Showing posts with label black belt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label black belt. Show all posts

Saturday, 2 November 2019

Igor Almeida Black Belt

Igor Almeida Black Belt


Massive congratulations to Igor Almeida on receiving his black belt from Professor Bruno Alves earlier this week. 

"After over 10 years practicing this sport I’ve earned my black belt last night from the hands of the person who took me to my first bjj class @brunoalves_sjja thank you Bruno for being such a great role model for me thank you to my professor @zeradiola for all the guidance I’m looking forward to been on the mats with you soon. Thank you to all my coaches and training partners also thank you to all my family, my aunt @claudecidamascen for making me believing it was possible, my lovely girlfriend @kimmycogs_sjja whose support is endless and all friends who have always supported me in this journey. I know this isn’t the end but the beginning of a new chapter in my life and I’m ready for this I will do my best to live up to this belt and make those who support me very proud. @ Sydney Jiu Jitsu Academy"

It is a great moment for these two boys to be able to share. 

We met Igor when he first arrived in Australia a few years ago. He couldn't even speak English yet but was here to chase his dream. He has had a lot of success along the way but he has also had a lot of setbacks with some major injuries. That is what makes this all so great. Overcoming those things and still achieving what he set out to do.

As Igor says in his post, this isn't the end but the beginning of a new chapter in his life. I know Igor still has some big goals he wants to achieve and I believe he will.

I am so happy for Igor and it has been a pleasure seeing him progress and mature over the years.

I'm proud to be able to call him a friend. He is a great human and deserves the rewards for his hard work and dedication. 


Tuesday, 18 December 2018

SJJA Belt Ceremony

SJJA Belt Ceremony

Had a great day on Sunday celebrating a great year with the SJJA guys.

Personally, I was fortunate enough to receive my blue belt from professor Bruno Alves, and my mate Kyle Fish, who is the reason why I got involved with jiu-jitsu and Bruno, received his purple belt. 

Whilst I am happy to have gotten my blue belt I was much more happy for Fishy. Seeing him go up and receive his purple from someone who he admires and respects probably the most in this world and seeing the connection Bruno and him share was special. Brought a tear to my eye. I know how much jiu-jitsu means to Fishy but more so it is because of Bruno. Jiu-jitsu is the vehicle that brought them together.

I can't thank Bruno, Aaron, and Igor enough for all their help with jiu-jitsu. More than that though, I have made some great friends for life. Gem and I first met the boys to help them with their nutrition and strength training, as Fishy had recommended us, but it turned out to be way more than that. I am very grateful for it.

It was great to see Simon Chandra receive his blue belt, and awesome to see Mike Johnstone receive his black belt as well. You have to earn it, it isn't given. To see the reward after a lot of struggle and sacrifice is a great thing. There is a deep fulfilment you see in people when they have been through a lot physically and emotionally to achieve something like a black belt. You don't see it often these days but it is great to be around.   

I look forward to 2019 and what it holds for all the guys at SJJA. 




Friday, 25 August 2017

Bruno Alves - 2nd Place World Masters 2017

Bruno Alves - 2nd Place World Masters 2017

August 25, 2017

Congratulations to Bruno Alves on achieving second place at the World Masters today in Las Vegas. 
Bruno had to compete in six matches to reach the finals where his opponent was Clark Gracie. 

The match ended in a tie between the two competitors leaving it to a referees decision where Bruno was awarded second place. 

"The general consensus from the competitors watching the match was that he was the consistent attacker in a tied fight which should normally have him as the winner." - Mike Johnstone.

Bruno is the last person to make excuses and this match was no exception. He is as gracious in defeat as he is when he wins. A lesson we can all learn from. 

Regardless of the decision, Bruno is a champion in our books and always will be.