Gracie Barra Springfield

Hello Gracie Barra Students and family. Some things to keep in mind this weekend and to save the date this September!

Monday September 6th is Labor Day and we will be closed. Happy Labor Day!

September 4-5 Students will be competing in Chicago! We wish you the best in success and an all around great time! You have worked hard on the mats and are sure to meet some new friends and cheer on your Gracie Barra Team members!

September 17th at 6 PM MOVIE NIGHT! Attention Kids and kids at heart, bring your family members, pillows and your belt!

Thats right there will be a proper belt tying contest! The movie is The Tooth Fairy and is rated PG. Parents should preview the movie before but it is a family film. Popcorn, special treats and a night of family fun awaits you! We so look forward to seeing you at Gracie Barra Springfield for this great EVENT!

Welcome early birds to the newest class to welcome in fall and winter! Starting August 25th we will open the doors to invite you and several Instructors to a 6:30 AM Open Mat. Many of you showed interest on the sign up sheet at the academy and we are encouraged to help you meet your training goals!

WE WILL SEE YOU AT 6:30 AM On Thursdays!

Gracie Barra Instructor candidates Jason and Kathy!

Click on the photo below to see more photos at our school gallery!

Jeff Peter

John Mohan

Machine and Jessie hard at work!

Professor Marcos and Jamie Barros

Kory going for it!

More photos on our gallery page! Click on the first photo!

Gracie Barra will be closed Monday May 31st Memorial Day in honor of all the brave men and woman that fight for our freedom daily. Thank You and God Bless you and your families.

With humble gratitude,

GB Family

A special gi was presented to Marcos Barros from Marco “PiuPiu” Joca for the Silent Auction being held May 7th in an effort to bring home Professor Marcos’s  son from Russia.  It was a very heart warming moment to see all the Gracie Barra Black Belts signing the gi to help make a dream come true for a child they do not even know. Thank you so much from all of us here that are looking forward to bringing him home and helping the ones left behind in Russia at this Silent Auction! Your generosity and genuine care is amazing!

Gratefully yours,

Marcos…Jamie and extended GB Family!

Brearin "Machine" Land holds the gi.....

Hello Something to think about readers. Recently we gazed at yet another beautiful child that needs a family. He is merely 5 and full of love,life and contentment. The people that spent time visiting him in Russia spoke of what an amazing little boy he was. While we await to bring our son home our hearts sink for one of many yet to find a family. Why would no one jump at this amazing chance? Well, were not sure but there is something that we surely didn’t know and wanted to learn.  We wanted to learn why and maybe we did.  This little five year old child has HIV.

   So, while we seek to encourage families to adopt, we asked ourselves what kind of life can they have with HIV? We had no clue and started researching. Knowledge is so powerful and being uneducated really causes us to miss opportunities in life. I have included a link attached to the picture above and also pasted it below. It is amazing how treating and managing these precious children is manageable and even possible! The challanges of International Adoption with a healthy child can be  difficult and even one with HIV but the rewards and Blessings never ever end. 

   We have also included a link to the Russian Orphan Lighthouse Project in which you can take the matter of this five year old boy in prayer,see his picture, request more information and go there to hold him in your arms. Please read and learn at least the truth about kids living lives with HIV. It was a wake up call for us and most likely will surprise you as well!

http://www.positivelyorphaned.com/

http://russianorphanlighthouseproject.blogspot.com/2010/03/positive.html

Blessings,

All adoptees and those no longer called “orphans” and the families blessed by their kids!

Looking out for the little ones, Dima stops by to teach them.

Friday May 7th Dinner and Silent Auction at Washington Park Botanical Gardens 6:00PM to 9:30 PM to benefit International Adoption from Russia! This will be a one time chance to give and get! There will be some amazing and highly sought after items at this event! If you like BJJ or Gracie Barra gear from the past, present and to come, you will not want to miss a chance to buy some great items to benefit some really great kids!  Some of the gear is new and never seen before as well as some you cant even buy anymore! There are also many items from over 65 businesses in Springfield, New York and California! There are services and precious items that would make great Mothers Day gifts too!

Dinner and Presentation 6:00PM

Open Bidding 6:30

Last bid in 8:00PM

For more details, see the flyer at your Gracie Barra Springfield school! Tickets are a suggested donation at $5 and there will be extraordinary delicious food from Hickory River! You can register the day of the event or get your tickets at GBS.  This is a family event for kids as well. Happy Bidding,God Bless and have a great time! We hope to see you there!

Riley, our featured Artist at The Silent Auction takes a moment to pose by her piece before it is quickly bid upon!

Im not really sure putting such a supernatural night into words is possible. For several hours countless friends and family appeared to help and generously give to bring home Dimitry from Russia. The first that could help set up trickled in and began setting up all the auction items to their bid sheets. They had to make the best use of space they could due to the massive amount of donated items! Some items even missed the tables on accident (sorry about the Braulio DVDS! I will get them to those who still would like them!) There were even a brood of ducks that had to be left in boxes with one lonely duck representing his wooden carved pod tucked below the tables!  It was a grand display of love in donations!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE.THANK YOU TO EVERY ARTIST! THANK YOU TO EVERY BUSINESS!

On top of the donated items were many of you who bid and even had people bidding over the phone for items if they were not present or late to arrive at the auction! I cannot imagine a more joyful event and we had so much fun just getting to be with everyone of you. Our hearts overflow with gratefulness and love for you. May God Bless you so abundantly in your lives and families and of course your BJJ career!

Thanks to you…

There will be three little boys that are being adopted by three seperate families who have been given a portion to help bring them home as well. Two are from Russia and one is from the Ukraine.

There will be an orphanage in Indonesia who will have a caretaker and friend for the whole summer despite not coming home and being left behind..you will bring a piece of home to them.

There will be a man traveling to help the children in Guatemala that cannot come home due to adoption regulations on that country. These kids need many things to help them heal from a difficult past. You have sent a worker to help build and improve their home and lives.

Finally, there will be  Dimitry whom of which you have given so  generously that 7,000 will go to the adoption expenses and help bring him home!

It may have seemed like a simple ordeal but you have changed the lives of many and set in motion changed lives. God has given us friends and family we could never count worthy of earning and this is how He displays his love and power. Thank You all, We Love you!

Love,

Dima,Marcos and Jamie

Dave Scneller,Marcos Barros and Darren Ward pause to enjoy friendship and a nice photo! Its rare to see any of them in a still moment! They are always doing something for someone else!

Jamie stands in the middle of two amazing and selfless sisters Emily Harris and Amanda Mesa. They flew overnight just to help and give of their talents! They are priceless blessings to everyone they encounter.

The beauty of these two is more than external. Keri and Reese share some laughs as they ponder bidding on funny bone tickets and a TMNT (teenage mutant ninja turtle)

Hope is Eternal and Faith is the evidence of things unseen. It was such a joyful event that even as the work stacked up and hands piled into help lay out each item, our hearts swelled with joy at the support and love from our friends for Dima!

Ryan and Jearrie of Massey inc. donated this beautiful Globe! Katrina and Kris won the bid and we are really glad they did! If you look really close, you can almost see Dima waiving from Russia!

Black Belt Program  Students will be training in special classes through out the months of May, June and July. The ABC and 300 are back by popular demand! Students enrolled in the Black Belt Program please see Professor Marcos or an instructor for details, times and requirements.

Brick and Rope

Gracie Barra Springfield will be holding a No-Gi Adult Tournament On Saturday June 5th at 9 AM to benefit Saint Judes Children’s research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

To compete in the event please pick up a sponsor envelope and ask people to sponsor you.

All proceeds will go to Saint Judes. Your donation envelopes must be returned on the day of the event to compete.

This event is open to all Gracie Barra schools, just come in and get your envelope!

Lets make it a great day to remember and a great fundraiser for a hospital that does great things!

Machine sinks it in.....

May 31st Monday,  Gracie Barra Springfield will be closed in observance of Memorial Day. Honor those in memory and say Thank You to the men and woman currently serving the beautiful USA!

God Bless them!

July 9 & 10 are tentative dates for a Gracie Barra Springfield Summer Tournament.

Friday July 9th the Gracie Barra Future Champions and Juniors will take the matt to compete starting at 5:00PM.

Tournament cost for kids is $10 per student and $14 for sibling groups.

Tournament fees and Registration Forms are due by  JUNE 26th with no exceptions for bracket purposes and preparation. You can register in person at Gracie Barra Springfield or via your Professor or Instructor if you are not a student at Gracie Barra Springfield.  All GB schools are welcome!

Saturday July 10th all adult competitors from all Gracie Barra Schools are  welcome to attend and compete with White-Blue to belts beginning at 9 AM – 12:30.

There will be a break for lunch at Hickory River Restaurant! The first four students to arrive at Hickory River get a free lunch on us!

The Advanced competition will resume at 2:00 PM to completion.

Don’t forget to ask for sponsors if you are growing your career in BJJ. There are many local businesses that would like to sponsor students competing. Five sponsors at $5 will pay all your fees!

Tournament fee for adults is $25 per student.

Tournament fees and Registration Forms are due by  JUNE 26th with no exceptions for bracket purposes and preparation. You can register in person at Gracie Barra Springfield or via your Professor or Instructor if you are not a student at Gracie Barra Springfield.

Please be advised the dates could change due to the IBJJF Tournament up and coming in July.

Stay Posted for more details as dates are wrapped up for the IBJJF Event posted to take place in Chicago.

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!

Hannah and Lahne laughing in Future Champions class!

Gracie Barra Instructors will meet June 18th Friday at 5:30 Pm. We have some exciting events coming as well as the ongoing ABC and 300 Training. You don’t want to miss this meeting and we hope you enjoy this Friday with your families as you soak up all SUMMER has for you!

July 9 & 10  is our Gracie Barra Springfield

Summer Tournament.

Friday July 9th the Gracie Barra Future Champions and Juniors will take the matt to compete starting at 5:00PM.  Tournament cost for kids is $10 per student and $14 for sibling groups.

Lillie getting a stripe!

Tournament fees and Registration Forms are due by  JUNE 29th with no exceptions for bracket purposes and preparation.

You can register in person at Gracie Barra Springfield or via your Professor or Instructor if you are not a student at Gracie Barra Springfield.  All GB schools are welcome!

Mike, Adam and Josh showing their GB medals and sportsmanship.

Saturday July 10th all adult competitors from all Gracie Barra Schools are  welcome to attend and compete with White-Blue to belts beginning at 9 AM – 12:30.

There will be a break for lunch at Hickory River Restaurant!

The Advanced competition will resume at 2:00 PM to completion.

Don’t forget to ask for sponsors if you are growing your career in BJJ. There are many local businesses that would like to sponsor students competing. Five sponsors at $5 will pay all your fees!

Tournament fee for adults is $25 per student.

Tournament fees and Registration Forms are due by  JUNE 26th with no exceptions for bracket purposes and preparation. You can register in person at Gracie Barra Springfield or via your Professor or Instructor if you are not a student at Gracie Barra Springfield.

See you There!

Come out and support the Future Champions of Gracie Barra!

Competition starts at 5:00 PM!

All family and friends are welcome and encouraged to come on out and support the kids!

All Gracie Barra students are also encouraged to come and support the smallest members of their team!

We hope to see you there!

Adults will begin at 9 AM and continue through the afternoon! There will be a break for lunch at

Hickory River !

Tournament,friends,great BJJ and food! Come join us Saturday even if you are not competing! We look forward to spending time with everyone and its going to be a great day!

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!

Closing class tradition, Professor Marcos Barros and students shake hands and encourage each other until the next time they train!

Hello Gracie Barra Springfield Family! We would like to post in an effort to keep you up to speed on the many events happening this August and September! Please check the website or give us a call often to stay current on all the new classes and changes the fall and winter will bring!

This Saturday August 21st in Chicago the IBJJF will be hosting a  referee course  for anyone interested to attend. Professor Marcos as well as several of your Instructors will be attending this certification in order to help serve YOU ALL better.  The IBJJF is an excellent resource to learn the skills and knowledge for BJJ rules, points and performance as a referee. We appreciate the Instructors that will be taking advantage of this opportunity to serve the students even better as they prepare for future competitions and training.  Following the Referee course on Sunday August 22 is the IBJJF Chicago OPEN! Details below!

REFEREE COURSE

On Saturday, August 21st, prior to the Chicago International Open IBJJF Championship, the IBJJF will be giving a Referee course. 

Time: 
12PM – 3PM

Fee – 30 dollars

Symmetry Fitness Center & MAT
401 W. Ontario Suite 400
Chicago, IL 60610  

For more info email to regras@cbjj.com.br

On Sunday August 22, 2010 many students will take on a new uniform, the one of a competitor. Its very different from a student’s Gi. It is filled with confidence and maybe a little excitement. An ounce of fear but loads of team encouragement and of course a blanket of training and preparation. We are really proud of all the support that has come to many students even attending on that day and local GBS Families, businesses and friends that have even sponsored many competitors with train tickets, competition fees, meals and lodging. We would like to thank Hickory River and Ryan Louis, Gracie Barra Springfield students, Wendy and Family, Fitness Together, Gracie Barra The Loop, Sabrina Barnett, Gracie Magazine,Gracie Barra Korea and Gracie Barra Store for all your support! God Bless you in your generous giving for the competitors!

There will only be one class scheduled for Saturday August 21st due to so many of your Instructors attending the referee course and competition in Chicago. Come to Chicago and support your school! Its a great excuse to take a trip and really see the premium competition only IBJJF can offer!

On Saturday August 21st ONLY  all levels 10 AM class will be in session.  Woman attending the 9 AM Woman’s class are welcome to join in the 10 AM all levels class on this day.

Adult Students who would like a 6:30 AM class added to the schedule are welcome to put in their suggestion for any particular day except Monday on the sign up sheet at the front desk. We will be adding this class if enough students show interest.

Gage and Professor Marcos

Back to School for our Future Champions and Juniors will again return us to our previous two day schedule. Saturday classes will not be in session for the fall and Winter on Saturdays after August 28th.

However, with Demonstrations ( TBA), Awards and appreciation night (TBA), Corn Maze (TBA), FAMILY Movie Nights (9/17/10), GBS in house Tournaments, GBS Messy Relay and BJJ in the park (9/25/10) still to come… we encourage you to check the website for events and we will see you on Monday and Wednesdays for your Training!

Lahne and Professor Marcos

Girls Class. A serious bunch.

guess who this little guy is?

Happy Birthday to a wonderful student and excellent BJJ practitioner !

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!

Happy Birthday Animal!
Happy Birthday Jake!
Happy Birthday Girl!
Great work Jeff in your promotion!
Bubby congratulations on your first stripe!

We will see you there!

Shane takes the mat....