BJJ Magazine + DVD

When it comes to analyzing the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu it all comes down to expansion. Without it there would never be growth in making the sport better. Fortunately for us there is a massive wave of talented grappling practitioners brining their own flavor to the melting pot which not only helps with the evolution of jiu-jitsu but also instills a positive influence in other grappling hopeful's progression.

Entering into the mind of Rodrigo Pagani one will embark on an exploration filled with a vast wealth of knowledge from one of the best around. As a part of the first league of Ribeiro black belts, Pagani's victories at high prestigious tournaments like Worlds and Brazilian nationals is a testament to his talent and devotion to his craft which explains his progressive rise from his humble days as a white belt to the elite black belt level.

Hailing from Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Pagani began his journey at the age of 16 in 1992. Originally geared towards fitness and the self-defense aspects his participation introduced him to a new sector of education of this mythical art form. Competing under the Gracie Humita banner Pagani's confidence began to skyrocket in his mission of becoming one of the best martial artists around.

I first started in jiu-jitsu back in September of 1992, when I was 16 years old and I’ve never stopped training. I was very skinny by that time so I thought it would be a nice way to exercise my body and learn some self-defense to become a little more confident.

Always staying hungry his dedication and passion is unparalleled. In an effort to further his progression Rodrigo would soon leave his home country which travels would take him to the United States to train with the Legendary Rickson Gracie where he would get first hand tutelage of the true essence of BJJ.

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The recent Metamoris competition has shed a lot of light on Ryron Gracie’s monacre, “Keep it Playful.”
Gracie has come under a hailstorm of criticism since the event where he played defense for nearly an entire match against a very aggressive Andre Galvao.  While many adults seem to be against the idea of using BJJ solely for defense, I think there is a lot we can learn from Ryron Gracie’s approach as it applies to children.

Child development experts advocate what is called a “child-centered philosophy” to help kids get the most out of youth sports, such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ).  Here are 4 things you can do to keep BJJ fun for your kids:

1.    Look for an academy that puts the goals of kids first – enjoyment, friends, fitness, involvement
2.    Remember that kids of different ages will have different needs. Make sure the academy addresses this and is appropriate for your child.
3.    Find an instructor  that emphasizes enjoyment and involvement over tournament results
4.    Ask your child what they want to get out of BJJ. Drop whatever goals you have for them, and adopt their goals.

Intro:

What do you do when not only are you and your brother avid BJJ players but are also involved in the family business of fabric and fashion design?  Easy, peezy start a new gi company of course.  Kaden of Mueawear has promised to deliver simple and functional gis that will continue to be pleasing to both the eye and the body.  Founded earlier this year in Seoul Korea, Muae currently offers only a single limited edition gi, the Oniwakamaru, but plans are in place for more gis as well as a full line of fightwear and clothing.

The Oniwakamaru features stunning interior artwork that is printed directly on the inside of the gi.  This kimono comes with all the features you’d expect from a high-end gi and few you may not have seen before such as ripstop lining in the lower half of the gi.  High-quality construction and excellent customer service combine to make this an attractive gi.

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The No-Gi Worlds is just around the corner and looks to be shaping to be a great event filled with many talented competitors. Apart of this fray looking to come out on top that day is two tough competitors who need some assistance with the funding of their trip.

Fight team representatives of BJJ Black Belt Jarrod Clontz Matt Larsen's Combat Fitness/ American Fight Company Eddie Wittern and Dennis Radonvich are amongst the many dedicated athletes making the trip out here to California to accomplish their dreams of being a world Champion. Aside from them being very successful competitors in the Texas grappling circuit they are also members of the United State Army.

DENNIS RADONVICH

SPC Eddie Wittern and LT Dennis Radonvich are both Iraq and Afghanistan combat vets, and are a part of the Wounded Warrior Program here at Ft Hood. They are also my Jiu-jitsu students. They have used Combatives and Jiu-jitsu to improve their selves. Both BJJ blue belts, Eddie is also a 4 degree black belt in Judo, and Dennis Wrestled at OSU. These guys fought for our country and deserve some type of gratitude for their services.

EDDIE WITTERN

If you are interested in contributing please contact Jarrod Clontz at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Photo Courtesy: Gabriel Chavez