Everyone has a calling they are destined to pursue in life. Far from an overnight completion, the process carries many lessons that keep us alive, adventurous, and unique in that quest of turning our dreams into a reality. Fabricio Machado is no stranger to this process. Since day one he has always dreamed BIG, always pushing to achieve his goals. These goals have taken him on a uphill journey to where he is today. Fabricio Machado has been an active Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioner for over eleven years. Introduced to the grappling arts at the age of sixteen, it would only take one eye-opening introductory class to make BJJ a primary part of Machado's life.

"I knew since the first day that BJJ was making an impact on my life, "he said. "I started training BJJ when I was 16 years old. I used to train Muay Thai and Taekwondo and I had a friend who used to train Jiu-jitsu. At first I didn’t believe in grappling until I finally took a class and got tapped like 50 times. It made me feel uncomfortable and I knew then that I needed to learn more. I got addicted quickly and trained at least twice a day since the beginning."

Training, competing, and teaching living the BJJ Lifestyle was serving this enthusiastic practitioner quite well.  However Machado desired more opportunities in evolving his Jiu-jitsu and creating a better life for himself outside of grappling. Following his heart's content Machado moved from his homeland of Pelotas, Brazil to the United States currently residing in Brea, California. Life in Southern California couldn't be more fitting for the Brazilian migrant as some features in this new land are reminiscent of life in Brazil.

[At the moment the economy in] "Brazil is really bad in comparison to the United States. Second, the Brazilian culture in California reminds me of back home and makes me feel comfortable. Economically, there are more opportunities for Jiu-jitsu in the United States so the move is what made the most sense for me since Jiu-jitsu is my life."

Machado’s migration to California also gave the Brazilian a new training home to continue his BJJ development. Now training out of Brea Jiu-jitsu under Dan Lukehart Machado has attained many personal and athletic benefits at his new training home. Fabricio couldn’t have asked for a better place to train.

"I met Dan Lukehart, owner of Brea Jiu-jitsu and quickly studied his analysis videos that are available on the internet. These videos intrigued me and I took an interest in the way he looks at Jiu-jitsu because he is very detailed and unique in the way he can breakdown a technique or sequence. I then visited the academy and asked Dan if I could stay here for a few weeks to which he said yes. I quickly made friends at the gym and fell in love with the environment both in the gym and the surrounding area."

Growing in a positive training environment, surrounded by beautiful beaches, and meeting new friends it has been an amazing experience for Machado thus far living in the states. Yet the infatuation of his new found home hasn’t halted Machado in chasing his BJJ dreams. Making a strong presence on the competition circuit in the states Fabricio Machado has had great success thus far which accolades include becoming a NABJJF North American champion and IBJJF American National Champion at the brown belt level.

"I'm very happy of my achievements here in the U.S.  I'm sure that I will achieve all my goals in America. I have the best support group- coach Dan Lukehart is an amazing mentor and friend, and all the guys at Brea BJJ have become my closest friends. I am fortunate to have made strong connections in the short time that I have lived here."

Dreaming big is all about having a purpose in life and becoming fulfilled in the process. The BJJ journey of Fabricio Machado showcases the possibilities of what happens when one follows their dreams.  Far from his ultimate goal expect to see a lot more from this ambitious Brazilian prospect as he looks to continue to build for ultimate success on and off the mat.  

“I hope to become one of the best in the world not just as a competitor but as a leader as well. I also wish to help Dan Lukehart and Brea Jiu-jitsu in any way possible. In the future I wish to open my own academy and help build world champions who are not only successful in competition but in life as well.”

Fabricio Machado Accomplishment

Brown Belt- 2016 NABJJ North American Champion

Brown Belt – 2016 NABJJ North American 2^nd Place (Absolute)

Brown Belt - 2016 IBJJF 2016 American National Champion

Brown Belt – 2016 IBJJF American National 2^nd Place (Absolute)

Brown Belt – 2016 So Cal Championship Champion       

 Leticia Ribeiro is one of the most revered female BJJ athletes of all time.  Come read about this prolific athlete and how she continues to contribute to the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

Tactician (n):someone good at planning tactics: the specific means of accomplishing goals.   When it comes to BJJ, Professor Ribeiro is like the keenest tactical general.  She leads her garrison into battle with the most efficient and effective strategies in order to dominate their opponents on the mats.  Her troops are prepared for what they will be facing and there is not one angle that anyone could approach from for which she is not ready with a counter.  Although an adept tactician in her field of BJJ today, once upon a time even Professor Ribeiro was an eager apprentice.  It’s time to take a look back and see how this sharp woman has become the heroin we have all come to admire.

BJJL:  Where did you grow up, what was your childhood like?

LR: I grew up in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. My childhood was great!  I still have a lot of great memories, back then we played a lot in the streets.  It was safer more so then than it is today.

BJJL: What did your family think when you decided to start practicing BJJ?

LR: In the beginning it was hard, back then Jiu-Jitsu was a male sport.  We had very few women training and competing.  Soon as I started to train I fell in love with the sport and I knew that it was what I wanted for my life.  After my mom really understood how I serious I was and what this meant to me, she gave me her full support.

BJJL:  What was your first competition like?

LR:  My first competition was the Copa Gracie.  It was in 1995.  I was a blue belt.  I had three fights and three submissions by arm bar.

BJJL: Who or what motivates you and pushes you to achieve your goals?

LR: In 1996, that was the first time I knew I wanted to be a world Champion. I went to watch the first world championships ever.  They didn’t have a women’s division but it was great to watch the black belts competing for the first time, especially Royler Gracie.  I dreamed that one day I would be there and I worked for it.

BJJL:  What has been your biggest challenge since you began BJJ?

LR:  I think my biggest challenge and goal was to help develop women’s BJJ programs all over the world and to make the female divisions stronger.  WE DID IT!!!

BJJL: What matchup would you like to have that has never happened?

LR:  I have fought ALL tough fighters from my generation and after mine.  I can SAY THAT I’m really happy, satisfied with my career.  I have achieved a lot as an athlete and a teacher.

BJJL:  What is your pet peeve as an instructor?

LR: I don’t have anything bad to say about teaching, my students, I love what I do so that makes my job REALLY easy.

BJJL: How does your tournament prep differ from your normal training?

LR:  My routine changes, my day completely changes that’s why I decided not to compete so much lately.  I’m focused on my gym and my students.  If I decide to compete again, I will dedicate my whole day, my whole life, towards training. 

BJJL:  Any charities that you support?

LR:  Right now, we are trying to support young talents from Brazil.  We are helping them to have a better life living with the sport, just like us.

BJJL:  What are your thoughts on the Equal Pay issue in BJJ?

LR:  I think it is time for that.  I talk about myself and many other fighters that I know.  We train hard, we changed and dedicated our life for the sport.  We do all that we can to see the sport grow and we ALL DESERVE better opportunities.  I know how things once were and how they are, they are MUCH BETTER and getting better and better.  I’m so happy with all the progress, even if it is slow but continuous.

BJJL:  You truly fight for your students.  You walked out onto the mat during World’s in 2014 (blue belt match).  You wouldn’t let your student leave the mat (time had expired) until you had the ref correct his error.  This led to your student winning when originally the ref had sided with her opponent.  I’ve NEVER…seen anyone else do that.  What prompted you to do it?

LR:  Yes, I fight for them now.  I know how hard they train and how much they want to be champion.  I know being a referee is hard, they have to think fast and mistakes are going to happen.  As instructors our jobs are to help referees also.  Mistakes at worlds are sad for the sport and for athletes. 

BJJL:  How has BJJ for women changed in the last 5 years?

LR:  I moved to the USA 8 years ago since worlds came back to the US.  Things changed a lot for the better, the IBJJF is doing a great job.  I can see the progress of the sport at each tournament and seminar that I teach and am so happy to be part of that.   

BJJL:  Would you like to see BJJ return to submission only?

LR:  I would like to see more submission only tournaments, it’s fun.

BJJL: Are there any IBJJF rules you would like to see changed or completely removed?

LR: I think right now, the double pull.  If they give two points for whoever gets on top, it will stop that a bit.  It’s boring.  They should do something to block it.

BJJL: So many are apt to return to the mat even though they are injured and they reinjure themselves (often worse).  What advice can you give on injury prevention and proper recovery? 

LR:  I’ve had some injuries in my career but nothing serious thank God.  I think the best way to prevent injuries is to workout in order to make your muscles stronger and keep your joints safe. 

BJJL: As one of the female legends and pioneers for up and coming female BJJrs…what advice can you offer up?

LR:  Believe in yourself, give 120% when training, keep going, dedicate yourself to what you want, DREAM…ACHIEVE.

BJJL:  Proudest Moment?

LR:  It was 3 years ago when I opened my first academy here in America and now I am opening my 2nd_.

BJJL:  Long term goals?

LR:  I want to change people’s lives with Jiu-Jitsu and to be happy.

BJJL:  Any regrets?

LR:  No.

BJJL: Is there anyone you would like to thank, that you have never had the opportunity to thank for helping you get to where you are today?

LR: I’m thankful for many people in my life.  First God, my family, my partner Morango, my friends, my students, and everyone that helped me to get to where I am today. 

William Ward said, “the mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” Professor Ribeiro started out on a journey 2 decades ago.  Along with her peers she ushered in a brand new era for BJJ.  She is a pioneer in the game, a brilliant professor, and a remarkable inspiration.  Her contributions to BJJ will be felt for years to come.  She has had a hand (be it directly or indirectly) in developing each generation and helping elevate the game and its competitors to ALL new heights.

FOLLOW PROFESSOR RIBEIRO AT:

www.leticiaribeiro.com

After two over doses, the last one landing him in a coma Devin Chasten started BJJ in earnest. After a broken neck and spine surgery in 2011 Devin received his brown belt this October from Dustin “Clean” Dense. Read the rest of the interview.

Success through hard work is the merit that defines a champion both on and off the mat. Yet being a champion doesn’t come easy as it takes struggle and the will to work to reach one’s goals. October 1st 2015 marked a monumental day for grappling practitioner Devin “Pirata” Chasten of Kansas City, Mo with his promotion to BJJ brown belt under world renowned Dustin “Clean” Dense. This pivotal achievement wasn’t accomplished overnight as Chasten’s rollercoaster nine year journey showcases the results of never giving up and always striving to become better. Devin openly touches on in this exclusive interview with us at BJJ Legends.

Your instructor Dustin “Clean” Denes visited your gym Bodyfit KC to do a seminar on October 1st. In addition he surprised you with a well-deserved promotion to BJJ brown belt. Would you care to touch on your thoughts and feelings about getting promoted that night?

Devin Chasten: It was an incredible feeling with a lot of emotion behind it for sure.   He gave a long speech before the promotion at the end of the seminar, touching on a lot of things about our relationship, the beginning of our training together, so on and so forth.  It was an incredible speech that left me almost tearing up to hear how he felt about me and about this promotion, a moment I will never forget.

Achieving this feat was by no means an easy task. Reflecting on your journey when you think of the word “struggle” why is it a good thing?

DC: Struggle is a great thing in hindsight; it is an opportunity to grow.  Without a struggle to overcome, you can’t get better.  That’s how I looked at it, and believe me I had my fair share of struggles, just as many have.  Some people could look at it as a road block and shy away, I tried to stay positive and take it head on.  Without my struggles and adversities, I wouldn’t be who I am today or have the knowledge I have.  It made me change the way I train, look at Jiu-Jitsu, and my approach to the way I do it.  At the end of the day makes you so much better, because you have to try different things and you have to get out of your comfort zone, which is somewhat the essence of Jiu-Jitsu.  Learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Talk to us about some of the hurdles that transformed you to the man you are today?

DC:  I’ve had many, but a few really stand out, I started Jiu-Jitsu not because it looked fun to me, but I needed a way to channel my energy in a positive way.  I started training seriously after my second overdose, one I barely survived.  I was in a sort of a coma for about a week, when I finally came out and realized my situation and how bad I was getting, I called my friend at the time and told him I need to do this seriously, I need to have direction in my life because if I didn’t I knew I wouldn’t last long once I got out.  So in a serious way, Jiu-Jitsu saved my life for real.  Another serious hurdle was when I had broken my neck in January of 2009, without really knowing it.  I trained that way for six months before I Finally went to the doctor’s office about it, after my right pec, triceps, and forearm had completely atrophied.  I had nerve damage from my shoulder to my finger and couldn’t feel my right index finger.  The whole time Clean made me push through, sometimes training 8 hour days for days straight pushing through the injury because we thought it was just my arm, not my neck.  For the next 6 months after I did physical therapy, cortisone shots, everything we could fix it to no avail, leading to Surgery December 2009.  All the while, I never stopped training.  I took 3 months off after surgery, came back to train 3 months and competed in the IBJJF world championships my first tournament back.  I’m now dealing with spine issues in my lower back, which at one point about a year ago I was having troubles walking or even getting out of bed, but with the knowledge from the years of dealing with these situations and with the help of a fantastic physical therapist I have managed to recover, train hard and work around it without it affecting me too much.

Everyone’s journey has reason it began leading to you experiencing your share of ups and downs. Tell us a little about how you got started in BJJ?

DC:  I was living a very hostile life before I started Jiu-Jitsu, and I always watched the UFC and always thought I could do it.  Growing up, if I wasn’t skipping school I was getting in fights to get kicked out,  I had lot of anger so before I even put on a gi, I fought MMA on a few shows on a local circuit.  I was 18, fresh out of high school and fresh out of the hospital.  I got released out of the hospital in October 2006 and took my first fight a month later with only a month of \"MMA\" training and a few years of high school wrestling experience.  I got the W by TKO in 1:33 of the first.  I had two more fights, the latter one where I had a pretty serious eye injury to my good eye, I say good eye because I am actually blind in my right eye already and have been since I was a year old.  I made a full recovery from the injury in that fight and realized MMA was not a smart choice, and that was right around when I met Clean and immerse myself full time Jiu-Jitsu with him.  The rest is history.

Dustin Dense is known in the BJJ Community as a respected and intense individual. Tell us about of your experience training under him and most importantly what you learned from him that’s helped shape your life on and off the mat?

DC:  Intensity was an understatement; it was downright insane training from the beginning.  We met Clean when he lived in Missouri for a short period of time but when he moved back to Florida he would come back once sometimes twice a month and we would drill and train for 6-7 days straight, 8-10 hours a day.  He would try to kill us.  I remember guys getting vertigo from the sessions, most would come once and we would never see them again.  At some points I would have to peel my gi off my skin, leaving what looked like bed sores from training so much without any breaks.  The old Clean, he wanted us to be killing machines.  My friend David Vava and I used to wake up at 4 am and drive 2 hours to a gym he would teach at when he lived here, to train for 2 hours then I would come back home and go to community college (which I eventually dropped out of so I could train with Clean more). Those two hours were nothing but us getting smashed as bad as we could by guys who Clean had waiting for us, it wouldn’t stop until Clean was satisfied.  He was crazy, and we didn’t know anything different.

We were young, stubborn, and wanted his respect.  I remember after of those sessions I went to shake Clean’s hand and he looked me dead in the eyes and said \"Your Jiu-Jitsu it shit.  You are shit.  Don’t come down here and train unless you’re going to bring something better\".  He shrugged my handshake off and I left.  He was hazing us, seeing if we were worthy of his time.  We kept going back until we earned his trust, and we eventually did.  After training for a few years I moved to South Florida for 3 months to live with him and train at his academy he opened, there I got my purple belt that was in 2011.  As always, every day was war and you had to be the last man standing or suffer the consequences.  I look back, after going through all of that I knew that nothing else in life could be that hard, which made me more successful in everything else I did.  He showed me how to work hard, how to push past any point of wanting to quit, how there was a way through any situation no matter how intense.  I owe almost everything in my life to that man, for all the hard times he was always there for me, always believed in me and never let me give up.  I am forever grateful to Dustin Denes.

Are there any other individuals that have helped in your growth in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

DC:  I also cross train at KCBJJ.  Owner Jason Bircher, Travis Conley, Taylor Kettler and Carlos Dallis are my main training partners there.  Although Clean is my master, Jason Bircher and Travis Conley have been mentors of mine as well.  Travis is my go to guy, one of my best friends who keeps it real and says to me what I need to hear, and pushes me beyond my limits in the training sessions.  We have a tight knit community here in KC; they all want the best for me as I do for them.

Switching positions in your current as an instructor at Bodyfit KC how do you use your experience to inspire and help your students?

DC:  I feel like I’ve been down a special and unique path, whether it’s been what I’ve been through with Clean, what I’ve been through with injuries and life in general that I feel I can relate with just about anyone on some level which helps as an instructor.  Due to severe injuries I’ve had to change my game so much that I’ve learned a diverse style, so it’s easy to show people something in all aspects of the game.  I don’t think I’m great at any one thing, just a jack of all trades because I’ve had to learn and switch my style with each injury, which is a great thing because it made me open my mind to so much more and not be stubborn on something and closed minded to the rest, which translates so well to teaching.  I love teaching and interacting, training with students.  It makes you stay on top of your game and relevant, I’m always reviewing things I worked on for years, it’s awesome.  

Finally with some much accomplished in your life what does the future hold for Devin Chasten?

DC:  As long as I’m able to train, I know whatever is in store in the future will be great.  Of course I want to go and win big championships, but the journey along the way is what I live for.  Now as a new brown belt, I’m ready to come out of the gate strong, compete as much as possible but also learn and enjoy the road.  With age, development and experience comes wisdom, and I’m ready for more and whatever the future holds!

Devin Chasten Shout Outs:  David Vava at Bodyfit Kansas City, Jason Bircher and Travis Conley at KCBJJ, Anyone and everyone who has ever had a positive impact in my life in Jiu-Jitsu and off the mat, I owe it all to you. Finally Last and not least, Dustin \"Clean\" Denes.  I owe him more than I can ever explain.

Interview with blue belt David Johnson of San Antonio TX about his path to the Master's worlds.

“You enter the forest at the darkest point, where there is no path.  Where there is a way or path, it is someone else's path.  You are not on your own path.  If you follow someone else's way, you are not going to realize your potential.”―Joseph Campbell

Making His Marking:  David Johnson One Year Later

David Johnson (a BJJr that trains diligently in San Antonio Texas at Pinnacle MMA) is one blue belt with all the potential in the world and then some.  Last year he seemed to have dropped out of the sky, won his division at Pans and then you just knew if he would be competing in a tournament, he would dominate.  Master’s Worlds is only a few months out and it’s time to check in with David Johnson to see how has progressed over the last year. 

BJJL:  How have you grown over the past year?

Johnson:  I feel more confident with my technique. I feel like I’m able to play my game, and relax.

BJJL:  You went back to Pans this time around and the results were not the same, what was different about your performance this year vs last year?

Johnson:  Last year was my second IBJJF tournament and I was like I’m just going to go out there and do my thing. This year I honestly have no one to blame but myself. I went in with a game plan that I was going to play it safe and conserve energy. It was the worst mistake I’ve ever made in a tournament. I ended up losing my first match to someone I’ve beaten 3 times prior by penalties. I will not make the same mistake again.

BJJL:  What is your training regimen like?

Johnson: I train 6-7 days a week. I spend a lot of time watching and analyzing matches and watching technique videos. 

BJJL:  You have a full time job (Active Duty Military, Dad,…Husband) and train just as much as time allows, do you feel you are as prepared as those that do nothing but train as their full time job with nothing but their training to worry about for competitions?

Johnson:  I never feel like I train enough. I wish I could do this full time, but I have obligations. I have a family to take care of and spend time with. I can’t be selfish.

BJJL:  You were not able to compete in Master’s Worlds last year… Are you ready with all that you put forth day-to-day?

Johnson:  It was very unfortunate that I couldn’t compete last year at Master’s Worlds. I had military obligations that prevented me from doing so. This year’s tournament can’t come soon enough. It’s the culminating event for the year and the one that means the most to me. Winning gold in my division isn’t enough. I want double gold!

Fresh off of wins at American Nationals (Double Gold) and the Austin Open (Gold) I have no doubt that David Johnson will walk away with just that.  The question any individual should ask themselves when setting goals is whether those goals are realistic?  You can set a goal however, be realistic about the objectives you have in mind.  David Johnson is one BJJ aficionado that goes out there and puts it all on the line.  His fervor sets him a cut above the rest and makes what he is doing vastly different from those in his division and why he succeeds time after time.  Michael Jordan is 1 in a million and as far as comparisons go, there are none.  When making your own way in a sport, admiration for an athlete that accomplished amazing feats is common.  The question for athletes that want to stand out is do you want to be compared to someone or do you want to be the comparison?  If you are taking the time to attend BJJ classes 2 to 3 times a day and attend seminars, camps, or pay top dollar for privates from the best of the best your goal is clear.  You don’t want to be the next anyone but the FIRST you.  If you have the potential and are on your own path, make your imprint.  David Johnson is CLEARLY making his.

“Just when I think I have learned the way to live, life changes.” –Hugh Prather

A Very Special Thanks Goes out to Eleani Johnson for all the love and Support You Provide.

Follow David Johnson at:

Instagram @DAVIDJ_BJJ 

Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/David-Johnson/363263963839686

In a wheel chair and paralyzed from the last rib down Max is going to compete in the 2015 IBJJF World Championships. A little background on a great warrior. Photos courtesy of Paulo Bihis and Bathala Apparel.

Maximiliano Ulloa is a purple belt under Leticia Ribeiro who trains at Gracie Humaitá South Bay. He’s 37 years old and will be fighting as a light weight (157) for the first time in his life.

Max became a paraplegic in 2012 after a fall from a second story balcony pinched spinal cord at level T7. With a T7 injury he has lost the use of his abs as well as his legs and lower back.

Before his injury Max was a 1 strip blue belt.

Max spent 2 months in hospital and 2 weeks in outpatient rehab when insurance only provisioned for 1 PT visit per week. He was home alone for 2 months then his brother moved to California to help. Six months after his accident resumed training because of his failing insurance need for rehab. He trains 8-10 hours a week.

Max took several months to travel across the US alone. He visited family and academies along the way. While he was visiting Miami for two months trained at the Rilion Gracie Academy. With Leticia’s blessing Max was awarded his purple belt from Rilion 2014.

Motivated to inspire other spinal cord injury people Max started the non-profit RollingtheWalk.com. He is supported by the great people at Jiu-Jitsu Changed My Life.

Photo Credit:Paulo from Bathala Apparel
Max ->
https://www.facebook.com/MaximilianoUlloaYork
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Grappling-Graphics/246478195484344
https://www.facebook.com/RollingTheWalk
http://www.rollingthewalk.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jiujitsuchangedmylife
http://www.jiujitsuchangedmylife.com/ 

Brown belt Jess Fraser is the founder and driving force behind Australian Girls in Gi.  She is fiercely proud to be the leader and organizer of this groundbreaking group ~ which is currently (& forever will be) club and affiliate neutral.

Hi Jess, Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to speak with us!!!

Tell us a bit about yourself. How long have you been doing BJJ, and why did you start?
My name is Jess Fraser, I’m a Melbourne based brown belt training out of Dominance Mixed Martial Arts (come visit!). 
I have been training BJJ since 2010. I started BJJ because I wanted to be a badass. Physically, mentally, emotionally. I might be still working on all of that but I am absolutely loving the journey. 

Who would be your biggest influences both locally and internationally throughout your time in the BJJ Community? 
My biggest influences have been my coaches and team mates. They are essentially the sculptors of the artwork that is my game. 
Everyone is involved but most prominently my coach, David Hart, is the guy. He gave me my guard. Its pretty easy to spot that when you see me roll. 
Martin Gonzalez, my partner of 5 years is also a huge influence on my game. It is predominately his direction for my top game. Dave influences technical knowledge and is more open to my development & experimentation generally, Martin is competition prep, very strict, very serious, very uncompromising. Its an awesome combo, the best of both worlds. Both support me unwaveringly. 

Internationally, black belt and World Champion Sophia McDermott-Drysdale. She’s the inspiration and the trail blazer. She made me believe that Aussie girls can do just as well as the overseas girls. At competition and at quality of technique generally. She is super well rounded, smart, a mother, a business owner and ass kicker. Very influential on my goals. 

You head up the AustralianGirlsInGi organization, tell us more about AGIG and how it came to be what it is today?
Australian Girls in Gi is the largest female only grappling community of its kind in the world. We are a community group that aims to boost the retention of females within our sport. The group has a public Facebook page and website but the most important work of the group happens in a closed doors, female only, online group on Facebook. We use it as a forum. It is safe, moderated and welcoming. 
Here the 900+ Australian female members support each other, organize training, ask questions, become leaders, educate each other and share in their passion for the sport. Its an amazing thing to be a part of, let alone lead. 
To explain how we got here and to the incredible place we are today would take me hours. TL:DR version..first there was only a few. If you build it, they will come. haha. Our most recent event (Camp #5) hosted 120 women for 3 days. It was mind blowing and record breaking.

You have a round robin format competition coming up this weekend in Perth, how many competitions do you run annually and what is the average age of the ladies competing?
I run many competitions for a few different organizations each year but only one annual female only AGIG Comp. Each year up until now it has been hosted in Melbourne. I am extremely excited about bringing the event to Perth as the ladies scene in Perth is exploding. There are such strong numbers due to the tireless work of the ladies at Legion 13, also the AMMA Angels as well as our sister group, Babes N Belts.
I wanted to give the women of WA the event that they deserve, totally dedicated to them, to show Australia that we see what they are doing and we want to reward it. Each of the AGIG events has girls from as young as 4 all the way through to women in their 50s. Its pretty special. 

What piece of advice would you give a lady thinking of giving Jiu-Jitsu a go for the first time?
Grab a friend and phone a club. Almost every gym will have a free drop in to trial the class. Ask lots of questions over the phone before you come in. And don’t worry if you feel like you don’t know whats going on - if you’re having fun on that first night, you’re doing it right. 
Also, don’t be disheartened if you see no other women on the mats on your first day. The guys are awesome, wait n see, they’re honestly the coolest pack of big/little brothers ever and they’re soon to be your family. All they want to do is help you. The giving nature of this community is something that will blow your mind. Trust me. Just jump in. You wont regret it. Its the best thing I was ever bonkers enough to try. 

What are the future plans for AGIG?
We’re headed to the Gold Coast for a huge open mat two weeks after Perth (first weekend in June). Then we’re headed to the AIS for Wrestling Camp that next weekend. 
We’re also headed to Bali in July as a group. Rolling, surfing, eating, sleeping. Check Facebook for details. All welcome, men as well!

Every month there is always an event and in a different State. We’re waiting on a venue to be finalized before we announce a crazy huge event coming in Sydney but its going to be amazing. Stay tuned and follow our page for more.
Currently all the profits from Australia wide events are being pooled by myself and Hope Douglas (purple belt, myBJJ Sydney). Our goal is to afford to fly in a top Brazilian black belt female from the States with the money so that we can run a series of seminars Australia wide for our group members. Its going to be epic.

For anyone reading today who may be interested how can they get in touch with AGIG or if they are international do you know of any similar organizations?
Definitely head to AustralianGirlsInGi.com there are 'get involved' sections for both Australia and International that can link you to everything we’ve found over the past 5 years - including how to find the members group on Facebook. 

Thanks very much for your time Jess look forward to hearing more about AGIG in the future, is there anything else you would like to add?
Make sure to get your entries in for the Round Robin tournament this weekend. You CANT register at the gate so jump in now!

www.agigcompetition2015.eventbrite.com.au

Everyone's journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is designed with a purpose. Grappling in search for an answer the pursuit is one of deep personal meaning. It absorbs us, free us, inspire us, and challenge us as there is truly a sense of joy and reason in our cause. Down the long road hard times are a dead given as the setbacks make our plans fall out of place. Luckily with  faith and perseverance there is always a way of getting back on course. Hard times haven't broken Checkmat Brown Belt Johnny Morgan as those memories have become a reflection of a man built for a destined path as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Hitting a stumbling block in his early 20's life seemed to have an unclear motive for Morgan. This uncertainly wouldn't last long as a developing passion for MMA and BJJ found its way into his life. Morgan instantly became immersed in the sport.

“I used to watch MMA all the time,” he said. “Naturally, my favorite fighters were always wrestlers and ground guys. When the opportunity arose to train at a gym, I took it. The second I stepped onto those mats I knew I found my place.”Now a full fledge fight practitioner Morgan's new found work illustrated a profound impact living through Martial Arts. With dedication success follows something Morgan became accustomed to showcased with an undefeated 3-0 MMA record and an unblemished winning streak in every grappling tournament he ever entered. There was no dream to big that he could achieve and challenge to great to overcome as the rising star began to make big moves in his career leading to a big break unto the UFC staple show The Ultimate Fighter.  This blossoming career would later put an abrupt standstill as a sad tragedy would befall upon Morgan's life with the untimely death of his mother from cancer.

“While I was living in the fight house my mom called to tell me she was terminally ill from cancer and she didn’t have much time left to live. During that time my mom went from being unsupportive of my fighting, to becoming my biggest fan.”

“Eventually she slipped into a coma. I remember telling my mom I would be okay and that I was going to be successful and become a champion. She knew she didn’t have to worry about me anymore. 10 minutes after I talked to her, she passed away. I was only 24 years old at the time, and this was the hardest thing I ever had to deal with. It was very overwhelming, and I lacked support and guidance having grown up with no father. I lost all sense of direction when I lost her.”

Pain in life hurts beyond measures. However like any bad situation we encounter, the best way out of a problem is to go through it. Many events would unfold which would not only reignite Morgan's passion for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu but also a new found life off the mat. “I finally started to get my life pieced-back together. I got a dog that showed me I had to live for something else. I also met my now fiancé, Maja, who is very hard working, and she motivated me to do more with my life. About a year into our relationship I looked at myself one day, being out of shape, and unfulfilled I knew I had to go back to doing what I loved.”

Finding stability in his personal life it was now time for Morgan to rededicate himself to his BJJ goals. Evolving as a person this disciplined athlete refused to waste any more time as he sought to make the best out of his life. Since his return in 2013 under Team CheckMat, Johnny Morgan has recaptured success competing and placing high level local and international tournaments while also gaining valuable lessons in his evolution as a fighter.

“All this comes with a lot of pain and suffering. I don’t make excuses, I work through injuries, I try to diet healthier, and most importantly I refuse to waste any more time than I already have, “ Morgan proclaimed. “Through the highs and lows I have medaled at Pan-Ams, lost at Dream, won at Grapplers Quest, won at NAGA, lost at EBI, become a No-Gi World Champion, and even proposed to my fiancé on the podium at American Nationals.”

Passionate and Skilled with a wealth of knowledge why not share it with other curious minds. Teaching classes at American Boxing Gym the Checkmate representative works endlessly fully dedicating himself to helping the students. Enlisted with this great responsibility you will find Morgan not only teaching world class grappling techniques but also aiding student to become better in life off the mat. Just as his focus as a competitor his endeavors as an instructor is no different as he is focused on becoming a great coach to anyone that trains under his wing.

“From personal experience, I have learned how much a coach can build you up, and I also know how badly a coach can break you down. I have realized through coaching that you’re not just teaching Jiu- Jitsu. Sometimes you are a therapist, a friend, a nutritionist, a father, or a mother. You take on many roles as a coach, so I approach this responsibility with a lot of love, humor, compassion and discipline.”

What good is a journey without something to challenge you? Bending but never breaking it was never an easy road for Johnny Morgan. His will to bulldoze through tough trials showcases the results of what happens when one believes in themselves and never give up. With all of the upcoming tournaments, MMA fights and people that need him he still has a lot to offer to the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. To no surprise this is one obligation Morgan will stay committed to because time can’t be wasted in this one life time for achieving greatness.

Johnny Morgan Special Thanks: Special thanks to my students who have always supported me and believed in me. I want to thank my CheckMat team and my Coach Robynho. Thanks to my sponsor, Conca Fight Gear. Big thanks to Jose De Jesus Gutierrez .Thanks also goes out to Scott Brengal, Brian Hood, Michael Harms and the Milosevic Family. I want to thank my fiancé for being my rock. I want to thank my mom Judy Geraci and grandfather Joe Geraci who were always there for me.

Since I own 3 other gi’s made by 93 Brand, Kris Shaw, whom I train with at Tinguinha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Yorba Linda, CA and also the owner of BJJ Legends Magazine asked me to review the latest gi by 93 Brand, the Zodiac.  I haven’t wrote anything other than a email since my last English final essay in college 15 years ago, hopefully I don’t make too much of a mess out of this.

Manufacturer’s description of the gi:   The gi features a 350gsm pearl weave gi top, 10oz rip stop pants, and interior yoke panel plus customers get to choose from any of the twelve circular zodiac patches designed by BJJ artist Meerkatsu.

First impression:  When I took the gi out of the bag, it felt very light.  The gi is minimally patched, which I prefer, and the color combination of white and blue look sharp.  There is a small strip of patches on the shoulders with the company name.  The side vents on the gi top and the gi pants have blue tape with stars on them to keep with the theme of zodiac.  It kind of reminds me of the U.S. Air Force uniform.   I don’t usually like ripstop pants due to being too stiff, but these pants felt softer than other ripstop pants I own.  The gi also came with a patch with my zodiac sign, Aquarius, which depicts a guy holding a water jug.  There are some cool looking patches that come with other zodiac signs, such as Pisces, Scorpio, or Leo, but as my luck will have it, I got a guy holding a water jug.

Measurements (all measurements in inches):

As you can see, there is minimal shrinkage with the gi.  I always washed the gi with cold water.  Gi top were always hung dried but the pants were put in the dryer at medium heat after the 3rd wash but the pants never shrunk.

Review:  I have trained in this gi for three straight weeks, 5 times a week.  This was possible due to the gi being so light that even after being washed and hung to dry, it usually dried within few hours.  Although the material is very thin, I did not notice the gi being stretched when it was soaked in sweat and my training partners tugging on the sleeves/pants etc.  As for the fit of the gi, I am 5’11” tall and weigh 165 pounds and the A1L fitted me like a custom made suit.  I have gotten many compliments from my training partners regarding the look of the gi along with how great it fits.

Conclusion:  If you need a great fitting, light competition gi or a gi that you can hang dry and wear every day, this will be a great addition to your collection.  I can’t wait to patch it up with my school flag and add to my collection.

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Black belt  Kenneth Brown interviews Migliarese black belt Josh Vogel on the art of teaching Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Many of us have experienced plateaus in our training. It may last a day, week, month or longer, but during that period, we perceive that we aren't improving. If that perception holds firm for a long enough period, it can cause some to abandon the art with the belief that they have reached their limit and can go no further.

This series of interviews is made to address that problem by drawing upon the experience of individuals who have persevered through obstacles to attain their black belt. They will be asked questions about how they learn as a student and how they teach as an instructor.

First up is Josh Vogel, who is a black belt under the Migliarese brothers of Balance Studios in Philadelphia. If you've ever visited his blog, Josh Vogel Art, or subscribed to his newsletter, the Sloth Report, you know how much time and effort he devotes to the art and development of Jiu-jitsu. That's why I sought him out, and in this interview he shares some great insights.

Enjoy.

The Interview

What do you consider the basics of Jiu-jitsu, and in an ideal world, how would you structure a program to give brand new students a firm foundation within a period of three months? Imagine that the only barrier to you accomplishing that goal lies in the limits of your own creativity?

Josh Vogel: I consider the first layer of basics of Jiu-jitsu to be natural movements that bridge the gap between what humans do naturally when they fight/grapple/roughhouse/wrestle around and movements that take more training. For example, when people rough house or fight all over the world, they head lock each other and mount each other in various ways.

The first layer of basics, in my opinion, would "educate" the head lock, mount and other natural movements like that. Some of the traditional Gracie self defense curriculum fit this pattern quite nicely (which is why most people who learn this way don't need much explanation of "why" they are learning to clinch, headlock or mount. They just need technical refinements to shape it up)

In an ideal world, a 3 month program would be a mix of group and private lessons. Group lessons with a specific curriculum of material and private lessons to help modify and select specific techniques to suit the individual and their goals.

A curriculum would have Layer 1, which would be educating what people naturally do. Layer 2 would be starting to train stuff that is natural but needs more education (manipulating the opponent with their legs takes more time to learn than how to tackle or mount for a lot of people, for example).

The 3 months would be focused on providing the student with 1 or 2 techniques from each basic position (learning from curriculum and refining in private lesson and through carefully structured sparring/positional sparring).

What are some aha moments you've had both as a student and as a teacher of our art?

Josh Vogel: My biggest "aha" moments inside of the art as a student have always been in discovering or being taught something that simplifies what I am doing and makes me feel stupid for not having known it before. On a technical level, a good example is when I went to a Rickson seminar and he taught that detail of angling your head before you upa (the one he showed on the Budovideos video). It was such a simple idea once he explained it, and it made my upa significantly more effective, but I would have never figured it out if I hadn't been shown it.

As a teacher, my biggest "aha" moments come from things that I learn outside of BJJ. Taking Muay Thai private lessons with an excellent coach (and watching that coach teach his students) has taught me a lot about how to teach my higher belt students, by simultaneously being a teacher, coach and training partner for them in private lessons. Teaching myself how to rock climb/boulder taught me how valuable a coach is and how to maximize my learning time in the absence of a coach. I'm learning the same lessons in taking private and group hand balancing lessons from a coach now too.

One of the biggest lessons I've learned from exploring outside of BJJ is that it's easy to forget what it's like to walk in the door of a new place for the first time when you have been doing BJJ for 11 years. In learning other arts, I'm constantly walking in the door for the first time, experiencing the anxiety of not knowing anyone and re-experiencing the growing pains of being a whitebelt again. It helps me identify with new students better.

Whoa. That is a good point. It does become harder to remember in vivid detail what it was like to step on the mats that first day as time goes and you progress in belts. So here's a question. If you could go back to that first year, what would you do differently to make the experience better and speed up your learning?

Josh Vogel: I would take private lessons and I would video tape my rolls. I couldn't afford it at the time (privates or a video camera), but I would have found a way to do at least a little of both. I also would have listened and implemented my coaches advice better. That's one thing I'm learning from hand balancing. When my coach tells me that my core is not tight or my hips are too far to the right, I shut up and listen, making that my priority to work on. In 2003 I wasn't very coachable haha.

The video camera would have helped for making sure I'm implementing when my coach is not there. Also for finding flaws I might not otherwise see just by rolling. Also to help me see and remember specific situations that I didn't understand better.

So the actionable advice is appreciate and learn from the experience of others, take advantage of additional learning opportunities, and measure your current performance to find areas that can be improved on. Would you also recommend that students incorporate aspects of other arts and disciplines into their training, like you do, at an early stage?

Josh Vogel: Another thing that has really helped me identify with the early learning process also is that my wife (Angela Vogel) started training BJJ two years ago. I get to re-live a lot of the same growing pains vicariously though her again.

It's probably great to have someone to experiment with as well.

Josh Vogel: Yeah, it's fantastic. Especially because she is both naturally gifted and incredibly hard working. She has gotten to a level very quickly where we can discuss and train some pretty sophisticated stuff, which is great for me. It also gives me more insight into what women experience in BJJ, which is something I would not normally have the same insight into.

Part of what makes her get good quickly is that unlike me, she is very coachable. She listens and implements and doesn't blame the technique if something doesn't work.

That's definitely my actionable advice. Listen to and trust your coaches. As far as metrics and measuring performance goes, yes, that helps speed up progress a lot for some people, but you have to find a balance between being someone who is performance based and someone who is training for fun. Don't let quantification kill your enjoyment, make it add to your enjoyment.

As far as exploring different arts, that depends on your lifestyle and background. When I first started, I only had room and energy for BJJ. Now I feel comfortable sacrificing some of my BJJ time for other things. The flip side is that perhaps I could have avoided a lot of the injuries I've gotten if I was more active in other activities that balance out my BJJ. It's hard to say. Very individual I think.

One of the other good things about diversifying your physical activities outside of BJJ is that it gives you somewhere else to play when you are injured or burnt out on BJJ. When I hurt my legs, I can practice handstands or something else . When I hurt my arms, hands or wrists I can go skateboarding or practice some elements of parkour type stuff. If I hurt my ribs I can practice...eating bacon.

When it comes to teaching, what are three of the most common issues you've seen new students encounter, and how do you address them?

Josh Vogel: In no particular order:

1. Making the leap from applying moves in drilling to trying them in sparring. For new students, it's usually anxiety that makes this difficult. They are still working from a "fight or flight" stress response on some level, so they forget to try their techniques. I practice drilling with them and increasing resistance incrementally in positional sparring until they are more comfortable. I also coach them when they are rolling with other students (with their permission first) to help them remember to try the moves out.
2. Remembering what happened when the moves went wrong. If you learn a move, and you try it and it doesn't work, what happened? What did your opponent do to counter or stop it? If you don't remember, then it's hard for me to help you solve that problem. I ask my students constantly what went wrong, what went well and for other details when they try moves in rolling. Then, with that information we start to explore solutions for that problem together. That's my way of starting the process of teaching students how to teach themselves so they won't need me eventually.
3. Self limiting beliefs. A lot of people say that they can't do a move because they are too small, or too big, or their opponent is a black belt and they are a white belt, etc...While these things are all actually valid reasons why something wouldn't work, they have to learn to lie to themselves and believe that they can make moves work against anyone. The truth is that if a 130lb white belt hits an x choke with precision and confidence at the right time, they can catch anyone, even a 230lb Black belt. So I try to help people develop a controlled confidence. They have to trick themselves into believing that no one on earth can hold them down on bottom of side control, even though the truth is that yes, people can pin them in side control. When I roll with my teachers, I pretend that they are white belts. They smash me easily. But if I tell myself that they are going to smash me and my moves won't work because they are 220 lb black belts with 25 years of BJJ experience, I already tapped myself before they even grip me.

This is the hardest thing for me to help my students with. Helping them achieve small successes and incrementally build up from there is the only way I've found to teach this confidence.

That's great. I agree with you a lot on the importance of early successes. We'll close up with two more questions. The first is what's your criteria for blue belts? What's the bare minimum of conceptual and technical knowledge that they should have?

Josh Vogel: The belt thing I'm still trying to wrap my head around. I think a blue belt should be able to ask directions, order a glass of water and use basic greetings in the language of Jiu-jitsu.

That means that they should understand the basic logic of what to do in the major positions in sparring. It doesn't mean that they have to be particularly successful doing those moves, but they should be reaching in the right direction. For example, if I see them get mounted, or I mount them, they should be trying an escape that they learned rather than relying only on gross motor movements like pushing their opponent away or pulling them in with no real direction.

They might not have the perfect grips, or even good grips to escape the mount, but they are trying the right movement in a way that is recognizable. Their movements should be recognized by people fluent in jiu-jitsu. More specifically, I would expect them to have a working knowledge of a specific curriculum (1 to 2 moves from each major position). That includes takedowns too.

The curriculum that I would use would include some of the classic self defense techniques in Gracie Jiu-jitsu.

Conceptually, 1 or 2 simple rules of thumb from each major position is what I would like to see. Stuff like "don't let your arms cross your opponents center line in closed guard" kind of stuff.

White to blue belt is about eliminating that feeling of confusion on the mat, so the 1 to 2 techniques and concepts is a good way to go because too much information is just as confusing as not knowing what to do for new students.

Good stuff. Now imagine that a white belt came up to you and asked you for advice on books they should read or any other training they should do outside of class. What would you recommend?

Josh Vogel: The first book I would suggest is "Mastering Jujitsu" by Renzo Gracie and John Danaher. That book has the best explanation of the basic theory of Jiu-jitsu out there. The history is decent too. The techniques are okay but not the real gold in that book, in my opinion.

The second book I would suggest is "Effortless Combat Throws" by Tim Cartmell. That's one of those books that you might not totally get as a white belt, but it will give you good ideas about posture and base. As you progress through the belts you will glean more and more nuggets of gold about making your BJJ more effortless. Keep in mind that it's not specifically a BJJ book, but a general throws book written by a guy who was a Purple belt at the time and heavily involved in Chinese martial arts.

Other training outside of BJJ...I would say make time to do a bit of everything. Take long walks as much as possible, hike, run, swim some, do some crawling around, jump on stuff,climb stuff (rocks, trees), squat when you watch TV rather than sitting on a couch. Being a well balanced human physically the other 23 hours a day that you are not doing BJJ is going to do a lot more for your BJJ and your overall health than anything else. Do lots of different stuff.

Key Insights

• Focus early on learning at least 1 technique from all the basic positions.
• Pay attention and listen to the advice of your coaches.
• Measure and improve on your performance in a way that is enjoyable to you.
• Believe that you can learn anything even if it's difficult in the beginning.
• Explore and practice many different activities outside of BJJ. You never know what could supplement your training in unexpected ways.

Closing Comments

Some months ago, I had a friendly debate with Josh on the topic of what defines an advanced technique. It's interesting, and it will give you a deeper understanding of his philosophy. Also check out the second edition to this series.

Also if you know of any lesser known black belts that think deeply about the learning process and instruction methods, feel free to recommend them for future interviews.