GRACIE HITS THE MATS FOR MONDAY SEMINAR

By Robert Balajadia

Monday featured a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Guam jiu-jitsu community with the legendary Royce Gracie. The local talents got the chance to learn and roll with the decorated blackbelt at the Agana Shopping Center with Gracie’s departure from Guam nearing.

The youth got the first chance in the late afternoon to learn from Gracie with the kids sharing laughs with the legend while learning valuable lessons and techniques.

The adults had the evening with Royce as they too were astonished with just how unique of an experience rolling and learning from the Gracie was.

“He and his family are the reason why we’re all doing this. Without him, there most likely isn’t jiu-jitsu on Guam,” said local black belt Dan O’Connor.

“The attention to detail is what we can all learn from him. He’s experienced so much that his presence alone here is huge. Being able to pick apart his brain on jiu-jitsu is going to be amazing,” added brown belt Eric Sian.

“The Gracie family doesn’t get nearly enough credit for how they were able to transform the sport into what it is today. It’s surreal having him here and being able to share a conversation with him and talk about the sport we all love so much,” said purple belt Kevin Cruz.

During Gracie’s presentation of how to secure a certain hold, Sian and local purple belt Kevin Cruz were amongst the crowd who were in amazement of his teaching.

The two-hour session with both groups allowed Gracie’s fans to become students under direct guidance. Even GSPN CEO Patrick Lujan couldn’t hold back as he hit the mats for a couple of rounds to practice the technique Gracie put on display.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

The group of young jiu-jitsu practitioners engaged in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Alan Cepeda getting direct instruction under Royce Gracie. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

‘Mad Mike’ looking on as Gracie points out proper positioning. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Isabella McGowen and Royce showing the way to secure a proper headlock from the side angle. (photo by Robert Balajadia)