Dennis Asche - Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle

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

Over the past twelve years I have had a lot of questions in regards to the tattoo I wear on my chest…

The image is that of Bruce Lee’s Straightblast. This tattoo, to me, represents a sign of respect to those who have evolved martial arts to what it is today. The Straightblast is in essence an entry from punching to trapping range; occupation of center line, forward pressure in a circular motion. It was sketched by Paul Vunak, student of Dan Inosanto and founder of Progressive Fighting Systems (an evolution of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do). At the time I decided to show my dedication and respect to what I believe in (dedication not only to martial arts but to what one believes in, in life). During this phase of my training I was a dedicated PFS practitioner studying under Patrick Lachman (also an accomplished musician) in Burbank, CA. The training was great and Pat was a great teacher who kicked my ass many times in the hot valley sun of Southern Cali. The influence and respect for Pat, my best friend Brett Garlock (rest in peace my brother), AJ Cavalier, Vu, Dan Inosanto, the Filipino martial arts, the “new” art form of BJJ and it’s teachers that passed their knowledge to my instructors, the Thaiboxers with their brutal style and Bruce Lee with his limitless knowledge and inspiration that to this day motivates people into training…gave me the incentive. While looking in the mirror I see an image that reminds me of how much this dedication to what I believe in means…it motivates me to train longer, giving the time my undivided attention as well as the sacrifices that all martial artists make in their dedication to the disciplines. While the tattoo came from one discipline it is a discipline that encompasses all styles and uses no way as way.

Last night at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu (LB)

“Zen” Mario, Neto, Facquir, Gordo, Rommel

Ten years ago who would have guessed that these black belts would be on the mat together showing their technique rather than competing against each other. It is good to have “Zen” Mario training at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu (LB). Mario Sperry was one of the first Brazilian I met…first saw him while attending one of his seminars at Marcelo Alonso’s Carlson Gracie Academy in Seattle, 1999. Almost a decade has gone by and a lot has changed in my life but I still appreciate the different aspects of his game that he brings to the academy.

“Zen” Mario, Neto, Faquir, Dennis, Gordo, Rommel

See you in the academy “Zen” Mario.

Looking down from the road to Teresopolis

Ken Quinn @ Fury FC 6

Ken Quinn and I at the Fury FC 6

Experienced stunt man/stunt director Ken Quinn made the trip a lot more entertaining with his stories and good sense of humor. Ken’s stunt performances make fighting look easy! Who knows he might even do the commentary with me for the next show.

Me, Felipe Moreno and Olivar Leite

During the show ITG owner Filipe Moreno and reporter Olivar Leite documented this night with a batch of photos and a detailed backstage video.

This was an ideal venue with great fights, looking forward to the next Fury…Next time the pics will be up sooner!