Discovering the Hidden Rickson Gracie Black Belt

[@Bobba7438]

Ryan: Hi: My name is Bob Armstrong. I was one of Rorion Gracie's very early students after he first came to the U.S. from Brazil. He was teaching out of his garage at the time. I was on the Torrance Police Department. Shortly after studying with Rorion, Royce, who was then 17, came up from Brazil and began teaching along with Rorion. I ended up learning Gracie JiuJitsu from Royce, Rorion, and got the privilege of sparring with Helio and with Rickson. All of my classes were one on one. They didn't begin group classes until much later. I witnessed Rorion taking on all comers from whatever Martial Art form they were into in gyms, his garage, at the El Camino College and wherever as the Gracie reputation was starting to form and many wanted to do actual fights to prove they were better. In all the fights I witnessed at the time, the Gracie's never lost. Rickson and Royce were also involved in these early fights. Their reputation began to spread rapidly among the Martial Arts world and people like Chuck Norris were so impressed they had Rorion and others from the Gracie family do demonstrations at seminars he would put on for his Karate Studio owner/operators from across the country. Eventually, the Gracie's were training specialized military groups in various countries along with the U.S. Secret Service and many other law enforcement types. Rorion worked tirelessly to promote Gracie JiuJitsu and was the driving force behind the formation of the UFC. Royce fought in several of the early bouts in the UFC. He fought men who weighed over 250 pounds while he weighed in at a whopping 176 pounds. This was the catalyst which really spread the study of Gracie JiuJitsu. To this day in virtually all Mixed Martial Arts bouts, Gracie JiuJitsu techniques are used, particularly when fights go to the mat. I always thought that Rickson should have played more of a role in the formation stages of Gracie JiuJitsu, but there was some kind of falling out between Rorion and Rickson. But Rickson was the real warrior in the family. He was fighting in bouts in Japan and other places and winning all his matches. He was much more buffed and appeared to be the stronger of most of the Gracie family members I met and sparred with. I worked out several times with Rickson and he was amazing! I didn't start studying with the Gracies until I was 44 and studied with them until I was 51.( I am 82 years old now). I was able to achieve my Purple Belt. What impressed me most about nearly every Gracie black belt I met and worked out with, was their sense of humor and their ability to teach. Their teaching methods are wonderful and I am sure that Kama Jiu-Jitsu is the same. Technique is everything. They work with you in steps, slowly at first so that you learn each technique perfectly, and without you even realizing it, they are gradually increasing the tempo of these techniques until muscle memory is so strong, that even when I had to lay off for 9 months because of a back injury, when I returned, I had retained 85-90% efficiency at my first training session. I can't say enough good things about all the Gracie family members I met and worked out with. Helio will always be my Hero. I met him several times and was given a Gracie Jiu Jitsu Technique book that was signed with a personal message for me by both Helio and Rorion. It remains a prized possession of mine. From watching the videos provided by Kama Jiu-Jitsu, I am sure they are just as amazing and have the same great senses of humor as do the Gracie's. Newer techniques have been developed using early techniques of the Gracie method as a basis for these techniques and I am sure that Kama Jiu-Jitsu no doubt incorporates them. For anyone reading this who may be looking for a great form of self defense which does not require great athletic ability, great strength or gymnastic ability then this is the Martial Art you must avail yourself of. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu as taught by teachers who were trained by Rickson, or other Gracie family members is the most important. Do not just go to a studio that teaches Jiu-Jitsu. You want to make sure that you are learning from a teacher who has a legitimate Black Belt awarded by the Gracie Family. With Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, you do not receive a black belt in 2-3 years as you may receive in some other forms of Martial Arts. To achieve a Black Belt in Gracie JiuJitsu, it will take years of study. It took me nearly 7 years to achieve a Purple Belt training for an hour once or twice a week. However, a Blue Belt in Gracie JiuJitsu is very capable of defending themselves against many physical assaults and even by someone bigger and stronger. I will close out this long worded post by saying that I am so fortunate to have met and been taught by Gracie family members. It was an experience that will be one of the great rewards of my life. I have nothing but the deepest respect, love and admiration for the Gracie family. I would not hesitate to recommend any studio that has the Gracie family name attached to it. If the professor of that studio is a Gracie or has received their teaching accreditation from the Gracie's you are in wonderful hands.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

You sound like you were in the garage when Dave Kama was there. Your personal history with the Gracie family is awesome! Thank you for taking the time to share it. Far more people need to hear this because so much hate is being thrown their way who have never trained with them firsthand. If you’re up to it, I would LOVE to interview you for a future video. If that works for you, please contact me at [e-mail] All the best! ~Ryan

[@luisphilipesilva]

I saw Mr Dave kama rolling with some students of his, and I love they way he uses his jiujitsu, it's unbelievable the control, the calm, the knowledge, man Mr Dave is infact very very good at jiujitsu, indeed a true master in my book.

[@fmorin71234]

I had the pleasure of meeting professor Sauer years ago in Mississippi for a seminar and he showed me pics of him and Royce training for UFC 1 on bed mattresses in Ricksons garage. What a honor

[@evowizard5446]

I just found KJJ today , this guy should have more subs , a pleasure to listen too.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

thank you. we're still new to this. hopefully, you subbed!

[@evowizard5446]

I subbed for sure , never taken a ju-jitsu class , now googling where i can learn in london. TY

[@MegaHitman666]

You are Castrated old Fart to appreciate Bla Bla Bla and take pleasure to listen to it .

[@jiujitsuguy74]

Ryan, it's so great what you're doing. It's like a video diary and amazing for posterity. Thanks to technology, we'll have one of the best documented histories of any martial art. #Respect

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+Drifter thank you so much for that! Of course, we’re always trying to increase our knowledge on the history of the art we’ve dedicated much of our lives to. Hopefully, we can continue to inform others, too.

[@xJR0G15x]

I like how he said God always works it the way he wants it to. God comes first above all

[@gregstokes7117]

I have so much respect for you, Dave and Rickson. Thank all of you for sharing this art !

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

thank you.

[@jasonpeterson9362]

11:02 “It was just he and I and he just destroyed me.” 😂 There is a reason why a black belt from Rickson gracie is at the top of the food chain. I wish I could train in Kama jiu jitsu, absolutely hidden gem .

[@grunt-0311]

I am glad to see this mentality extends to other martial arts, a true leader lifts up those around him

[@mikebowser48]

Love this video, great story about getting better and handicapping yourself.

[@bellapool]

Awesome way to teach and getting yourself and your student to get better, Thanks coach.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

you're welcome!

[@tangikoy]

Great stuff as usual sir. i think roger gracie is another example of someone who has been surrounded by lower level belts and has still managed to grow and get better to the tune of multiple world championships all because he knowx knows how to train properly.

[@jdmikeg4]

Rickson is the best of all time in bjj he’s like the chosen one, like Bruce Lee.

[@almightyfonics]

Bruce Lee an actor lol

[@carpejkdiem]

Thank you for sharing this! Your experience with Dave and your own journey is a blessing to hear. - Blessings2u

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+carpejkdiem Thank you so much!

[@its.justze]

Really great story, awsome teachings, mind blowing, and yet so simple. Osss.

[@xmanrules2001]

Dave is a great guy. I knew him quite awhile ago.

[@Padrino_Golf]

Wish you guys had a school in Md! Definitely would like to visit the school soon if possible!

[@killdeer13]

Great video. If we needed someone better than us to get better and figure things out then none of this could have started in the first place.

[@DavidPittsChess]

Well rolling with Ryan is great can't imagine Dave Kama

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

come by and train next time you're in town, David. got some new concepts to share with you!

[@dstoglin1]

This was awesome..thanks!

[@thefishers2001]

I love listening to these type of stories about real martial artist. Rickson is the greatest and the reason I started my career. I would like the chance to train with Dave could someone please give me details? Thanks

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Prof Dave teaches at our Irvine, CA campus at 5 Ethel Coplen Way, Irvine, CA, inside the Racquet Club of Irvine. He teaches Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.

[@adam28171]

Professor Dave needs a UK club🙏🏻

[@GingyDaSpaceCat]

very interesting!! just started my jiu jitsu journey a few months ago

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+GingyDaSpaceCat have fun with it! We all have!

[@GoodCovfefe]

Been following for a couple weeks. I like what this channel is doing .

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+Good Robert Mingle, thank you!

[@GoodCovfefe]

where can i find the video about disrupting base from guard you referenced 11:48

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+Good Robert Mingle look up Budo Jake and Jack Taufer

[@joeschmoe9154]

Another great video! should be required materiel for students rolling against higher belts,,, plus anyone who is in a instructor/ mentor sintuation.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+Joe schmoe it is here, for both students and jr instructors: -).

[@dariobabic2392]

N0va

[@kuyaricky]

Love these stories

[@DUARTE99]

Awesome video and story. Professor Dave rules!

[@royhandsley2662]

You got me all hyped up. now I just need to train with you and P. Dave 24/7 :-)

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+roy handsley now you know what I feel!!! Thankfully, I see him 6-10 times per year :-)

[@kiddvs9696]

I was thinking about starting my own jiu-jitsu school in Chicago

[@oroe415]

Does any know a good school in San Francisco?

[@General_Mal]

@@oroe415 if you haven’t found a school by now check out Ralph Gracie school. Rhalan Gracie who’s the son of Relson Gracie is also a professor there.

[@frontdeskstaff9359]

Just curious, did you ever train with a guy named Dartanian Bagby back in the day? My friends training at the Torrance Gracie academy back in the early 90's used to talk about how obsessed that guy was with his training.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

I rained some with Prof D while we were at Master Kenny Gaberielson’s academy in the late 90s. One of my best/longest friends also earned his black belt from D.

[@thefullmonte1902]

Thanks Ryan. Love those old stories. Could you post some old videos of professor Dave rolling? Or competing? Thanks. Br. from Denmark, Europe.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+Vojkan Trifunovic Prof Dave starts rolling wit GM Rickson at 1:19 of this video. I’m the creepy looking guy sitting against the wall in the yellow shirt directly behind GM Rickson at the very start of the video. Prof Dave is wearing white gi pants with the strings untied. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qouXkoWngN2qjdU

[@thefullmonte1902]

Oh yeah, I could recognize you there :) Dave did put up a good fight. Longer than the other students. LIke his "stasch" :)

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+Vojkan Trifunovic Dave was a high purple belt then.

[@joeschmoe9154]

Wow, what a great video of exactly what your were explaining!! You can totally see how Rickson would give a little bit to see how his partner would react... and gradually give a little bit more, making his partner work to get better position. Eventually he would get into a position where it would be a challenge for him to get out from. He would get out than BAM! Choke or Arm Bar.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

yeah, we tease him about the pron stache sometimes... but his wife likes it and doesn't let him shave it off, lol.

[@GH51505150]

Thanks for another great video.... I wish you had a school in Philly PA

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Prof Dave will be up at Jay Goldberg's Delaware Jiu-Jitsu in Chadd's Ford on 11/11/17 doing his 3rd seminar there. go check Dave out! facebook.com/events/151453562120695/?acontext=%7B%22ref%22%3A%223%22%2C%22ref_newsfeed_story_type%22%3A%22regular%22%2C%22action_history%22%3A%22null%22%7D

[@GH51505150]

Thank you Prof Ryan.. I just saved the link you posted.

[@slick222]

Ryan, didn't Henry Akins go the whole way with Rickson?

[@jw4111]

Hi, you mentioned you've had two knee surgeries. I've only been training 6 months and really enjoy it but am concerned about serious injuries. Is it inevitable that students will have serious injuries? My gym has had there fair share.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

In a way. The higher the intensity level, the more chance you’ll get injured. It’s a fine line between training and training hard. We do all we can to prevent injuries, but true jiu-Jitsu is a simulated fight, and things happen. And when you really think about it, what real sport (as well) doesn’t have its share of serious injuries?

[@jw4111]

Kama Jiu-Jitsu Thanks!

[@alivepenmods]

Eat clean. Stretch a lot. Drink a lot. Take time to recover. Do a lot of ligament reinforcing work. Train like Thai fighters in Thailand, they train a lot and do intense work (sparring) periodically, like once a week, the rest is just drilling drilling drilling. That's how they end up having 200+ fights, they never hurt themselves training.

[@luisphilipesilva]

Cris Haueter is one of the Rickson's non Brazilian black belts and his wife is a black belt also but I don't know if she's got it from Rickson like her husband did, but who are the twelve non Brazilians that get their black belt directly from Rickson ?? Dave kama didn't , his black belt came from one of the Machado brothers Wich Reagan Machado is a Rickson's black belt, I believe, cause he calls Rickson ( My master ). but who are the twelve?? Cris Haueter is one, and the rest ?? Anyone knows who are these american black belts from Rickson?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Haueter is Machado, along with Bob Bass and Chris Minter. Dave Kama and Chris Saunders both got from Rickson. Kukuk from Rorion. Gabrielson from Reylson. I can’t remember the remaining offhand, but I also know Joe Moreira has one or two of his own, as well.

[@jasonhester1294]

Appreciate your humility. You seem like a cool guy. Enjoy your channel.

[@pierredavila6187]

Ryan : you said that there was a break-up between Rickson and Rorion just before Rickson moved to the US, did you talk about it in a video ?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

No i didn’t. It was after he moved to the USA.

[@hasanicoward4425]

Jean Jaques Machado is definitely the best of his brother's and trained Eddie Bravo who talks about him a lot

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

but eddie's jiu-jitsu seems to be nothing like JJM's.

[@amazingGrace108]

What are your thoughts about Henry Akins coach?

[@cabalofdemons]

The guy that got his black belt from Rigan, are you talking about Chris Haueter?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+cabalofdemons no.

[@brendant9127]

hal faulkner perhaps?

[@xmanrules2001]

Snooker Champ707 no

[@rollsgracie3604]

No He’s talking about a guy name Mark that lost to one of the Machado’s students Fernando six and hides everything and then cries afte words

[@s216674]

Interesting history. Thanks. Just out of curiosity (not trying to start anything) was Henry Akins a contemporary of Dave Kama, or had Dave already taken over the training of what would become his own school at that time? Cheers!

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

totally cool that you're asking and not taken as a means of you "starting anything." in the end, all of Rickson's true black belts come from the same Grand Master in Rickson. the ultimate goal is to spread GM Rickson's jiu-jitsu. Prof Henry was the "generation" after Prof Dave. There were several years separating Dave's and Henry's start dates with Rickson. By the time Henry started (if i recall correctly), Rickson Gracie Laguna Niguel's day-to-day activities were already taken over by Dave Kama (and Mark Eccard) and Rickson Gracie Oxnard's day-to-day activities were taken over by Prof Chris Saunders. Luis "Limao" Heredia was running Pico's day-to-day activities when Rickson was training/fighting in Japan.

[@s216674]

Thanks for the response!

[@HallowTree1031]

Where can I find the video of professor Jack disrupting the base?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

On budo Jake’s channel?

[@joehiggs4349]

Caique was with Rickson for years at Humaita when the Barra snd Carlson competition teams were bigger

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

Yep, i know of a time a few years ago Master Caique and Master Dave Kama were training with GM Rickson at his house. So Caique and Rickson are still in touch and still exchange some ideas.

[@kungadimey6970]

Very interesting !!

[@Severen45]

What happened between Rorion and Rickson that he left?

[@nationofisrael12tribes81]

Rorian Gave Rickson his red belt 3 years ago.

[@shanertheblamer]

Awesome video.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

thank you!

[@duncansutherland47]

Awesome!!!

[@jameschan7764]

No doubt Rickson is one of the best, if not the best. In one interview, even Draculino (who is from the sports side) honoured Rickson and admitted without shame being tapped out by him. I do believe Dave Kama to be very good in terms of his jiu jitsu and coaching, but to say he’s the best Rickson has produced is quite unjustified, not that it’s false. You mentioned Pedro Sauer. Whilst I’ve not seen him fight and hence can’t judge his fighting, he is proven to be an amazing teacher. So when we say best, what’s the criteria? Fighting or teaching?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

When someone says “best” something (can be anything), when does their teaching/coaching abilities come up? When people say Wilt/Kareem/Magic/Bird/Jordan/Kobe is the greatest, are we talking about their being a player or a coach?

[@jameschan7764]

I suppose in some arenas, roles are more defined. Since those NBA players never coached or were not known to coach, the context is obvious. I was just being curious about your context. I heard in some interviews, grand master Hélio’s instruction interest/emphasis has always been on teaching, and that’s why he put so much emphasis on his instructor’s program. For black belts, degrees are also awarded based on teaching years and the contribution to the art, rather than winning competitions or fights. So when not competing (grappling/MMA), ranking of practitioners doesn’t seem that meaningful although I must admit it’s quite a nice topic in the pub or cafe. Even for Rickson now at his age and his focus on perpetuating the art through JJGF, if we were to ask him who is his best black belt, wonder who he would pick, and base on what criteria. Interesting video nonetheless, always enjoyed and learned lots watching them. Thanks Prof Ryan.

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

I see your point. BUT, in IBJJF, degrees are awarded for the number of years you’re an IBJJF member, whether you teach or not. Traditionally, black belt degrees are only awarded to “professors” who are actively teaching. But, some of the best fighters are shitty teachers and some of the best teachers were shitty fighters.

[@jameschan7764]

Totally agree!

[@tigermaskly]

No shout out to Henry Akins?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+tigermaskly know him, but don’t know his story first hand.

[@tigermaskly]

that is a sick gi by the way! what batch is that one?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+tigermaskly I was told by my student that it’s a SYR Nous Defions, 2nd Edition? The heat txfr patches were done by Unko Ink.

[@creach34]

what do you think about Eddie Bravo and 10th planet?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+that guy doesn’t matter. What do YOU think? That’s all that matters, in the end.

[@creach34]

I really do not know, I think Eddie is very good that the art. I rolled mostly with no gi but every time I roll with a gi. I feel like an FNG. i see that in my game there is big holes training no gi. i feel that i would have been better if i what have trained more time with a gi. the question I'm asking you can reach the level of a black belt in your eyes just training no gi. what are the hole you feel will be if that is what you do and on top of that what do you think about EBI?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+that guy here, watch this video I did a while back. Let me know if it answers your questions/concerns. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oonHnGWoj8uppZo

[@creach34]

thanks, I would really like to train at your school one day...

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

+that guy if you’re in SoCal, Prof Dave Kama teaches at our Irvine Campus.

[@rallyrockss]

I see brother Ryan giving some wisdom. But there’s not other name great than the name of Jesus !!!

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

There are many “brothers” but only one Father.

[@banterwithbawden5444]

Rickson Gracie V Neo You decide?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

who's Neo?

[@banterwithbawden5444]

@kamajiujitsu firstly, thank you for your videos they’re amazing and I really appreciate the work you do!!!!! (From Cornwall 😁) Secondly I never expected someone to actually reply let alone it be YOU! So Hi hope you’re having a lovely day! Lastly. All of this was because I sadly meant Neo from the Matrix, and wish I’d actually put say Rafaela da Santos but oh well. Please keep making videos! I love them 😁👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RUNxLBC]

What about Henry akins?

[@KamaJiuJitsu]

He’s legit.

[@MegaHitman666]

Verbal Bla Bla Jujitsu !

[@joesphruggiero3707]

😊

[@Kirkmichals]

monetize

[@keyboardbeats]

Dave’s not here man!!!