The Disaster Relief Fundraiser at Gracie Barra Corona was a huge success. We raised $3,000, which our fundraising experts tell us is “very good for our first time.” Participants donated just $25 to attend the powerhouse seminar and instructors all graciously donated their time.
We were fortunate to have great sponsorship from so many vendors in the BJJ/MMA business, namely The US gracie Nationals/Gracie Kids World’s and GBWear. We were met with enthusiasm from everyone we approached for help.
We were very excited to host two of the greatest bjj players around, including UFC Contender, Javier Vazquez and BJJ giant, Andre Galvao. We were very proud to have some top judo players and wrestlers, including Isreal Hernandez, US Olympic Judo coach and 2-time Olympic medalist. One of the highlights of the day was watching Galvao participate in Isreal’s class.
Planted outside was Sinister Radio’s hilarious crew. Favi Chulo snagged interviews with coaches and instructors. The kids played in the bounce house, and kids and adults played in the blow-up boxing ring. HDNet TV interviewed many in attendance for a piece they aired on MMAWeekly this past week. A raffle was held for swag donated by our sponsors. We ate pizza and Chronic Tacos!
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[social][/social][einset][/einset]One of our instructors, Cipriano Macabuhay, came up with the idea for the fundraiser. We got busy and planned the event in about two weeks. We were hoping to do a little something for Japan in the middle of such enormous trauma. It was a quick project that turned out to be very successful and fun.
We took pause to reflect on the origins and development of the Jiu-Jitsu arts and our shared history with Japan. Most of all, I think we showed (as many are doing these days) that the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts athletes, schools, and businesses have a lot of interest in and commitment to working toward doing for others. Just about anyone who trains will tell you they feel indebted to their art and it was obvious on April 9th when we all came together and showed the power of that gratitude.
Check out these pictures.(~see bottom of post~)