I was still a purple belt when the group decided to split from the Carlson Gracie. The group separated and our temporary training location became Murilo Bustamante’s academy in Leblon. The space was small and with a column in the middle, but we managed to carry on strong before transitioning to a new academy at the AABB (Bank of Brazil).
Murilo’s academy always has place in my heart, because I learned so much there. Murilo was in the gym all the time, so most of the classes were taught by him. His style was most technical and paid close attention to detail. The space was small, but the energy was magnetic, so united to form a powerhouse in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts.
There were only warriors at BTT, and all very fortunate to be students in a professor rotation consisting of Murilo Bustamante, Zé Mario Sperry, and Ricardo Libório. The room was packed with so much incredible talent: Rodrigo Minotauro, Ricardo Arona, Vitor Belfort, Paulo Filho, Dustin “Clean” Denes, Alan Goes, Rogério Minotouro, Alexandre Pequeno, Fernando Pontes, Moacir Boca, Claudinho, Sérgio Babu, Marinho, and more.
First session was at 11 and dedicated to the kimono fighters. This session would roll itself into a second session that started at 1 for the professional fighters. I too would transition from kimono training to MMA (no-gi) with the fighters. This rotation was my first half of everyday, then I would spend hours training at de la Riva’s in the late afternoon and night.
Rio de Janeiro Jiu-Jitsu and lifestyle played a major role in my unique style of Jiu-Jitsu Chop. I was the ultimate student of the game, so always learning from the best with attention to detail. I was also the ultimate warrior, always going to battle and testing to find out what really works at the highest level.
I went to Brazil an American on a mission to experience the ultimate in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. During the mission, I won the Brazilian Championship. The mission continues, and now emphasizes sharing my knowledge and experiences via Jiu-Jitsu Chop.
continued…….LINK HERE RICARDO DE LA RIVA via Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
BRAZILIAN CHAMPION CLEAN submits MG in Rio, Brasil
LINK HERE MY CHAMPION STORY in Rio de Janeiro