Dennis Asche - The Silencer

Today was what looked like the beginning of summer weather here in Rio…Hot with clear skies and a light breeze. Off the mat this weekend I occupied weekend time with cardio/strength training and interviewing GSP for Intheguard.tv. (will be up after September 8th). I admire GSP’s ability and dedication as well as his mindset in training, it was good to meet him.

Also today Zoro from the Gracie Fusion Team won his first Vale Tudo fight by Triangle in the second round. Congratulations Zoro!!!

Zoro

***Due to copy right restrictions ITG could not post “Edu’s” highlight but it will be on the internet soon with a link from here.

During this past week “Gordinho” has been in the Gordo JJ academy training with us. He arrived the week before last with a group of students from his academy in the US, who spent the majority of there time here with us on the mat. Gordinho put an emphasis on his own training while in Brazil, showing a lot of skill on the mat.

Roberto “Gordo” and Rafael “Gordinho”

Gordo Jiu-Jitsu (LB)

Looking forward to your next trip here to Brazil Gordinho.

Me and “Magoo” after morning training

Black belt Carlos “Magoo” Brito doesn’t always train but he really enjoys pushing people’s buttons in his spare time. Reguardless of his prioritizing other aspects in life such as surfing and work, he is tough and somehow manages to pass just about everyones guard with the same technique! He is best known for talking more trash than almost anyone in the academy and is a lot of fun to train with. I am always glad to see him walk through the door in the morning.

Eduardo “Edu” Pachu

Edu is a great guy to train with both in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu. Looking at the photo below you can see he has a good reach…combine that with his good cardio, a solid take-down defense, sharp Muay Thai/Boxing and an ever evolving groud game = well rounded athlete. I like training with him both in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, the guy has a great work ethic…and training with him is just that, work. In July he fought in the Fury FC 6 “High Voltage” lightweight GP, winning his match by arm-bar from mount, advancing to the semi final this November. That was one of the best fights of the night at Fury 6.

For those who want to see more, this coming Monday (September 1st) Edu’s highlight reel will be released on www.Intheguard.tv Definitely worth checking out!

Myself and Edu at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu 8/29/2008

Tiago Gaspary

Tiago is a dedicated Jiu-Jitsu practitioner who really cares about Gordo Jiu-Jitsu and the people who train there. He will often stay up all night translating movies (his current profession) and come to train in the morning class. Dedication to what he believes in, taking the extra step and motivating himself to stay awake, rather than miss class. This ability to create and live by good habits makes the academy that much stronger, setting an example for anyone and everyone around him.You have the heart of a lion Tiago.

Something that has really helped me to understand the meaning of being a minority in another country is being just that. Brazil has changed my life and the perception that was once one dimensional into a way of thinking that better grasps reality from a multidimensional point of view. It is now easier to see the reasoning behind the actions of people who immigrate into the USA, both positive and negative. In the past my lack of life experience allowed me less tolerance or understanding to the situations of others. Hopefully what I have learned can help to educate others to work with rather than work against foreigners in the US.

One thing here that is unlike the US is the diversity of the word “Gringo” here in Brasil. Here the word is not limited to white Americans…it doesn’t matter what color your skin is or what country you come from if it isn’t Brasil you are categorized as a “Gringo”. Although offensive at times I have grown to accept the name as not so bad after all and more something of amusement.

The No Gi training is as good as ever at the academy. Today’s was full of athletes preparing for upcoming fights in various events. There are always athletes coming in from all over the world to make preparations for fights and it only makes sense. Today’s professor, Marcio Cruz put an emphasis on guard passing and sweeps for the better half of this session. Building on that, he took this specific training one step further…it was not only the passing athlete’s objective to clear the legs but to keep their opponents from standing up as well. Good training and lots of different competitive athletes from featherweight to super-heavyweight.

Marcio Cruz “Pe de Pano”

Erinaldo “Pitbull” Rodrigues

(More photos coming)

Here are a few photos taken Saturday while training with Ari at GJJ. Ari is a good guy with a healthy lifestyle… He is known for spending hours on the water catching waves before coming in to the academy and training.

Gordo, Ari and I Saturday Afternoon at GJJ (LB)

“Gordo” problem solves grips and guard passing.

Ari working to pass guard.

See you in the academy Ari!

Pilot Butte in the distance

(From Aubrey Butte)

It has been years since the days of running the butte but I remember it like yesterday. Literally hundreds of times those trails have taken me to the top of Pilot Butte in Bend, OR to overlook the surrounding city. The city of Bend vaguely resembles that of the city I remember as a child but of the things that remain relatively unchanged the Butte is one. This is where I began my martial arts training and began to shape myself into an athlete 3,625 feet above sea level (4138ft. at the top of the butte). Altitude and terrain combine with beautiful scenery making this city ideal ground for any athlete. Looking at photos of Pilot Butte I remember good times and look forward to a day of running the trail again…JT, hopefully you still make time to run here!

City info:Bend, OR webpage

Dennis, Denis and Olivar

My first month working with the ITG crew has been good. I can appreciate the fact that both Olivar Leite and Denis Martins share a passion for Martial Arts…combine that with the Moreno brothers and Fabiano Capoani’s work behind the scenes and it’s a sure shot for success. The number one factor in my work with the site was their understanding of my training schedule, allowing me the flexibility needed to put in as many hours at the academy as in the office and without a doubt they have come through. This work is actually something to look forward to…Now if I can just get past being captive in an office for a few hours a day.

Check out the site: www.intheguard.tv