Mixed martial arts: Self-defence emphasis in jiujitsu master class

Royler Gracie leads the junior jiujitsu class at NZ Fight and Fitness in Dunedin on Saturday....
Royler Gracie leads the junior jiujitsu class at NZ Fight and Fitness in Dunedin on Saturday. Photo by Craig Baxter.
If you are going to learn anything, it pays to learn from the best.

And that is exactly what a group of young Dunedin jiujitsu exponents did on Saturday with a masterclass from fighting legend Royler Gracie.

Gracie (48) is a member of the famous Brazilian family whose methods have become so dominant in mixed martial arts they are used by virtually every top fighter in the UFC.

Now based in the United States, he had a stellar competitive career himself with four world jiujitsu titles and victories in no-holds-barred events in the early days of MMA.

But there was no blood on the mats at Dunedin's NZ Fight and Fitness Academy as the smiling master martial artist took the youngsters through their paces.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, he explained, was primarily about building self-confidence from a foundation of basic self-defence.

Designed by Royler's father, Helio, to help a smaller person defeat a much bigger opponent, this means the techniques have as much relevance in the playground as the UFC's Octagon.

''The Gracie jiujitsu idea is to make sure you will be able to defend yourself in any situation. OK, we will really love it if you become a world champion. But I'm going to be a lot more happy if jiujitsu can save your life,'' he said.

Brown belt Ryan Henry, whose Dunedin gym is the only one in New Zealand affiliated with Royler's Gracie Humaita academy, said his visits were invaluable.

''Jiujitsu-wise, we couldn't be under a better person in the world, with his guidance and his knowledge and everything he's passing through to me that I can pass on to the students.''

Gracie also took a seminar for adult members yesterday.

Although he is a keen surfer, he was not planning to brave Dunedin's winter waves.

''No way man, it's too cold,'' he laughed.

By Sean Flaherty. 

 

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