Gracie Barra Springfield

Reilly is selling yummy and useful stuff fir her school! If you would like to help, check out her catalog on Tuesday and Thursday nights at GBS!

This is in response to the request for stories of the life saving benefits of the jiu-jitsu training I have received at Gracie BarraSpringfield. Goodness! How many times have I used that phrase when I come into class that night (my morning, as I work 3rds). First off, my job is not as glamorous as police or military, as I work nights in the emergency room of a psych hospital doing admissions.

All of my calls involve either: someone psychotic and trying to hurt themselves or someone else, someone under the influence of street or the abuse of prescription drugs, or a combination of all the above. Jiujitsu has enabled me to subdue a 5′2″ 260 lb. girl who was combative at time of admission and had hit me in the jaw (the hardest I have EVER been hit in my life). I was able to secure her in the safe clinch, take her down and secure her with knee on the belly for about 3 minutes while she was thrashing about violently until help could arrive and she could be sedated. My supervisor at the time stated that I did what it usually took 4 staff to accomplish.

Jiujitsu allowed me to subdue a male who had been punching himself in the throat (I watched his throat instantly bruise) and was also banging his head to the point of bleeding. When I attempted to talk to him and verbally intervene, he lunged at me and attempted to bite me in the neck. I intercepted him in the safe clinch and took him down with O-uchi-gari (inside trip) and secured him in side mount until nursing staff could take care of him. Jiujitsu helped me deal with a female 2″ taller and about 40 lbs. heavier than me (and I am not a small guy either) who had been cutting herself with a scalpel and was bleeding profusely. She attempted to punch me in the face, when I safe covered and secured her in the rear safe clinch and transported her (while she was fighting) about 50 yds. into a safety area where she could be monitored and treated.

These are just a few of the instances that immediately come to mind (There are many, many more.) Jiujitsu at Gracie Barra Springfield has provided me with the physical conditioning to deal with violent encounters, the spiritual serenity to remain mentally and physically composed during these events, as well as the awareness to intervene and prevent situations from escalating violently. Gracie Barra Springfield teaches jiujitsu, the humane martial art, ideal for handling serious situations quickly and resolving them with the least amount of violence possible while teaching physical methods that are easy to learn and easier to implement.

I have had several incredible moments in my life. One of them was when I walked in the doors of Gracie Barra Springfield and started my journey in jiujitsu. God bless you and thank you for all that you do.

Tim Morenz

Its not everyday you walk into a school and hear the words,” BJJ saved my life last week!” However at Gracie Barra its not really that uncommon!  When Professor Marcos and the GBS Instructors are not on the mats they are living their everyday lives.  Some of our very own serve in the US military, SS, Security and the Police force.  Its thrilling to hear those words and certainly proves that BJJ is more than just a great lifestyle and sport! It can save your life. Just ask some of your team members. If you have a testimony about the way BJJ has helped you please submit your story to jaminikole@yahoo.com. We would love to post it and encourage everyone to gain confidence and give BJJ a try. If you would like to remain anonymous please indicate so in the email, thanks!

Professor Marcos spreading BJJ in South Korea at Gracie Barra Cheoung Moo

Gage and Willow stretching before a match

Teaching our friends in China some basics and triangles

Professor Marcos trains soldiers in the Level one combatives at Camp Lincoln in Springfield

Bjj in pink! Woman are really taking greater interest and gaining greater confidence. Amy Mesa in white takes her first class!

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/gracie-barra-springfield-brazilian-jiu-jitsu

Sno cones help beat the heat! Our GB Future Champions enjoyed some Slimy Frog, Chocolate Chip and Blueberry! They are each as sweet and unique as their tastebuds! We are Blessed to have such great kids! Keep up the great training and enjoy your summer!

For those of you that have been thinking of our soldiers and friends here at Gracie Barra Springfield, we are pleased to announce the homecoming of Jeff Giannoni!  We are really thankful he is home safe and back on the mats training as well as home with his beloved family! If you see Jeff around the Academy, make sure to give him a hug or handshake and thank him for his sacrifice of time missed from family and life just to fight for our freedoms!

Thank you Jeff and WELCOME HOME!

-Jamie and GB Staff

Always in the mix, Jeff and GBS Students pose for a pic at the Corn Maze

Jeff's crew sit at his feet. He has three awesome little ones that im sure are very proud of him but happy he is home too!

Training while away

Priceless!

Welcome Home!

Thank you students and friends who have offered to compete and help the Hospital known as Saint Judes! Please sign up at the front desk for a great tournament! There is no minimum to raise for Saint Judes! Any amount of donations will qualify you for the tournament. There will be healthy snacks and beverages for sale with all proceeds benefitting Saint Judes!

All Gracie Barra Schools invited to attend!

We will have a great no gi tournament and all are invited to watch and enjoy the event. You can grab an envelope and collect contributions for Saint Judes even if you are not in the tournament. So many families are suffering with cancer and fighting this disease, even families within our academy.

Students and families, you have been an inspiration to help !

Here is to a great tournament and fundraiser!
Blessings,
Jamie and GB Staff

Gracie Barra Springfield

Kele goes for the arm bar!

Sheri laughs as she takes photos with visiting friends in China.

Steven at Movie Night! All Smiles!

Darren and Peanut.

Life is precious.