Sunday, August 08, 2010   The kids and Juniors did great at the World Tournament in Riverside.     Saturday, July 24, 2010   If you have not seen our gallery for our 2010 Season Opener you are missing out. http://bit.ly/2010_seasonopener   GB Temecula   Here is a cool article on Paul that is featured on the Gracie Mag website this month. The true spirit of Jiu-Jitsu by Deb Blyth — July 9, 2010. Paul Nguyen winning the match against Brandon Mendez In Jiu-Jitsu there are always people who blow you away. It may be because their athletic abilities are so superior, you’re mesmerized by their skills. Sometimes it’s because their appearance or behavior is so outlandish, you can’t take your eyes off them. Occasionally, it’s simply because you sit down and talk to them about their journey to and through Jiu-Jitsu, and you can’t believe what you’re hearing.   Every sport has its champions and Jiu-Jitsu is no different. The true spirit of any sport, though, is found in its everyday heroes. People who fight the battles of life with such tenacity, grace, and courage, it makes you sit back and reflect about the true meaning of life and reconsider what you often take for granted. That’s what the following Gracie Barra warriors do. Their journeys through war, injury, and disease, wielding nothing but supreme mental and physical strength, set valuable lessons we can all live and learn by. On Saturday, May 8, 2010, the GB Season Opener displayed the kind of heart and soul you only read about in books. Paul Nguyen is light featherweight white belt from GB Temecula. His Professor, Ricardo Guimarães has a lot of respect for him, “No one’s allowed to complain at the gym,” Guimarães says, “After hearing Paul’s story, we can’t ever say we’re having a bad day!”   Paul Nguyen in his 2nd match in his second match of the day. Photos: Deb Blyth Paul served in the Army and was wounded overseas. He was shot in the thigh, the pelvis, and stomach. The round of ammunition burned up his insides. Doctors took out half his colon, so he ended up with a colostomy bag. “My thigh rode up, broke into fragments, and went into my stomach,” Paul says, “My nerves were done. I couldn’t use my leg for two years. I could stand, but I couldn’t lift it up to walk.” Paul says he couldn’t eat and left the hospital at 98 pounds. Paul didn’t give up. He worked hard in physical therapy, and after two years was able to get rid of the leg brace the doctors told him he’d wear for the rest of his life. “I still have nerve pain, but I bite the bullet with it.” He endured a colostomy reversal, and now he’s free of the colostomy bag. Paul tried Jiu-Jitsu and loved it instantly. “It didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would,” Paul says, “I didn’t think I’d be able to do anything good again. My life was going so well, then I got shot and it went down the tubes…until I found Jiu-Jitsu.” Paul had two fights at the GB tournament. He won one and lost the other. Paul says the best part of his day was getting an armbar in his first match. “There’s nothing like that – knowing I can get it now!” Paul says if anyone learns anything from his experience it’s, “whenever the going gets tough, you just have to remember there’s other people out there living a tougher life.”   Gavin Logan was featured in the BJJ Legends magazine this month New bjj Legends Original Feature Content BJJ Kid Legend Gavin Logan Age 8 School Gracie Barra Temecula Professor Ricardo Guimaraes (Brazilan Jiujitsu) Coach Sean Patrick (Muay Thai) * 1st Place 2008 gracie barra SoCal Classic 42 lbs 4-6yrs div. * 1st Place 2009 gracie Barra Season Opener 42 lbs 4-6yrs div. * 1st Place 2009 2nd World International BJJ Championships 50 lbs 7-9yrs div. BEST SUBMISSION * 2nd Place 2010 Gracie Barra Season Opener 53 lbs 7-9yrs div. * January 2010 Gracie Barra Temecula Student of the Month Gavin will be competing in this years Gracie season opener and 3rd World International BJJ Championships 2010 Please help us in congratulating young Gavin on his Martial Arts Accomplishments.     Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image! Click to open image!     Dear Temecula, The 7th Annual South Bay Open will be held     Cal State University Dominguez Hills fits 4000 people   July 24 & 25, 2010     2 matches guarantee or your money back!!!    This is a double elimination tournament where we guarantee you at least 2 matches or your money back*.  Please visit our tournament website for all details and registration.   Registration can only be done on our website on-line.  Registration closes midnight, Wednesday, July 21.      We look forward to seeing you there.   Thank you,   The South Bay Open Staff                      For registration and more info go to: www.cjjusa.com   *except for the 3 man brackets      See our new  4 inch medals           The Gracie Barra tournament was great. All students did an awesome showing their techniques. Here are some of the cool moments from the competition.                                Congratulations to the new Blue Belt students Alexis, Nick and Richard. Gracie Barra Temecula Brazilian Jiujitsu 26855 Jefferson Avenue Murrieta,ca 92563  951-970-2043      Wednesday, April 28, 2010         Our kids and juniors program keeps on growing,  I want to thank all the assistant coaches for helping keep the class safe.       Promotions of the Week       Congratulation to Michael Wargin, Nick Flinga, Alex Aguirre, Patrick Thomas and Richard Fowler their Blue Belt Promotions   PAN AMS 2010 Congrats to all students that partitipated in the PAN AMS Ricardo Guimaraes -  2nd place Black Belt http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ4DtA2iZ_Y Jeff Hampton -           2nd Place Purple Belt Cris Garcia -              2nd Place Blue Belt Alex Aguirre -            3rd Place White Belt Sean Medbury -         3rd Place White Belt   sexta-feira, 26 de março de 2010 Hi guys. We finally made it into Florianopolis after a day and a half of flying. This morning I trained with my brother and nephew at Clan Gracie Barra. Gracie Barra Temecula Brazilian Jiujitsu 26855 Jefferson Avenue Murrieta,ca 92563  951-970-2043      Instructors class at Gracie Barra America  Gracie Barra Temecula 26855 Jefferson avenue Murrieta, ca 92562    Wednesday, February 10, 2010 GB Temecula promotes its first Black Belts! Congratulations to Jordan Blanchard and Adam Figurski   Adam has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Prof. Ricardo Guimaraes, Sr. since the academy opened in 2002.   According to his wife Alicia, "Adam fell in love with the sport from day one and it had changed his life".  Shortly after beginning his training he married his highschool sweetheart and they have two children, Kaden and Khloe. His family is very supportive of his training, commitment to his students, and to the school. The students agree, "Adam is always willing to share his knowledge on any tequnique to help another improve their game. He is a great guy!". The passion to teach has propelled him into co-ownership and Head Instructor of the Gracie Barra Hemet School that has recently expanded after only a year and is still growing with great familys and students. Congratulations Prof. Figurski !!       Congratulations to all students that participated in the California Classic Tournament          Sunday, July 26, 2009                Congratulations Professor! He is taking home the Bronze to Gracie Barra Temecula after some very tough fights!!       Jordan Blanchard also got the Bronze with a great submission victory.          Gracie Barra Wins the Pan Am 2009! Congratulations to all students that competed at the Pan Am 2009 Professor Ricardo took second place in his division         Professor Ricardo Guimaraes receives his 2nd degree Professor Ricardo Guimaraes receives his 2nd degree We are proud to announce that the Gracie Barra Temecula Head Instructor Professor Ricardo Guimaraes received  his 2nd degree on the Black Belt from the hands of his Instructor Professor Marcelo Pereira. At Gracie Barra we follow the ibjjf guidelines and to receive a 2nd degree Black Belt our Professors need to be for at least 6 years on the Black Belt. Congrats Professor Ricardo Guimaraes. Here is a nice photo taken at the belt ceremony:     Thursday, February 26, 2009 Kids Class Promotions   Junior Class Promotions Tuesday, October 28, 2008    Over 300 athletes of dozens Gracie Barra schools attended to our  South Cal Classic Tournament on this Saturday, October 25, at Irvine Valley College, Orange County, CA.  What a great time we had! Here are some cool pictures from our students.   http://envisionvideo.exposuremanager.com/g/jiu_jitsu_tournament   Ricky enjoying his first place                                                                                    !        Gavin and Levi celebrating their first place                                                                                                                                                                                                              Levi with one more guard pass                                                                    Galvin with the back control                                                                Ricky looking for the finish          wednesday, September 17, 2008 The 12 Teachings that Inspired Carlos Gracie Sr Carlos Gracie Sr.’s life was amazingly portrayed in a recently launched book about his life! The author, his daughter Reyla Gracie, delights the readers with fantastic stories about the Gracie Family. Anyone who looks at the book is touched by “The list of teachings who inspired Carlos Gracie” at the back cover of the book. Find below a quick translation: 1. Be so strong that nothing can disturb the peace of your mind. 2. Talk to all people about happiness, health, and prosperity. 3. Give to all your friends the feeling of being valued. 4. Look at things by the enlightened point of view and update your optimism on reality. 5. Think only about the best, work only for the best, and always expect the best. 6. Be as just and enthusiastic about others victories as you are with yours. 7. Forget about past mistakes and focus your energy on the victories of tomorrow. 8. Always make those around you happy and keep a smile to all people who talk to you. 9. Apply the largest amount of your time on self-improvement and no time in criticizing others. 10. Be big enough so you can feel unsatisfied, be noble enough so you can feel anger, be strong enough so you can feel fear, and be happy enough so you can feel frustrations. 11. Hold a good opinion about your self and communicate that to the world, but not through dissonant words but through good works. 12. Believe strongly that the world is in your side, as long as you stay loyal to the best of yourself. posted by Gracie Barra San Clemente Brazilian Jiujitsu Academy and Gracie Barra Temecula   Saturday, July 26, 2008         Prof Ricardo Guimaraes and Muaythai instructor Sean Patrick received and award from the CHP for the Instructor Course in Defensive Tactics that they held at the Gracie Barra Temecula Academy.   Sunday, July 20, 2008   Here is an cool article from  TheValley News (local news paper) Written by Kathy Kelasko   The Valley News Friday, July 18th, 2008. Issue 29, Volume 12.  Gracie Barra Academy specializes in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, where students are taught self-defense with the added benefits of building self-confidence and staying in shape. Unlike other martial arts studios, there is no punching or kicking. Instead, various forms of submission are taught. “Brazilian jiu-jitsu is the fastest growing martial art. We are the only local studio that teaches the true Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” says owner and 2007 Pan Am Champion Ricardo Guimaraes, Sr. “We are not a fight club [and we do not] teach mixed martial arts. Our school is family-oriented;  we teach self-defense, improve health and self-confidence.” Guimaraes is proud of his Brazilian heritage and has been deeply involved in jiu-jitsu for 17 years. Son Ricky Jr., 7, and daughter Amanda, 12, have enjoyed learning the art that their father is so proud of. Along with wife Suzanne, the warm and friendly couple has created a thriving business. To accommodate their expanding number of students they recently moved from their Ivy Street location to a roomy 3,400-square-foot studio on Jefferson Avenue. Plans are underway to open a second  location in Hemet. Students between the ages of 4 and 80 learn techniques developed by Buddhist monks in India more than 2000 before Christ. “Brazilian jiu-jitsu requires a particular trust. The core principal is that aggression can be overcome by seeming to yield to it and using any attacker’s strength, size and momentum to a defender’s advantage,” says Guimaraes. “Students learn to apply and practice techniques such as submissions, escapes, positioning, opening the guard and immobilizing an attacker.” The academy offers beginners, advanced and private classes. Students are given the opportunity to compete  in the Gracie Barra Future Champions Tournament. “We are very proud of our students,” adds Guimaraes. “The last competition we had nine first place and four second place winners. The top two students were from our studio. Of all our students who competed,  50 percent placed in the competition.”   Known to his students as Professor Ricardo, Guimaraes works patiently yet firmly, teaching his students the beautiful art of jiu-jitsu that is part of his family’s roots. Though the atmosphere is more laid-back than traditional jiu-jitsu, there is a sense of camaraderie  amongst the students. Parents sit back proudly watching their children master techniques or relax and visit amongst themselves. The feeling in the studio is one of family, respect and love. “The most rewarding part of it all is just seeing a child’s face light up when they have mastered a technique or moved up a rank, seeing the shift in their self-esteem and watching their confidence in what they can achieve grow,” says Guimaraes passionately. “This is what it’s all about.”   For more information on Gracie Barra Academy call (951) 970-2043 or visit www.jiujitsuacademy.com.   Instructor Ricardo Guimaraes, Sr. demonstrates to his class on Instructor Manny Gonzales a jiu-jitsu technique.           Prof. Ricardo Guimaraes, Sr. and Master Renzo Gracie  ~  Master Carlos Gracie, Jr.  Red/Black Belt Promotion 6/3/2008    "The secret of this sport is, while you're the nail, hang in there, let them hit you, until the day you become the hammer, then you smash them back!" -Renzo Gracie     Tuesday, June 3rd,2008           Today was an exciting moment for Gracie Barra America and all Students who are part of the Gracie Barra Family.  Our Master, Master Carlos Gracie Jr. received his Red Belt tonight from Professor Renzo Gracie. We are so fortunate to have been able to witness this event. Congratulations Master Carlos Gracie Jr.!!!             Friday, September 14, 2007      It was an honor and a privilege to have 7th Degree Black Belt Master Carlos “Carlinhos” Gracie, Jr. visit our Gracie Barra Academy here in Temecula, CA. He created and operates two of the worlds largest and most important Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Organizations: the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and Gracie Barra, the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in the world. As an instructor for more then 30 years, he has produced many well known instructors and athletes. Master Gracie divides his time between the United States and Brazil. Despite his enormous responsibilities, he still finds time to teach classes every day either at GB America or the GB main school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We believe there are many tools that can be used to bring about positive and effective changes in our lives. One of those tools is to seek wise counsel to seek the truth. Master Carlos Gracie Jr. came to personally visit each of our students and taught us about his legacy. He spoke to us about the history of Gracie Barra and how it is directly related to his life. He shared stories of his family and amazed some of us with a count of “21” siblings, WOW! It was amazing to see some of our smallest practitioners of the sport hang on each word as Master Carlos spoke. It was an incredible evening with the GB FAMILY!! THANK YOU!!!  See you on the mat!  Ricardo Guimaraes Sr.        GB Temecula kids class