Once again an impressive number of students packed the main mat at Valente Brothers to show their support and camaraderie. Congratulations to all new belt holders.  

The ceremony will commence following the Fundamentals class. Blue, purple and brown belts will be awarded.
 

As the current Influenza Virus (H1N1), known as Swine Flu, continues to spread around the world, we would like to remind our friends and fellow Jiu-Jitsu practitioners about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  The same principles of Jiu-Jitsu that enable any person of small stature to defeat a giant in a potential street confrontation, will also aid in preventing sicknesses such as the flu. Grandmaster Hélio Gracie always repeated the famous dictum attributed to Rousseau: “there are no diseases, only sick people.”  He strongly believed that we could avoid illnesses by taking care of our bodies.
In order to increase our health and immunity we must remember to maintain a healthy diet full of fruits and raw vegetables, exercise regularly and rest plenty. The regular practice of Jiu-Jitsu represents a complete and beneficial form of exercise that keeps our bodies strong and flexible. It is also essential that we focus on our personal hygiene. Washing our hands regularly and keeping not only our bodies, but also our clothes, homes and cars clean, characterize a clever way to avoid sicknesses. Breathing fresh air and spending time outdoors are also recommended for optimal health. Finally, we would like to stress the value of positive thinking. It is a proven fact that stress can substantially weaken the bodies’ defensive mechanisms.  Consequently, we should always be thankful for all the positive aspects of our lives and think creatively to overcome any obstacles, which represent an opportunity for our personal progress.

The Valente Brothers and Jiu-Jitsu champ Raymundo Diaz having a good time outdoors.
 

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Helio Gracie Tribute Video Highlights

On February 7, 2009, the Valente Gracie family had the opportunity to once again thank Grand Master Helio Gracie for all his teachings and contributions through out an amazing life of hard work, courage and sacrifice. Over 350 students and friends were present.

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Valente Brothers' Op-Ed in Brazilian News Paper

Last Friday, February 13, O Globo, the most prominent newspaper in Brazil, published an article by brothers Pedro and Gui Valente in its prestigious opinion section.  The Op-Ed by the Valente brothers was a homage to Grand Master Helio Gracie.  The article titled, "Defesa Imbativel" or "Unbeatable Defense" describes the philosophy used by Helio Gracie to create Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Read the English version. 

From Gracie Mag/Phots by Gustavo Aragao
A touching farewell
Rorion: “The old man didn’t die, just changed zip codes and is watching over us”

Despite bringing the dauntless Rickson’s voice to falter, the party Grandmaster Helio Gracie (1913-2009) had asked his sons for, before passing on, was a joyous, striking event and worthy of the genius’ accomplishments in the martial arts. With fans from 9 to 90 years of age united in the Vasco da Gama branch, in Lagoa, Rio de Janeiro, where Helio Gracie taught Jiu-Jitsu in the 1970’s, sons and friends recalled the fighter’s memorable stories, while sipping on fruit juice.


Packed room showing video of the Grandmaster

At 9pm, to the delight of the nearly one hundred people present, every one part of the Jiu-Jitsu family, photos from the master’s life were featured on the screen. There was no lack of photos of Helio fighting, or rare scenes like the master playing ping-pong and playing guitar.

In the crowd there were eminent members of society, tough guys (Kyra and Kron Gracie, Amaury Bitetti, Nino Schembri, Léo Leite, Fabrício Morango, Letícia Ribeiro etc) and disciples like nephew-son Robson Gracie, João Alberto e Álvaro Barreto and police commissioner Helio Vigio. “The heavy rains throughout the day are a homage from nature to the master,” said co-organizer and close friend to the late hero Dr. Pedro Valente, who brought those present to tears by talking of Helio’s rare endeavors, like the day, in 1956, when the master won a fox hunting race,

Rorion, Dr. Pedro Valente and Rickson Gracie

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Muito Obrigado Helio Gracie

Last night the Valente Gracie family had the opportunity to once again thank Grand Master Helio Gracie for all his teachings and contributions through out an amazing life of hard work, courage and sacrifice. Over 350 students and friends were present. The ceremony was held on the mat, students wore white kimonos and two very large projection screens mounted next to Grand Master Helio's picture over the tatame portrayed historic and recent moments on and off the mat.  Professor Pedro Valente opened the tribute thanking everyone in attendance and reading a message sent by Dr. Pedro Valente Sr. Professor Pedro invited black belts Carlos Villares and Dr. Anire Okpaku to impart some of their experiences with Helio Gracie.  Professor Pedro continued with an inspiring speech recounting the creation process of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and how Grand Master Helio Gracie revolutionized the relation between the physically weak and the physically strong, providing the weak with a power that had never been materialized in the history of the Martial Arts. Next, a video, by student Eric Mainade, showed images of HG in his last seminars in our school.  Following the video, Professors Pedro, Gui and Joaquim shared some intriguing stories of their lives a side the Grand Master.  To finalize, the Valente brothers presented an edifying and beautiful slide show with pictures, from the 30's to January of 2009, revealing a little of Grand Master Helio's amazing and inspiring life.  Pedro, Gui, Joaquim and Jimmy would like to thank all students and families for being part of a legacy that will live on forever.  Muito Obrigado Helio Gracie.

Pictures by Bill Curry

Helio Gracie Tribute

On January 29th Grand Master Helio Gracie passed away. His legacy will survive forever in all members of the Valente Gracie Family, jiu-jitsu practitioners around the world, and all those who have benefited from the martial art he created.

In his final years, the father of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu often spoke of his satisfaction with his life’s work. He openly stated that he had accomplished everything he had set out to do, displaying his preparedness for the transition into the afterlife.

The Grand Master believed that such a transition should be seen as a positive step in one's spiritual evolution. In a recent interview he declared: “I’ve already told my sons that when I die I want there to be a party. No drinking, no debauchery.”

To honor his request and his legacy, the Valente's Gracie Academy will host a celebratory gathering/slideshow presentation on Saturday, February 7, 2009 @ 5:00pm. All Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and family members are welcome to attend. Students should wear a white kimono.
 

Grand Master Helio Gracie, the creator of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu,  has passed away

At 95 years of age, the great icon and creator of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu passed away this morning, at home, in the district of Itaipava, in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro.

 "Jiu-Jitsu is first and foremost an art of combat, all the improvements that I made were with the goal of maintaining that objective."  said the Grandmaster.

In October, Helio Gracie celebrated his 95th birthday at the Gracie Academy, in Rio de Janeiro. Click here to see how the party went.

In one of his most famous interviews, published in the special 100th issue of GRACIEMAG, the professor had declared: “I’ve already told my sons that when I die I want there to be a party. No drinking, no debauchery.”

All the professors at the Valente's Gracie Academy of Miami feel extremely honored and privileged to have had the opportunity of learning the Helio Gracie way of life directly from him.


      

Pedro Valente Attended President Barak Obama's Inauguration

Yesterday Professor Pedro Valente had the privilege and honor to attend the inauguration of Barack Obama as the forty-fourth President of the United States. The historic inauguration was witnessed by an estimated 1.8 million people, which set a new record. The previous mark was held by Lyndon Johnson's 1965 inauguration with 1.2 million attendees. After participating in the morning and evening ceremonies at the National Mall, Professor Valente was also invited to the Eastern Ball, where President Obama spoke to the guests present and danced with his wife Michelle.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Joaquim Valente and Royce Gracie Visit Brazil's Most Elite Police Unit

Today, Joaquim Valente and UFC hall of famer, Royce Gracie, visited the central command of the special operations unit of the Rio de Janeiro police. BOPE (Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais, or Special Police Operations Battalion) is the most elite unit in the Police of the state of Rio de Janeiro. Due to the nature of crime in favelas (Brazilian slums), BOPE units are internationally recognized for their extensive experience in urban warfare and are ranked among the top units (military and police) in this field of combat. BOPE officers go through an extensive selection and training regiment which includes the practice of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques.  The officers were extremely happy with the presence of Royce and Joaquim who in turn demonstrated all their gratitude for the work and sacrifice of the men of BOPE.  During their visit Professors Valente and Gracie were received and accompanied by Lieutenant Novo, Private Marcio and BOPE Commander Lieutenant-Colonel Pinheiro Neto. Watch the clip of the famous Elite Squad movie which has made BOPE internationally renowned.

Top Picture - Royce, Joaquim, Royce's sons with Liutenant Novo

Some of BOPE's Weapons


Checking out the famous caveirão (big skeleton) armored vehicle used to protect officers during incursions in the favelas

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

GRACIE FAMILY WISHES A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO THE STUDENTS OF GRACIE MIAMI

JOAQUIM VALENTE, FROM THE HILLS OF RIO DE JANEIRO, SENDS US A HAPPY NEW YEAR VIDEO FROM THE GRACIE FAMILY!

Helio Gracie's message translation: "To all of you champions in Miami, congratulations, Merry Christmas and a happy new year. I am pleased to say that you are the representatives of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in Miami and I thank Pedro and Gui for the efficient work that they have been doing over there. Congratulations to all and a Merry Christmas and happy new year."

A Special thanks to Royler Gracie in San Diego, Grandmaster Helio Gracie and Royce from Itaipava, Brazil, Ryron, Rorion and Rener from the Gracie Academy in Los Angeles and Eric Mainade for editing it all together.
 

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

A MESSAGE OF “HAPPY HOLIDAYS” TO GRAND MASTER HELIO GRACIE FROM DR. PEDRO VALENTE SR.

HELIO GRACIE -  My Role Model for Equality and Bravery.

Helio Gracie, who has always been much ahead of his time, constantly imparted in us, his disciples, lessons of democracy (true equality) and bravery.  Even though he was perceived to be the opposite by many “idiots of objectivity” in relation to the modern and false concept of political correctness. Let me exemplify:

1) Helio, who had challenged the entire world, weighing only 130 pounds and his genial Jiu-Jitsu, in the midst of the 1950’s, in the height of a dark period of world racism, motivated only by honor and manhood, fought and lost, with no training, cold sick, at 43 years of age an unprecedented and epic fight, lasting 3hrs and 40 min, with no breaks, to his student Waldemar Santana, a very muscular 26 year old black man who had challenged him only a couple of days before, due to the influence of one of his envious foes. Helio never allowed that anyone labeled his adversary, who had defeated him, by the color of his skin, condemning such behavior as an act of cowardice; a man should not be measured by the color of his skin but buy his morals and his courage.

2) In the 40’s, Helio jumped from cruise ship into the shark-infested waters of the coast of Bahia to save a passenger who had fallen in the water. For his amazing display of bravery, he was awarded a medal of honor by the Brazilian government.

Helio Gracie teaches, has taught and will always teach, all those who want to follow him, to win over challenges without choosing them, without fearing them and without hating them.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO MY OLDEST AND DEAREST FRIEND
          Pedro Valente Sr.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Throwing Techniques Video Shoot

On Monday, throwing specialist Ramon Sanchez performed all the takedowns of the Throwing Techniques program in front of purple belt Eric Mainade's camera.  We will soon have all TT available in our HD Assistant System for students during class. Professor James Robertson promptly volunteered to serve as the one to be thrown.  Around 1:30 AM of Tuesday Jimmy had been thrown over 100 times and was still strong and sound demonstrating a fine repertoire of breaking the fall techniques.  In a few days, we should have a clip with some footage of the shoot.  Professors Pedro and Gui also filmed some extra details for the Fundamentals class.  Purple belt Miguel Diaz de la Portilla directed the shoot while brown belts, Burak Eyilik and Asim Zaidi assisted with the production.   

The Set
 

Burak - Pedro - Asim

Miguel Directing

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Joaquim and Royce Gracie Visit Grandmaster Helio Gracie in Brazil

Joaquim Valente and Royce Gracie were at the Gracie ranch yesterday and sent us some pictures of the day with the Grandmaster. 

Royce and Joaquim with GM Helio and his grand kids.

Grandmaster Helio and his orange trees

95 and strong

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Annual Dinner Brings The Valente Gracie Family Together in South Beach

Once again the VG annual dinner was a great opportunity for students, families, and teachers to celebrate a wonderful year of growth and positivism.
Nearly 200 Valente Gracie Family members gathered in South Beach for a pleasant evening of camaraderie and friendship.

Picture - The Valentes and our old timers, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, Cornelius Drane, Carlos Villares, Anire Okpaku and James Robertson

During the festivities Professor Pedro Valente dedicated the occasion to our late student and friend, Lenny O'Neil, who left us last week. Lenny will always be remembered for his courage, friendship, technique and sense of humor.  Lenny was responsible for naming our 27 Lessons program, "The Fundamentals."  Today many schools have adopted this name in connection with their entry level classes.

Picture - Pedro and Gui with 4 year old Little Champ Joseph Zukovich
 

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Helio Gracie Self-Defense Day

The eighth edition of the Helio Gracie Self-Defense Day was held today.  Once again the level of all competitors was very high and Professor Valente congratulated all participants on an excellent performance. The 2008 winner was Juan Pablo Bollat from Guatemala.  Juan Pablo's impeccable demonstration of the standing self-defense techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a statement to the fine work of Roberto Fleischmann's school in Guatemala. Erica Galsky came in second and Eric da Silva placed third.  Juan Pablo's name will now join all past champions in the commemorative bronze plaque that in 2010 will be awarded to Grandmaster Helio Gracie and placed in the Gracie Museum.

Some of the Participants 
 

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Dr. Rey Visits Valente Gracie

Today Dr. Robert Rey from the hit reality TV program  Dr. 90210 visited the Valente's at Gracie Miami.  The world Famous plastic surgeon and Gracie Academy's blue belt participated in the Grappling Techniques and Sparring classes. Dr. Rey's passion for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu follows a long time tradition of plastic surgeons training the art.  Dr. Pedro Valente Sr. was guided to plastic surgery by a fellow Gracie Academy student, Dr Georges Da Silva.  Also maintaining the tradition, Dr Anire Okpaku, a Valente Gracie black belt, is one of Miami's top plastic surgeons.

The Valente Brothers with Doctors Okpaku and Rey

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Belt Ceremony

Nearly 300 people attended VGJJ's belt promotion ceremony and over 50 belts were awarded. 

Valente Gracie Family

Looking South

Looking North

Surprise!!! Gui presents Pedro with the 101st Airborne flag sent to him by Captain Ryan Schrock and his men from Iraq

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Valente Gracie Annual Dinner @ Fogo de Chão

On Sunday, December 14, we will be holding our Commemorative Annual Dinner.  This event is an opportunity for all students and teachers to celebrate a magnificent year of training and the spirit of friendship and camaraderie among our family. 
We hope to see you there!

This year’s dinner will be held at Fogo de Chão, located at 836 1st Street
Miami Beach, FL 33139 

Fogo de Chão is recognized as one of Brazil's top Rodizio style restaurants and recently opened its newest location in South Beach.

The dinner will start at 5:00 PM.

Price per person - $60 (Pay at the school ASAP)

Special price for Children

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Gracie Academy shares knowledge with Soldiers

By Spc. Tiffany Evans

CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – Service members on the Victory Base Complex were treated to workshops by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy Nov. 14 through 20.

Basic Army combatives incorporates the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu form, which made training with its founders an exciting opportunity. Read More

To check out Gui's blog from Iraq click here.
 

Professor Gui Valente in Iraq

Professor Gui Valente is currently in Iraq teaching the US Military. 

Check out the latest updates from Baghdad.

With Major Collins at the Al Faw Palace
 

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Gracie Miami On Ocean Drive Magazine

Ocean Drive's November issue features a story about the Valente Brothers and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.  The two page article talks about the history of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and the art's origins in Miami.  Ocean Drive is South Florida's premier fashion magazine.

Today, Gracie Miami released the following clarification statement to the Ocean Drive Magazine:

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the excellent article about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu that was published in your prestigious magazine in the November issue.  We would only like to clarify a misunderstanding in the article in regards to other Gracie Jiu-Jitsu schools.  Our philosophy, which is based on our strict code of ethics, is one of never demeaning or putting down any other martial arts style, school or system.  Even though we are extremely proud of our methods which represent the roots of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as taught by Grand Masters Carlos and Helio Gracie, we have the utmost respect for all other schools and their representations.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Royler Gracie Seminar In Miami

In route to a series of seminars in Texas and the West Coast, Royler Gracie pit stopped in Miami for a surprise seminar at Gracie Miami. Despite the two day notice, over 40 students attended the 3-hour class this Saturday.  The Valente brothers, Pedro, Gui, Joaquim and Jimmy were once again very pleased with Royler's visit.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Gui Valente Visits Grandmaster Helio Gracie

After spending time with Grandmaster Helio Gracie in Brazil, Professor Gui Valente reports to ValenteGracie.com from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:

"At 95, Grandmaster Helio continues to refine and elaborate his techniques and philosophy. Going to Grandmaster Helio's house in the mountains of Rio is like drinking water directly from the fountain, he is the inspiration for us to carry on our mission of teaching traditional Gracie Jiu-jitsu in Florida.

Also, during our conversation, I asked the Grandmaster what is the best way to confront the current world crisis. Even though, today at 95, Grandmaster Helio has distanced himself from the material aspect of the world he said that, "in moments of crisis the most important investment one can make is in himself, in a healthy diet, in the elevation of thoughts, in physical exercise and especially in Jiu-Jitsu, which brings us tranquility and increases our confidence."

Grandmaster Helio and Professor Gui Valente

Grandmaster Helio painting a special and unique signature in Gui's black belt

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Tatame Mag's coverage of Grandmaster Helio Gracie's B-Day Party 

In its most recent issue, Tatame Magazine published a fine story of Grandmaster Helio's party.  The article summarizes the festivities prepared by three of the Grandmaster's sons, Rickson, Royler and Rolker.  The very first phrase of the piece is from Master Pedro Valente's speech during the ceremony. Valente Sr. said that "Jigoro Kano (creator of Judo) is to Judo what Carlos and Helio Gracie are to Jiu-Jitsu", demonstrating the magnitude of Helio Gracie's importance in the history of Martial Arts.
 

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Watch Grand Master Helio Gracie's Speech during his B-Day Party in Rio de Janeiro

"My Friends,
Let me start by saying that I am extremely honored and happy with the presence of all of you here.  For me it is an honor and a source of great happiness to gather so many people like you in such a small venue.   I have no words to thank you for your presence and for the recognition that we have received, mainly my sons and those who stick to our technique for knowing the jiu-jitsu that we know, which in addition to being proven as the most effective martial art in the world, is an art that brings us tranquility and increases our confidence without creating in us an exaggerated power of effectiveness, violence or confidence. The confidence created by jiu-jitsu is good and can only benefit everyone.
I once again would like to thank you for your presence and feel very honored to have all of you here. May god bless you all, and may you reach my age more easily than I did. I advise you to be careful with what you eat because sickness comes in through the mouth. Thus, if you are careful with this you will reach my age and possible surpass it. I am 95 years old and have no complaints.  Thank you all for your presence and I am here available for whatever you desire."  
 

Friday, October 3rd, 2008

Grand Master Helio Gracie's B-Day Party

Wednesday, October 1st, Grandmaster Helio celebrated his 95th birthday at Gracie Humaita in Rio de Janeiro with family and friends. Invited by Grand Master Helio's sons, Rickson, Royler and Rolker to be the ceremony's official speaker, Dr. Pedro Valente Sr. opened the festivities with a great speech, thanking the Grandmaster for being such an inspiring presence for the Valente family and praising his life long commitment to the creation of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Grandmaster Helio with Royler and Dr. Pedro Valente Sr.

Cutting the Jiu-Jitsu b-day cake!

The Grandmaster surrounded by Royler and Rolker's black belts
 

Happy 95th Birthday Grandmaster Helio Gracie

Today a great man was born. At 95, Helio Gracie continues to  inspire millions of people around the world to live a healthier, safer and happier life. Thank you Grandmaster Helio.

Helio Gracie in action at Valente Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Ryron Gracie's Special Jiu-Jitsu Smoothie

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Professor Pedro Valente teaches in Guatemala

Professor Pedro Valente returned to Guatemala to teach the Annual Guatemala City Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Seminar.  Professor Valente was once again invited by Instructor Roberto Fleishmann who as usual organized a great event. Roberto, who often comes to our school and constantly sends many of his students to train at our facilty,  is doing a magnificent job, sharing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu with his students.  Pedro was very impressed with the growth of the school and the excellent work of Roberto and his students.

Self-Defense Circle By The Gracie Brothers

Watch a demo by the Gracie Brothers performing the Self-Defense Circle in 1988 during Chuck Norris' Martial Arts Convention.  This was the first time most of the Gracie Bros came to the United States. They taught a mega seminar to hundreds of Karate black belts.  Professor Pedro Valente (2nd standing left-right), then 13, spent the entire summer in the US as well.  Rorion, the eldest of the brothers, organized the team and housed the group in his home in Torrance, CA.  In the video, Royler Gracie is attacked by his brothers and cousins.
 

MMA World Champion Urijah Faber Returns to Miami

Last week MMA World Champion Urijah Faber returned to Miami and once again trained at Valente Gracie. Faber was originally scheduled to fight in the WEC September 10th event, however due to the threat of Hurricane Ike the show was postponed to November.  Along with Faber was his teammate and Dreams' fighter Joseph Benavides.  Also present during the training session were WEC's Leonard Garcia and  Showtime's Elite XC Joey Villasenor.  Covering the training were Fox Channel 7, Telemundo, Univision, ESPN, ESPN Radio, the Sun-Sentinel and the Miami Herald.
 

Pedro Valente Teaches in The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida

Last week Professor Pedro Valente was invited to attend the annual Miccosukee's Women's Health Day.  Professor Valente demonstrated Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques and presented Jiu-Jitsu's health principles to all present.  Brown belt Oliver Jordan assisted Professor Pedro During the Demonstration.  Valente Gracie would like to thank Miccosukee's Law Maker, Mr. William Osceola, for the opportunity.
 

Myntini Girls @ Valente Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Myntini Girls @ Valente Gracie Jiu-Jitsu

Today, Valente Gracie Jiu-Jitsu hosted a special class for the famous Myntini Girls.  Mynt owner and long time student at Valente Gracie,  Romain Zago saw the necessity for his waitresses and dancers to learn effective avoidance and defensive techniques to better serve Mynt clients.  With that in mind, the Valente brothers designed a special curriculum to address the specific needs of the girls.  The class was a huge success and word is that the class might turn into an ongoing course.

Joaquim Valente in the Gracie Humaita Academy

Joaquim Valente has been in Rio training with Grandmaster Helio Gracie and at the Gracie Humaita Academy in Rio de Janeiro with Professors Royler and Rolker Gracie.  Today, Valente Gracie's, Oliver Jordan joined Joaquim for a sparring class at the Academy.  Many black belts were present including Xande Ribeiro, the current Sport Jiu-Jitsu's Open Weight World Champion.

 
Group picture after training

Joaquim, Royler, Rolker & Oliver

1957 - Carlson Gracie VS Waldemar Santana

After defeating Waldemar decisively in their first fight forcing Waldemar's corner men to throw in the towel, Carlson Gracie and Waldemar Santana fought again to a draw in 1957.  Waldemar, who was trained in the Gracie Academy, betrayed the Gracie family and challenged the Gracies.  Watch the clip below of the fight that ended in a draw. Carlson (dark trunks) X Waldemar (white trunks).

 

Valente Gracie on NBC News
 

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Valente Brothers Teach Defensive Tactics Course to Miami-Dade Police

Last week, professors Pedro and Gui Valente taught a three day course at the Miami-Dade Training Bureau.  Over forty police officers attended the classes.  The course, designed specifically for Law Enforcement tactics, covered a variety of arresting, controlling, defensive and engaging strategies.  
 

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Pedro Valente Teaches Seminar in Jupiter, FL.

Last Saturday, Professor Pedro Valente visited Harmony Martial Arts in Jupiter Florida.  Harmony's Masters Jim Campbell and Cristina Hwang offer a Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program to students led by Gracie Miami's black belt, Dr. Guy Scuderi.  The seminar was great and Professor Valente was very happy to see the technical level of all students.  Dr. Scuderi is the only official instructor of the Fundamentals 27 Lessons program in Palm Beach county.  For more information go to www.harmonymartialarts.com/gjj.html.
 

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Valente Gracie Fort Lauderdale

This week Valente Gracie Fort Lauderdale relocated to a permanent and exclusive location. On Monday, Professor Gui Valente joined instructor Bruce Belfield and students for an inaugural Fundamentals 27 Lessons class.  VG Fort Lauderdale now offers daily classes.  The school is located on 918 NE 20th Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  The phone number is 954-763-2528.

Asian Politician Applies the Throwing Technique,
Tomoe Nage

In a recent scuffle among Asian politicians, a House Representative demonstrated the effectiveness of throwing techniques by utilizing a Tomoe Nage and following with a north south immobilization.  The conflict also shows the importance of learning how to use clothing both defensively and offensively.


 

Gracie Academy's Ralek Gracie Armlocks Russian Sambo Fighter in Japan

This morning, Ralek Gracie, Grandmaster Helio's grandson and the third son of Rorion submitted Russian Sambo Fighter Alavutdin Gadzhiyev.  This was Ralek's second pro fight and his second win by submisson.  Gracie Academy's professor, Ryron Gracie, was in Ralek's corner.  After the fight, Ralek thanked his brothers and dedicated the victory to the Gracie Academy.  Watch the fight clip below.

Last night, the First Semester Belt Ceremony was held to award and celebrate the hard work and dedication of all students.  The mid year ceremony, traditionally smaller, attracted hundreds of students that packed Valente Gracie's main mat and bleachers.  During the ceremony forty one students were promoted to the ranks of blue and purple belts.  Professor Pedro Valente dedicated the ceremony to Grand master Helio Gracie and Dr. Pedro Valente Sr.

Some of the promoted students
Professor Pedro Valente addresses the students

 

Last Thursday, Professor Gui Valente taught a special class to SWAT team members from all over Florida.  The class was part of the 3rd Annual Tactical Operations Conference.  The Defensive Tactics section of the conference was coordinated by Miami-Dade SRT officer Troy Lee.  Troy, Valente Gracie's brown belt, invited Professor Valente to demonstrate the techniques specifically adapted for Police special response operations.  The event was sponsored by the Florida SWAT Association. 

Last weekend Professor Joaquim Valente visited Grandmaster Helio Gracie in his house in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro.  Joaquim who currently is spending a few weeks in Rio visiting family and training with Grandmaster Helio and at the  Gracie Academy was very happy to see the Grandmaster who turns 96 this year. 

During Joaquim's stay at the Gracie Valley, the youngest of the Valente brothers showed GM Helio videos and pictures of the school and as Joaquim said, "He was very happy in general but especially with the self-defense circle during the Advanced class and with the kids sparring session.

Also, the Grandmaster said he is very excited to return to Miami and spend some time with all our students.  Last year Grandmaster Helio Gracie visited the Valente Gracie School in two occasions and taught seminars for over three hundred students.   

This week Professor Gui Valente taught a special class at American High School, a