On November 12th, 1993, Royce Gracie fought in the original Ultimate Fighting Championship. At this time the UFC was truly no holds barred, and Royce’s primary objective was to prove to the world that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was the most effective — and most complete — self-defense martial art. Nowadays people see Jiu-Jitsu as mostly a grappling art, with limited focus on real life self-defense strategies and techniques. I’m proud of our network, as the leadership remains invested in self-defense and the complete art that is Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
One week ago I hopped on a flight to Oklahoma City to be with Capital MMA’s black belt candidates, and to help administer the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt test. There is no fee for taking the test, and the pass rate is less than 50%, which includes those that were there to take the test a second time (or more). I’m excited to say that three of our candidates passed! There are now 12 Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belts representing Capital MMA, each with more than a decade of experience. I’m proud to call them my brothers of the sword!
But it wasn’t their success that made me most proud. It was their preparation to succeed! To those members of Capital, past and present, who did not pass, I am equally proud of each of you who used your crucible moment as an opportunity to grow as a practitioner of the gentle art.
I cannot wait to do it all over again next year!