Packed mat / Photo: Monk Sports
Three great representatives of the martial arts in Brazil, Jiu-Jitsu and MMA champions Rickson and Royler Gracie and Olympic judo medalist and Jiu-Jitsu black belt Flávio Canto held a seminar to benefit the victims of catastrophic mudslides in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro, thisWednesday at São João Fort in the Urca neighborhood of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The event – put together within a few days by the folks at Monk Sports with the help of black belts Marcelo Tetel and Rodrigo Antunes – brought in nearly six metric tons of food donated by a little over 800 participants. The effort was also backed by the Brazilian Army; the CBJJ, which lent mats and donated food; and Vulkan, which donated a number of gis to be auctioned off; among others.
Practitioners from white to black belt packed the venue. Among them were well known personalities, lovers of the sport, and established names in Jiu-Jitsu like Ricardo De La Riva, Kyra Gracie, and Letícia Ribeiro, among others, who are pictured in the photo gallery.
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On the stage set up in the gymnasium, before the eyes of the hundreds of participants, Canto demonstrated advanced techniques, Royler emphasized self-defense, while Rickson treated everyone to a true lecture on the key aspects of Jiu-Jitsu when it comes to technique and the philosophy of the art, the so-called “invisible Jiu-Jitsu.”
To Luis, a Gracie Humaitá brown belt, for example, it was an unforgettable experience. The fighter had the pleasure of witnessing Rickson’s technique first hand, as he was called on by the Gracie to help demonstrate the positions. “Man, it was an enormous pleasure. I’d never imagined one day I’d get to practice with Rickson!”
Much more than that, the event proved just how strong Jiu-Jitsu is during such a delicate moment, and this solidarity served as an example, expanding to other sports. GRACIEMAG is in full support!