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ROGER GRACIE DUBLIN SEMINAR 30th December 2000 HOSTED BY THE FULL CIRCLE MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY SPONSORED BY CHOKE ATHLETIC. World BJJ blue belt champion, Roger Gracie was invited to Dublin to train with the Full Circle martial arts academy for a few days over the Christmas holidays with the help from his new sponsors - Choke Atheltic. Still fresh from his previous arrival in the UK from Brazil, Roger spent the first few days rolling with the guys in Spheres gym, in South Dublin brushing up the Irish lads techniques. The word had quickly spread however, that this famous young Gracie was in town and the phone started ringing non stop in the Full Circle office.
Roger Gracie in full control on top
On the 30th, a small seminar was organised to accomodate the few avid BJJ'ers who didn't want to miss out on this opportunity (even though it was meant to be a festive period!) to train with a BJJ world champ. Many had read about this 19 year old BJJ star who had impressed everyone at the world championships in "Grappler" magazine, and also his infamous expressionless style of fighting. On a freezing cold, snowy Saturday morning, 15 of us met up with Roger in St Andrew's college in Black rock (also venue of Ian "The Machine" Freeman's seminar on the 20th Jan 2001) where he showed us some new tricks to play around with .
John Kavanagh remembers the old saying 'control the head, control the body'
Guard passes, sweeps, pins and submissions were shown from many different positions and angles, but the most noticeable thing I found was his emphasis on patience, control and balance. Roger, a formidable opponent by most peoples standards has an amazing ability to slowly and systematically tear his opponents apart. Never do you feel in control or even near a submission. You are always on the defence from at least two angles at once.
"Ok, one more roll around, then it's time for that Xmas pudding".
At the end of the seminar, which boasted the top competing Judo player in Ireland as well as the top two Irish Vale Tudo fighters in Ireland, Roger & co showcased their skills on the mat with a few sessions of sparring. A video was shot on the day. Highlights and pic's will be posted on the Full Circle website as soon as it is possible.
Full Circle lads after a great roll around with a star in the making - Roger Gracie. To end this summary, all that can be said, is that this young man is a star in the making. Rob Byrne - Full Circle Martial Arts Academy.
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