy, established in 1995, has enrolled more then 600 active students between the ages of 3 and 80.  Besides their regular pupils – Students, executives, and other professions - the school also offers specialized courses to the U.S. Army and the several police departments in Florida.

 “The Jiu-Jitsu philosophy that we follow is different from the predominant sportive mentality found in Brazil. Our mission is to give our students the tools necessary for them to defend themselves with their bodies.   Now we are working with some divisions of U.S. Army returning to Iraq; which is very gratifying to us, to be admired by them for what we do even though we are not Americans.”

 The brothers also teach athletes from the NBA and NFL, and believe that Jiu-Jitsu is a great complement to these athletes training.

 “The players come to us looking for a complement to their activities.   They can achieve better results by increasing their self-confidence and physical condition”, says Pedro.

 Hillary Clinton

The Ex-First Lady Hillary Clinton, currently running the U.S. presidency, organized a symposium on early child education and praised the work done by the Brazilian, primarily on the improvements in concentration, discipline, and motor skills gained by children engaging in martial arts training.   She also promised, if she wins the election, to introduce martial arts training in the educational system.

 “It’s great to see the results of our work, especially when you are been recognized, but also the visible improvement of our students, especially in their self-confidence.  We are rescuing the traditional Jiu-Jitsu, which is been forgotten by the Brazilians, and it’s working well in America”, explains, Guilherme.

 On vacation in Brazil, the three brothers went to visit Grand Master Helio Gracie, with his 95 years of age has not retired from the mats.