Our GMA in Mexico Mario Delgado, a representative of Renzo Gracie academy, spreads the word on Jiu-Jitsu in a variety of different ways. Beyond the traditional classes teaching the martial art, where even top-tier fighters like UFC heavyweight-title challenger Cain Velasquez stop in from time to time, Mario plays an important role in the training of the Mexican police force and army. Recently, the black belt conveyed some indispensible lessons to the special forces of the country’s federal police.
“I was at the Federal Investigation Agency, the equivalent of the US’s FBI. I also went to the Army Special Forces, an elite, green beret-like troop. Last, I went to the High Command Special Forces Group, which in Brazil would be called Bope (like US Swat force),” recounts Delgado.
“We held this capacity-building exercise three years ago and it was reported that Jiu-Jitsu techniques were used successfully a great number of times in their operations,” he added.
Finally, the Renzo Gracie black belt takes the opportunity to call on all Mexican practitioners to attend the most important event in the nation.
“On November 20 we’ll hold the 5th National Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, overseen by the federation of which I am the president. There will surely be a lot of soldiers and police officers who train with us participating,” he says in closing.
