By Kolby Chang

Local Brazilian jiu-jitsu enthusiasts have the chance to learn from one of the most decorated competitors of the new generation of BJJ players as Team Atos black belt Keenan Cornelius is on island for a two-day seminar that concludes tonight at the Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Dededo. Cornelius has been friends with Purebred instructor Stephen Roberto for several years and the time was finally right for the 2012 BJJ World Champion to make a stop here to share his wealth of knowledge.

“I’ve known [Roberto] from back when I was living in Maryland training with Lloyd Irving because he used to come out there a lot. I told him I was coming around this area and he said I should come by and teach a seminar,” Cornelius said.

Steve Roberto poses with Keenan Cornelius. (courtesy photo)

Roberto added that he’s been trying to get Cornelius out here for over a year but his competition schedule was too hectic to permit. Now that he’s in the off-season Cornelius has more time to travel.

“He’s fresh off of a great performance at the Mundials (BJJ World Championship) so we’re lucky to have him,” Roberto said.

BJJ players attending the seminar can expect to soak up a lot of technique in two days.

“He’s famous for the worm guard, that’s the hot trend right now in jiu-jitsu, but he’s going to be focusing on the other things that have made him successful,” Roberto said.

The seminar began on Monday evening in front of a packed house where eager BJJ players got a chance to get up close and personal with the only BJJ competitor to win gold medals at the Mundials, the Pan-American Championship, the European Open Championship and the Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the same year. Cornelius said the turnout for his seminar has been a pleasant surprise thus far.

“I didn’t expect such a big response. This has been one of my larger seminars,” he said.

Cornelius on the mat showing his technique. (courtesy photo)

In addition to teaching jiu-jitsu, Cornelius got a chance to play tourist over the weekend by eating at local restaurants, hiking and swimming at the Merizo Pier. A native of the Big Island in Hawaii, Cornelius said it was nice to be back in the tropics.

“It’s very similar to Hawaii as far as the temperature and the weather,” Cornelius said. “The people are very nice and kind here. Just like the people in Hawaii.”

Cornelius thanks Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Academy and Roberto for helping to bring this seminar together. He also thanks his friends Mike Carbullido and Frank Camacho for showing him a great time.

Roberto thanks Fokai Industries and the Marianas Open for their support. He also thanks Cornelius for his time and all the jiu-jitsu academies on Guam that came out to the seminar.

“Having a guy like Keenan do this helps bring people together and that’s very good,” Roberto said.

For more information about the seminar contact Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Academy at 687-1130.