For the uninitiated to BJJ and MMA, please read the next section, if you’re a BJJ or MMA geek and you want the ins and outs of my credentials then read the last paragraph.
What are BJJ and MMA?
Brazilian Jui Jitsu (BJJ) is the "hottest" style in martial arts today. It was created in the early part of this century and had a standing challenge (see below) that was open to practitioners of all styles of martial arts, regardless of size, weight or musculature. BJJ championed every time. BJJ does not involve striking or kicking and is suitable for people of all ages and both sexes, for an unbeatable workout, great self defence and a tremendous boost to self-confidence.
"IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR FACE BEATEN AND WELL SMASHED, YOUR ASS KICKED, AND YOUR ARMS BROKEN, CONTACT CARLOS GRACIE AT THIS ADDRESS . . . " Brazilian newspaper ad, circa 1920s
Mixed Martial arts (MMA) is founded from BJJ. It combines not only BJJ, but striking and clinch. It’s one of the fastest growing sports around, has come from the underground and is rapidly approaching mainstream. Over 600,000 fans tuned in on pay per view to see the latest UFC event, compared to only 60,000 for the boxing heavyweight championship. Despite protests that the sport is dangerous, there have never been any recorded deaths from this physically demanding sport. It’s the ultimate sport for fitness and adrenaline junkies.
How I got into the sport.
I began studying MMA in the 1990s and then trained with Lee Hasdell, the 'Godfather of UK MMA' under his SSJ system of Thaiboxing and submission wrestling. Danny Batten (current cage warrior champion) was Lee's top student at the time and we eventually joined Brazilian Top Team. I received my Blue Belt from Brazilian Top Teams Ze Marcello, shortly afterwards and fought in my 1st European BJJ competition in 2004 at the NEC, narrowly losing the Seni BJJ Middleweight Blue Belt to Luc LaMude of Gracie Barra. I have since won the open and middleweight classes at the Revolution Grappling Tournament in Doncaster and took silver in the purple belt division at the 2007 Urban Gorillaz BJJ Southern Open. I am an active Judo Brown Belt
Although my CIMA qualification has taken precedence, I have also taken up Judo to improve my throwing and takedowns in MMA. I received my blue belt after only a few weeks and compete in local championships under the tutelage of Olympian Steve Pullen 6th dan MBE. I’m currently training under the legendary Karl Tanswell and received my BJJ purple belt in 2006 from Matt Thorntonm president of Straight Blast Gym International.
I also coach the advance BJJ class at <A HREF="http://www.karltanswell.co.uk</A>
