Gracie Jiu Jitsu Rocks! podcast

Professor Hopkins is a 3rd degree Pedro Sauer Black Belt. He is head of Team Hopkins Jiu Jitsu, with affiliates in several states. He has been practicing Gracie Jiu Jitsu for over 25 years and is a highly respected teacher and practitioner. In this interview he discusses his start in Gracie Jiu Jitsu, the early days, his association, his relationship with Master Sauer, attending the first UFC, etc.

Grandmaster Relson Gracie, second oldest son of Grandmaster Helio Gracie. GM Relson is head of the Relson Gracie association, as well as the Relson Gracie Academy in Honolulu, HI. Winner of countless street fights as well as Brazilian National Jiu Jitus champion for many years, GM Relson is a true pioneer and legend in Jiu Jitsu. Through the years he has touched countless lives by staying true to, and spreading his father's Jiu Jitsu. In this interview GM Relson discusses growing up in the Gracie family, his father's influence on him, his mother, self defense, competition, and living the Gracie lifestyle.

Marco Moreno, Relson Gracie Black belt, as well as Gracie Academy Black Belt, Owner of The Basics Gracie Jiu Jitsu in Leesburg, VA

In this episode Marty speaks with Fabio Santos, 7th degree jiu jitsu coral belt (black & red) awarded by Relson Gracie (and Rickson Gracie Black Belt). Fabio talks about being a former student of the legendary Rolls Gracie, training with Rickson and other Gracie family members, coming to the United States in the 1980's, his thoughts on competition, self defense, his academy in San Diego, and living the Jiu itsu lifestyle.

In this episode Marty interviews Rickson Gracie black belt Eric Silver. Eric is a very accomplished martial artist who holds a sixth-degree black belt in Wado-Ryu Karate as well as being one of only a handful to be promoted to black belt directly from Rickson Gracie. He owns and operate Zanshin Dojo in Nashville, TN. Eric is also a very accomplished musician, having toured and/or recorded with artists ranging from country stars The Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain, jazzers David Grisman and Victor Wooten to pop legends Cyndi Lauper and Donna Summer. His playing can be heard on recordings from Keith Urban to superstar Shania Twain's 40-million selling album, Come On Over. He has written hits for artists like Diamond Rio, Michelle Wright and the Dixie Chicks, who took his song, "Without You," to number one on the Billboard charts.

Marty interviews the 1st Pedro Sauer black belts to attend/complete the Gracie Academy ICP: Robbie Singh, David Kristic, and Alan mangenelo He also interviews Gracie U students who recently completed the ICP: Ron Wilder and Bill Oestereich

In this episode Marty interviews Roy Dean. Roy is a 3rd degree black belt in BJJ under Roy Harris. He is a world renowned Jiu Jitsu instructor through his seminars and his very popular DVDs and online videos. Roy has recently completed his book Becoming the Black Belt: One Man’s Path in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu One Man's Journey in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In this interview he discusses his book at length, his start in martial arts, twists and turns in his journey, who's influenced his life the most, yoga, etc.

Interview with Chris Saunders, Rickson Gracie's first American Back Belt and instructor at Gracie academy Beverly Hills. Chris talks about his journey, including his start way back in the 80's through present day, his time in Brazil, competition, the Gracie academy ICP, etc.

Todd Tanaka is a Relson Gracie black Belt. He owns and runs Team HK/Todd Tanaka Relson Gracie Academy (which is also a CTC through the Gracie Academy) in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is a long time practitioner and has been very involved in the Relson Gracie association for many years. He has a wealth of Jiu Jitsu experience and insight, and spreads this to all his students.

2015 Recap