News/Events

Big Congrats also to our very own Geoffrey S. and Ben C. for their performances at the Florida State BJJ Championships. Geoffery dominated the teen division in solid form. Never in trouble, he played top and guard games to his advantage on his way to the State Title.

Ben C. won two of his No-Gi matches in very technical form before losing by advantage in a war with the guy who took second place. A very respectable 4th place in a stacked division of game 18-22 year olds. Not bad for someone who will turn 35 this year. Great job representing the old guys Ben!

Coach Luis Gutierrez will coming in to do a weekend seminar in August. The date is yet to be announced. Do not miss this. Ask some of the guys about the last one if you were not there. It will be a blast.

Ian C. took 2nd place in the Beginner Gi division.

Geoffery S. took 1st place in the Intermediate Gi and No-Gi division. His Gi matches were in the next higher class and against some tough players from much larger schools. Having his first match go into overtime, Geoffery stayed composed and played his game well, forcing his larger opponents to match his pace.

Ben C. took 2nd place in the Beginner Masters No-Gi division.

Steve W. fought well in the Beginner Masters No-Gi division in spite of being outweighed in his matches by nearly 20 lbs.

Our good friend and extended family John E. from Black Trunk in Cape Coral won his No-Gi division as well. Big congrats to John and his guys as well!

We are very proud of not just our competitors, but those who helped get them prepared and supported them for this event. Great job guys! It was an honor to work your corners.

Big congrats also to Ben C. Steve W. and Geoffrey S. on receiving their Third Stripes on their White Belts. Awesome job guys!

Shane won his first match but was stopped in the second by the eventual winner of the division who also went on to dominate in the Absolute class. No shame there. Shane picked up some good experience in the Blue Belt division that will be invaluable at NAGA and represented Naples Brazilian Jiu Jitsu well!

Ben C. apparently ran a submission clinic in the Beginner (6 months-1 year) division, winning all of his matches by armlock or choke. He also managed to score with a move he recently learned from our good friend and my coach, Luis Gutierrez. Big congrats to both Shane and Ben for their performance and attitudes both on and off the mat. We are very proud of you guys!

Hopefully, most of you got to attend the seminar we held with Coach Luis Gutierrez on Feb 9. If you didn't, you really missed out. It was absolutely fantastic and everyone was able to gain something that improved their games. It was also a big honor for me to be promoted by Luis to Brown Belt in BJJ (just when I was finally comfortable with the Purple). Hard work has never been so much fun!

Fletch Reply:
Watch your mouth, call me "old". I'll whack you with my oxygen tank.

Thanks guys. I feel very honored to have received this recognition from Luis, who has been my friend and coach for a long time now.

One of the things that I had discussed with him upon starting our ATG was the issue of standards. After coming from other schools and watching questionable promotions, I saw immediately that the SBG and Luis in particular, were different. I knew that the standards that I wanted to meet were the uncompromising ones Luis sets for his students. I knew it would not be easy but things worthwhile seldom are. It was for that reason that I asked Luis to be my coach as well as my friend.

Luis will be joining us and presenting his unique and innovative approach to Jiu Jitsu, Grappling, Mixed Martial Arts and Self Defense training that has him in demand as an instructor around the world. Don't miss this opportunity to learn skills and drills and take your game to the next level with a distinguished instructor and coach and have a great time in the process.

February 9, 2008
11:00AM - 2:00PM
$40 for EMA/Naples BJJ members       $50 for non members

Classes are going strong at Naples Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and we are looking forward to a great year with our partners at Elite Martial Arts of Naples. For those of you who have not been in yet or have been thinking about coming back... what's keeping you? Just swing by and say hi. The old timers would love to see you and there are a lot of new faces on the mat.

With several grappling tournaments on the horizon this year, we have been gearing up with competition training for those planning on participating. If you are looking to jump start your training and take your game and fitness to the next level, now is the time. If you just want to roll and hang out, don't let the comp thing scare you. We are still the friendliest place in town and take special care of the old guys (like me at 42 this month).

Special events this month include a Law Enforcement/ Corrections seminar on January 19. Look forward to a visit from my Coach and BJJ Black Belt Luis Gutierrez hopefully in February.

Please join me in congratulating Ben C., Geoffrey S. and Stephen W. on receiving their first stripe on their white belts. Geffrey also attended the NAGA Grappling Tournament last month, taking first place in both gi and no-gi divisions. If you have rolled with these guys, you know that they are tough and technical and are good examples of the results we strive for at Naples Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Congratulations are in order for Fletch as well; having earned his three stripes on his purple belt.

Big congrats to our very own Sasha for his well deserved first stripe on his white belt. His game is improving and he is a handfull for anyone on the mat. Sasha is a great example of training, hard work and dedication and we are proud to have him as a member.

Outside of Naples BJJ, also big congrats to Jorge Imbrosio who received his Black Belt from BJJ Legend, Ricardo Viera last night. Also present for the occasion were world class BJJ players, Leo Viera and Andre Galvo so the room was STACKED with talent! Great job Jorge! We are very proud for you and hope you'll come visit us at Naples BJJ soon!

Congrats also to our own Greg Dees on receiving his fourth stripe on his worn out white belt. Greg is a handful for anyone on the mat and continues to improve with every class.

Congrats also to our own Vinnie Difini on receiving his third stripe on his white belt. Vinnie's game has improved steadily and his attitude on and off the mat is a credit to Naples BJJ.

We'd like to welcome new students, Kirk, Jason, David and Todd who have recently joined Naples BJJ and are starting to see what people have been talking about.

Also special congrats to Hugo Castro and "Pappy" who are our newest First Tier Instructors. Hugo will be representing us in South America and Pappy will be assisting us with special military units. Fletch ran these two guys through the intensive course this week.

Thanks much gents,

-Luis