BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Category_Braus Adventures, Category_Braus Community, Category_Braus News, Jiu Jitsu, Psychology

Psychology - What is it with BJJ?

Psychology– the mental characteristics or attitude of a mind and its functions governing our behavioral responses to a situation or activity. What is it with BJJ? Why is the sport growing at such a rapid rate in popularity? We’re surrounded by endless fitness and health options these days, so what is about BJJ that is captivating people around the globe? In this instalment we take a look at the psychological and physiological effects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Let’s start with basic human nature or pre-conditioning of the human mind. We have been conditioned to reserve physical contact for only those closest to us. We believe in respecting the personal space of others we come in contact with throughout our everyday operating. A mere few handshakes throughout the day could equate to someone’s daily physical contact. The effect of this limited physical contact is people starved of physical connection, creating a lonely, isolated, sad psyche for many. From the first experience on the mats, this mindset is challenged with immediate face to face, body on body contact with complete strangers. Although challenging at first, it doesn’t deter people from continuing with the sport. Why? Physical contact holds powerful positive psychological reactions. In this context, it triggers the release of neurochemicals in the brain and hormones like Oxytocin, affectionately nicknamed the “cuddle” or “empathy” hormone, throughout the body which makes us more aware, focused and connected. It could be argued this is one of the reasons why friendships develop so quickly amongst Brazilian Jiu Jitsu students and teachers alike. Although the physical contact in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu does not occur in a context of “cuddles” it nourishes our otherwise starved psyches but it also delivers on more. It is delivered in an environment or context of competition; a struggle for survival and physical dominance. Our pre-conditioned brains and body’s natural reaction to this type of situation is fight or flight. Norepinephrine, adrenaline and cortisol flood our bodies, decreasing our reaction times, increasing our heart rate and respiration, and enhancing our focus and awareness. As with other physically intense exercises, such as running, during the demanding physical challenges on the mats, our brain also releases Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a protein which produces the feeling of euphoria, commonly known as “runners high”. This “feel good factor” protein also works to protect and repair neural tissue which leads to enhanced activity of our brains after such physical challenge. All of this supports the mind and body in feeling more energized, positive and focused. With all these psychological responses (positivity, energy, awareness, focus and connection) our minds are encouraged into a meditative state, providing us immediately with the benefits of mediation and mindfulness; the art of focusing in the here and now – a powerful tool which has long been practiced in the East and now in our fast moving society an encouraged practice to help us maintain our balance. The 21st century is overly stimulated; we’re chasing our tails, forever focused on the next thing. Anxiety, depression, ruminating thoughts are amongst the many mental challenges facing more and more people every single day. Mindfulness found through mediation encourages our minds to deal with the present, supporting a healthier mental state. Beyond the physiological outcomes of practicing the Gentle Art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu demands undivided attention, centring us, allowing our minds to be freed from worries and frustrations. Clearing our mind, sets us up to better navigate the next part of the day. Ongoing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training teaches us the art of mindfulness unknowingly and this new behaviour is imbedded subconsciously into our method of everyday operating. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu benefits are not limited to the biological benefits mentioned in this piece, it offers many unique experiences which trigger rich, subtle and fulfilling psychological and physiological changes, which promote positive transformation both on and off the mats – it is the all-round benefits gained both mentally and physically that contributes to this sports ever-growing popularity. We ride this journey of life only once, embracing activities that will support a healthy lifestyle are crucial in supporting an enjoyable journey. Irrespective of your current psychological or physiological state, never give up on learning along your journey nor enjoying the journey of learning. The Fight Never Ends.

May 25, 2017

by Braus Fight

by Braus Fight

May 25, 2017

Where to Buy Braus BJJ Gi?

This post explores where to buy high-quality Braus BJJ Gis, known for their premium quality, comfort, and durability. Available in White, Blue, and Black, Braus offers a wide range of sizes for men, women, and children, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone. You can purchase these gis directly from the official website, eu.brausfight.com. The post highlights the benefits of choosing Braus, including their suitability for practitioners of all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors, and features specific product recommendations.

BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Category_Uncategorized, Community Centre, Jiu Jitsu, Projeto Social, Psychology, Rolling For A Reason

Teacher opens gym doors for kids to train Jiu-Jitsu for free in Bahia

Defined as a champion of solidarity and popularly referred to as “Indian”, Wévson Militão is a teacher of Jiu-Jitsu classes at Oca Dojo Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in Salvador, Bahia. In parallel to his business life, Indian decided to provide an opportunity to change the paths of children through our beloved sport. Little ones who can’t afford the gym in the streets of Brazil have free access to train in his gym for free. “I started thinking about developing the project when I realized the need for the community to have an alternative to divert attention from drugs and bad company,” explains Wévson, before revealing the powers that the sport can bring. “I didn’t call this a project. I pursued the gentle art seeking to include children who are unable to afford a Jiu-Jitsu academy. With Jiu-Jitsu, these children develop discipline, respect and companionship. The biggest lesson I can pass on to my students is that we never know everything and live to learn from each other. In my view, sport can change the life of a child or teenager because it works on emotional balance, posture and rules. Our art develops our physical side and strengthens us psychologically. ” The attitude of the teacher from Bahia has generated fruit as sporting entrepreneurs have seen an opportunity to support and invest. Braus Fight, through its Rolling for a Reason program, has made several donations of kimonos and alike to the kids at the gym. It was a great incentive, as the Indian says. “Kimono donation was very important, as well as encouraging children to train more and more. Some students can’t afford to buy a gi and their uniforms, but Braus was able to make it possible for people to be on the mat” he says. People like Wévson and his relentless, selfless vision are what this world needs more of. It’s an honor to have him in the sporting community as a mentor to gym owners and business people everywhere. OSS

BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Category_Braus Community, Category_Braus News, Coffee, Cronulla, Jiu Jitsu, Surf

Primal Joe’s Coffee Co.

Situated in the heart of beachside suburb Cronulla, Primal Joe’s Coffee Co. is the greatest place to refuel after a hard training session. Owner and manager Ryan Buttita has been part of the Jiu Jitsu community as a competitor and coach for almost a decade and believes, as we do here at BRAUS FIGHT, in the development of the whole person for ongoing health and vitality. Jiu Jitsu trains your body and your mind, Ryan and his team ensure your body has only the best to put back into it. All ingredients are locally sourced, supporting local farmers and assuring they only use the freshest produce. Their coffee, Five Senses – is an ethical, organic and Fair Trade coffee company focused on flavour and end use. The one thing they’re passionate about (after Jiu Jitsu!) is good, nutritious food. That’s why they pride themselves on their paleo options across the menu. No grains, no sugar, no processed food. By teaming up with BRAUS FIGHT, you are now able to go in-store to Primal Joe’s and inspect as well as order your BRAUS gear! Drop in for coffee and a meal, talk to Ryan, and order your Gi all in one place! Sun, surf, good food and grappling - BJJ Lifestyle... WEBSITE: www.primaljoescoffeeco.com.au INSTAGRAM: primaljoes FACEBOOK: @primaljoes

Anxiety and Exercise, anxiety in children, BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Category_Braus Community, Category_Braus News, Community Centre, Jiu Jitsu, Projeto Social, Rolling For A Reason, Social Project

From suicide attempts to Absolute MMA – Liam’s story.

Today we’re sharing the journey of a young man that experienced desolation, abandonment, disappointment and desperation at a time in life which should be filled with joy. The confidence, strength, encouragement and support he found in our beloved BJJ which helped him move out of his darkness is a familiar story. We share inspiring stories like Liam’s as we take our position without our community very seriously. We want to help bring awareness, inspire and help others to see alternatives but equally remind us all that we are sharing the mats with people from all walks of life – you never know who you are rolling with and as with all elements of life, being kind is paramount always. Thank you for supporting our cause Liam and being a very important part our community, we’re honoured to know you and to have you as our first Rolling 4 A Reason ambassador. A young man without a secure home base, Liam Porter’s upbringing from the age of 13 consisted of foster care homes, boys homes, squats, half ways houses and sleeping on the streets. Survival looked like stealing cars and breaking and entering amongst a myrid of other things. A reflection of his unstable environment he was a violent, lost soul, self medicating, drinking and binge eating to numb his reality. At the age of 18 he made an unsuccessful attempt at suicide. The world had other plans for Liam whose failed suicide attempt transformed him. The second chance at life he felt he was given, inspired him to pull himself out of the hole. Weighing 130kg at the time and with a world of bad habits surrounding him as well as a recent memory of being attacked on the way home one night, he sought the nearest MMA gym and also he started to run. Bullied by the site of him running, in constant pain, he persisted with both disciplines. Finding companionship, support, encouragement, admiration and most importantly security on the BJJ mats, Liam began to blossom. His self esteem and sense of being improved simultaneous to his weight dropping to 78kg within a year (a whopping 52kg loss!). Sadly, Liam's demons returned with sheer force and he suddenly found all the new found sense of belonging disappearing as he stopped hitting the mats and returned to his self sabotaging ways. Four months off the mats, a weigh in showed a he was ballooning out of control in more ways than one– he had put back on 36kg in that short amount of time, now weighing in at 114kg. Standing on the scales he knew he had to return to his refuge, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. With his rash guard now being three sizes to small, he returned to the mats full of shame, embarrassment and discomfort. He felt unrecognisable to his teammates who simply welcomed him back. It took time to build up his fitness again but he knew then that this was to be his security moving forward. Now, a few years later, a healthy and strong 88kg he practises a healthy lifestyle with healthy habits including eating and training. He found peace on the mats and a way to be grateful for his life and where he has come from. He was so close to the edge, his will to survive coupled with our community gave him another change of life. A special thanks to Thiago Stefanutti, who were fundamental to Liam’s revival. What an honour it is to work in an industry with people like you. This story talks a lot about his weight, which we all understand can be a great benefit of doing any exercise, but the key difference in Liam’s story is really what the weight on and off reflected. His binge eating and substance abuse was a way of coping. BJJ gave him an alternative. A healthier, happier and more conducive habit to live within. It took a look for courage and determination for him to turn himself around. It wasn’t the strength of his body that counted, but the strength of his spirit. It’s humbling to work in partnership and support individuals like Liam. So many of our affiliates and even top athletes have walked a similar path. It is these people that inspire us and should inspire you to every day just try a little harder. The fight Never Ends

BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Category_Braus Community, Category_Braus News, Grappling Industries, Jiu Jitsu, Projeto Social, Rolling For A Reason, Social Project

It's a wrap!

And here we are, that time of the year again, knee deep in the silly season and reflecting on what has been and look forward with hope of what will be! 2018 has been a ripper for us, it’s once again proven to be a truly humbling experience to be able to support such an incredible network of people and athletes as well as wider Jiu Jitsu communities. This year we’ve been proud to see our athletes excel once again with countless achievements locally and abroad, including several new BJJ world titles, black, brown and purple belt grading’s and new local and international Jiu Jitsu champions! All equally import achievements, the outcome of continuing passion, hard work and dedication from each of you. We’ve welcomed aboard some new male, female and youngster warriors, and said farewell to others whom we’ve had the privilege of supporting up until now and only wish the very best of luck with their future endeavours. Rolling 4 A reason has once again impacted several groups of people this year, both in Brazil and here on home soil in Australia. Being able to support those less fortunate continues to be our top priority. We’re always on the lookout to support those in need wherever we can, so please do not hesitate in contacting us with any ideas or suggestions. For now, our current focus is on the Para -Brazil project – if you haven’t already done so, check out the page "The Project - Para, Brazil" and hear the story of a man with so little, giving so much. At this time of the year, it’s a timely reminder of just how fortunate we are and how much of a difference a small donation can make to those with so little. Our lifestyle range saw the launch of our new accessory range this year as well as an expansion on tees and hats. We’re pumped for 2019 where we can finally share with you new products in the lifestyle/fitness range which we’ve been working on tirelessly this year! Watch this space! Last month we shared news of our partnership with Grappling Industries for 2019 – we’re stoked to be supporting a similarly focused business next year, as ever, our focus firmly on expanding the sport. We’re continuing to build out local relationships with individuals and Jiu Jitsu Gyms locally in Australia and New Zealand but equally were thrilled to have launched our US site a few months back. We’re so excited to be representing Australia and New Zealand over in the States and can’t wait to see what we can do over there! 2019 will see more exciting international plans being launched but equally we’ve got a bag full of new exciting initiatives and opportunities we can’t wait to share with you all. As always, we will take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support. We are 100% focused on people and knowing that we are supporting so many is so fulfilling. Our commitment to you remains in 2019, to continue to support you on your BJJ journey; to continue to support the growth of the sport locally and abroad; and finally, to continue to support communities in need. We strive to exceed on your expectations as always with forever the mindset…..The fight Never Ends. Enjoy the Festive Season Everyone. See you in 2019! OSS

BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Category_Braus Community, Category_Braus News, Community Centre, Family, Projeto Social, Psychology, Rolling For A Reason, Social Project

That's How The Dream Started

The Project - Para, Brazil: Direct translation of Portuguese speaking, Brazilian, Ivan. That's How The Dream Started! "I began training Jiu-jitsu around twelve years ago. But I struggled to advance at first as I was married that year and what I earned at that time was barely enough to feed my wife and I. I could never buy a kimono for me to train. That made me very sad. I thought I would stop. But I remained firm training for two years straight. Until I suffered from panic attacks for six years. After I had treatment and I started training again but no gi Jiu-Jitsu . It was at that time that Jiu-Jitsu grew in my city. MMA fights began and no gi jiu-jitsu was more geared towards MMA fights. To train Jiu-jitsu you had to have a gi but because I did not have the financial conditions to buy one I had to stop. Because I did not want to fight MMA. I practiced only for sport and was left isolated in the gym. I stopped. I went into depression and I tried to kill myself. Because of many life difficulties. But with a lot of therapy I was able to strengthen myself. Last year a Jiu-jitsu project appeared at my son's school. My wife told me to put my son on the project. Again I was sad that we could not buy the Gi for him. I made a decision that we were going to buy it for him and we bought a piggy bank and we were collecting any reais. In order to get a total of 150 reais I went to the store and I negotiated with the owner to do it for that price because it was 170. Still I had to borrow money to buy the Belt. I did the same process and bought mine. I bought some tarp and started teaching my son Jiu-Jitsu. I called some local children to roll with him too. But my knowledge was limited. In Jiu-jitsu. I needed to evolve to teach children. I downloaded several videos from the Internet to study. I was thirsty for knowledge, I thought I had lost a great deal of time. I started to pass what I learned on the Internet to them and the first fruits came. It all started with my son there at home on a canvas. Then I was invited to teach a social project. U. T. T. When I got there the parents liked my work. We got lots of medals. I started to train hard at Sparta and I overcame depression thanks to Jiu-jitsu. But unfortunately the technical level of the athlete there was very high and I made a wrong exit of side arm-lock and I broke my rib. In April. I could not teach anymore. I spent almost two months without training. Due to not being able to give classes most of the children stopped, they did not adapt very well with the new teacher. After I recovered from the ribs I was bitten by a tick and caught a spotted fever and almost died. Two more months. At the end of August I returned to light training. And teach classes. But suffer a new injury this time in the knee because it does not keep pace with the athletes of the academy that I attend. Last week I went back to light training again. But I only go a few times because there are many exercises and my knee still hurts a lot. But giving classes to children again I could never give because I have to work. With house-to-house sales to support my families. And save some money for my son to compete when he can. But I will return to teach here at home on the canvas for the kids near home. I live in a poor neighbourhood and the parents can not afford to buy Gis but we will train without Gis anyway. I'm just hoping to improve on my knee so I can buy the canvas and go back to giving classes to the guys. I still can not keep my knee on the canvas. But I have good faith in God that will work, I put a lot of ice and I'm improving. This is a little bit of my story." IVAN Donate: The "Rolling For A Reason" Project

BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Category_Braus Community, Category_Braus News, Grappling Industries, Jiu Jitsu, round robin

A shared vision to grow BJJ - 2019

The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world is expanding. The sports’ recognition and participation on the global platform is seeing dramatic growth at a rapid rate. With new gyms steadily popping up and existing and new brands and initiatives expanding and evolving with new concepts all the time, the shared gain of expanded awareness and participation is being felt by the industry. As an independent brand, witnessing this common objective and dedication towards growth within our industry is encouraging. In this latest blog we’re looking at our recently announced partner, one of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu latest additions which shares our vision to grow our BJJ, Grappling Industries. Grappling Industries is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Submission-Wrestling Gi and No Gi tournament featuring a unique round robin format. Acting as the middlemen between grapplers and gyms everywhere, Grappling Industries vision is to develop a platform used throughout the world for competitors to distinguish themselves from each other. The brand is committed to creating an enabling environment conducive to the development of BJJ and Submission-Wrestling. Born out of Montreal, Canada, the brand sought to provide more competition opportunities locally. It now runs several competitions a year in Canada and has been a staple on the Australian circuit for the last few years as well. Here in Oz, 2019 is set to be their biggest year yet with plans to run the event circuit 4 times next year, each time visiting 4 States (Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia). Being BJJ competitors themselves, the guys really understand what the industry needs and their competitors want. It is an honour to work alongside them. We will be supporting Grappling Industries by showcasing our pop up shop at each of the events but not in the format you may have seen before.....product launches, huge promotions, giveaways and much more will be on offer. We're excited to represent our industry in new and innovative ways, it's always about giving back. We’re stoked to be on this journey with another growing brand focused on the growth of the sport. At the end of the day, it is a shared passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that brings us all together. Our focus as a network needs to remain on the sport itself and how we can continue to obtain opportunities to enjoy our sport and each other. The future depends on what we do now…..The fight Never Ends.

BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Category_Braus Adventures, Category_Braus Community, Jiu Jitsu, Surf

The complimentary lifestyle of BJJ / Surf

Cross training is popular across almost every sport these days, maximising the efficiency of the athlete with training that supports the mind and body from varying angles. In this months blog we explore the alignment of surfing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and how these two disciplines support one and another and have become more than two sports and now considered a lifestyle. Let’s start off considering the physical elements of surfing and BJJ. Both centre around endurance and strength. Achieving endurance and resting strength takes persistent conditioning. Both sports are equally demanding across the entire body and require equal amounts of commitment to achieve the required strength to deliver; surfing demands both cardiovascular strength as well as muscle strength in the core, shoulders, arms and legs. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu demands endurance, flexibility and muscle strength through the entire body in order to hold physically demanding and often awkward positions for substantial amounts of time, amongst other things. The endurance and muscle conditioning they both deliver, directly supports the other. Think about it, balance for standing up on your board is achieved by maintaining a strong core; a strong core is fundamental in controlling coordination and movement required on the mats. How about mindfulness, remaining in the present moment proving the ability to deal with only what we are facing at the moment as well as remaining adaptable. Both sports require acute awareness and adaptability to ensure a swift and accurate response to the ever changing sporting environments. Be it Mother Nature or on the mats against the opponent, both change without warning, concentration is paramount to reading the waves or the unpredictable person you battle. Both sports share the lesson of mindfulness if they are to be enjoyed successfully. At comps or in training, the pressure can become all consuming, it takes a strong mind to remain exactly in the moment and not become overwhelmed by the surroundings. Equally in the ocean, there is distraction and challenge everywhere, the fruits of the ocean, the weather, other surfers, the challenges are endless. Both sports cannot be achieved without acute awareness. Learning the art of mindfulness through one sport will organically knock onto the other as well as in life beyond these two sports. The shared skills and benefits from both sports are endless, the commitment to the healthy lifestyles, the hours required to achieve success, the physical and mental demands to name just a few. But this collaborative mix is not a new trend, the lifestyle has been evident for many decades and felt across the globe. Locally here in Australia, the Gold Coast is thriving with BJJ gyms dotted along the Coast which offers some of Australia’s best surf. Including gyms like Flow Martial Arts in Coolangatta,where black belts and students alike live and breath the surf / BJJ culture starting their day with one discipline and ending it with the other. This is common practice, this is the lifestyle on the Gold Coast. Further abroad, simply take a look at the new generation of world surf pros, the circuit is dominated by BJJ trainers, including the likes of the Michel Bourez, Jack Freestone, Wiggolly Dantas, Bob Martinez and of course Kelly Slater who famously promotes the benefits of BJJ on his surfing game. It’s clear to see the two sports compliment each other beautifully, so if you’re not already having a go at one whilst training the other, we recommend giving the other a try too and seeing the difference the two can have on your game! A healthy lifestyle is always the bottom line....whatever it takes to achieve that....the fight never ends.

BJJ, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Category_Braus Community, Community Centre, Family, Jiu Jitsu, Projeto Social, Rolling For A Reason, Social Project

Another One Bites the Dust!

As we roll into December and all begin to wonder where yet another year has gone, we’re taking a moment to reflect on our 2017 and what lies ahead. Kicking off on the Mats, we have seen real incredible representation by our extraordinary athletes and ambassadors this year – with countless successes on home soil including too many wins and gradings to mention, once again our Aussie talent have continued to impact the global arena as well. We kicked off the year with three winning tickets from the Abu Dhabi World Trials to represent Australia in Abu Dhabi alongside countless BRAUS athletes appearing off their own accord. Inspiring efforts by all who competed, with the stand out, one of our 2017 athlete additions, Black Belt and Australian Girls in Gi fouder, Jess Fraser making it to the finals day. The charismatic Kit Dale toured around Europe representing Australia at the ADCC amongst others, whilst BRAUS’ very first athlete, now brown belt, Levi Leary-Jones won championship title at the Pan-Ams. Much admired brown belt, Hope Douglass was invited to compete and represent Australia at Copa Podio Brazil and devoted Black Belt Minol Tavares Tutida was crowned SJJIF world champion in America. We have welcomed some truly great talent to our existing great BRAUS and BRAUS Youngers teams this year and will continue to work with each of our team into the new year, with our unmoving vision of supporting local talent, expanding the BJJ industry here on home soil and providing opportunities for Australia to be represented abroad. 2017 saw the launch of two new designs in our kimono range, The Gentle Warrior and Titanium, both built with your feedback in mind have been well received from you, our community, inspiring us to continue evolving our Gi range into the future. We’ve been working tirelessly on our new No-Gi range which we’re excited to launch very soon – you have been asking for it and we’ve listened! Watch this space. BRAUS Lifestyle hit the ground running with the popular tanks flying off the shelfs, we’re working on new designs and promise to get more of this stuff alongside more accessories out to you very soon. BRAUS Experience continues to flourish, with some exciting new projects in the pipeline for the new year – we will continue to focus on sharing moving moments of those around us, encouraging us all to always remain inspired by the lives and life around us. As well as adding some new exciting experiences and initiatives to bring our community together even further. 2018 come at us! Thanks to your substantial and generous contributions, our charitable branch Rolling 4 A Reason has continued to thrive this year, supporting and providing to those in need. The donations have gratefully been received by several groups in 2017 including; our friends in WA, Leo Bobadilla and GFT Mandurah, who provide classes to children living with disabilities such as downs syndrome; the children of Rio De Janeiro favelas (slumps) which were visited by Black Belt Alex Santos from ASBJJ Cia Paulista earlier this year; and to wrap the year up we’ve just made a second donation to Constable Matthew from Port Stephens Youth Command, Newcastle, who is running BJJ classes to support disadvantaged kids in the local community. Rolling 4 a Reason is only made possible by you, our community, so we take this opportunity to extend a massive thankyou to all of your kindness this year, special shout outs to the crew from Training Grounds Sydney and those mentioned above who lead the way in supporting those less fortunate. We will continue to work with new and existing partners into the new year locally and abroad, forever with the mission to support our community at every opportunity. With absolute sincerity and gratefulness we extend the warmest thank you and Happy and Safe Seasons Greetings to all of you our BJJ Community. It continues to be a huge honor to support such an exciting industry filled with such incredible people. We’re pumped to be by your side for 2018 and beyond, forever focused on evolving alongside you into the future…… let 2018 be the one …..The Fight Never Ends. Special thanks to; Our close affiliates, Gui Neves and Gabriella Motta from Garage Jiu-Jitsu in Sydney; Paulo Henrique Polimeno from Flow Martial Arts on the Gold Coast; Alexandre Santos from Cia Paulista North Melbourne – ASBJJ; Roberto Dib Frias and Tegan Krarup from One Purpose Brisbane; Glen Bailey from One Purpose Moore; Fabio Soares from Carlson Gracie Gold Coast; Ben Hall from Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Melbourne; Paulo Sorriso and Rafael Almeida Santos Turnbull from Sorriso BJJ New Zealand; Joel Warren; Veronica and Damien Lombard from Concept BJJ in Melbourne; Bradd O’Brien from Shark Jiu-Jitsu Wollongong; Fabio Glazer from Legacy Gold Coast, Scott Ireland from Training Grounds in Sydney; Emanuela D’Annibale from Arte Suave in Brisbane; Justin Bennetts from The Agoge BJJ Brisbane; Minol Tavares Tutida from Equipe Mestre Wilson in Melbourne; John Smallios from Higher Health Jiu-Jitsu; Simon Tratt from Dubbo BJJ; Daniel Levi and Thiago de Castro from Checkmat Tweed Heads; Dean Kemper from Tenacity Jiu-Jitsu; Sarah Kennedy from Peninsula MMA; Leonardo Machado from Origem Jiu-Jitsu Australia; David Moreira from Portal Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Byron Bay; Icaro Marques and Havel Marques from Marx Bros BJJ in Ballina; Marcel Sasso de Oliveira from Cia Paulista Melbourne; Kevin Johns from Base MMA in Perth; Robert Naumoski and Stojan from Roots St. George; Damien Philpott from Capital Combat in Canberra; Rona Fry from North East BJJ & Grappling Tasmania; Luke from Open Guard.. The relationships we have with each of you means much more than business, we’re honoured to be sharing our journey with such incredible people.

Category_Braus Community

"An endless project of change and evolution. Levi Jones-Leary"

Don’t compare your journey to others, there is no comparison between the sun and the moon; they shine when it’s their time. In this month’s instalment, we interviewed Australia’s own rising star; Sydney born brown belt Levi Jones-Leary. At only 20 years of age, his journey so far has been one of relentless commitment and passion for BJJ fuelled by will and determination. His journey is one of both expanding and improving skillsets on the mats but equally evolution of his mind off the mats. BRAUS Fights very first athlete, we have supported him since his white belt and take pride in calling him one of our own. Thanks Levi for taking the time, OSS! Tell us about growing up and why you chose to leave school? From a young age, school never caught my full interest unfortunately. I always seemed to be messing around and it just didn’t fit with me. By high school I found myself mixing with the wrong crowd doing less conducive things which I would prefer not to mention. At a point where I was lost for options, along came Jiu Jitsu. I still remember the feeling, I found something that looked cool and that I really thought I could do full time and enjoy. Finally I found something to be excited about, a passion. Tell us about that first BJJ experience When I was in year 9, I was put on a program for kids at risk of leaving school, it was called Links-To Learning – designed to support kids who were struggling to stick with school. Alongside 10 other kids that were misbehaving or not connecting with school as well at the time, we were taken out of school for the day to visit a MMA class. I guess this was designed to support us considering more healthy alternatives we could add alongside our schooling journey. Not long after this day, I found an academy and joined. Looking back now, I realise how influential and impactful this moment was in time on my life and the new future I was going to create. . You experienced MMA that day, so why Brazilian jiu-jitsu? I feel like it chose me. I fell in love with the strategy of the game. I began to watch The Miyaos at purple belt level after that day and loved the way they could win fights against anyone irrelevant if they were physically much stronger than them. This inspired me. I love the strategy and technique of the game. So much is about the mindset and thinking strategically. I was born to do BJJ. What was and is your goal on your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey? From the moment I chose to leave school and follow my dream and up until now, I am focused on being a black belt world champion multiple times. That is always on my mind. On the journey of achieving that, I am sure further goals and dreams will evolve. More immediately Black belt world champion 2019 after this I have some more plans to make jiujitsu a bigger sport! Which black belt has been a constant source of your inspiration? There are a lot of black belts and in fact other belts and people who continually inspire me. But probably most prominent is both The Miyaos; these guys have such will power, I'm inspired every time I see them train. And also Murilo Santana, he is such a master of the game. He knows the ins and outs from every position. I want to be like that one day. What is your daily mantra to help keep you focused? I always tell myself that I am the greatest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor of all time. I believe the mindset you believe is so important in succeeding. I also remind myself of things I am grateful for throughout the day. Both of these things keep me mentally strong. What motivates you every day as well as at comps?- It’s just about improving, learning, growing. I love the feeling of progression and I tend to get down if I’m not in some way moving forward. I feel motivated if I’m always able to look at the positives, win or lose, in the comp or at training and then always seek to improve from that. What do you do on days you can’t train? I study BJJ. I watch youtube videos of the game, forever learning and trying to increase my knowledge of the sport. You can never stop learning. Otherwise family time is always important to me. You now spending half your time here and half in New York. Tell us about that: I wanted to expand my experience so decided New York was the way for me. Living in New York and training at Unity Jiu Jitsu under professor Murilo Santana is the most rewarding thing you can experience. The level of dedication in that place is what inspires me. Even when I'm away I think to myself. What would Murilo do now? Or what would The Miyaos do? Their motivation is something that is hard to find. it's rare in any field! Murilo is a great coach and has as changed the way I see jiujitsu completely. The way he operates motivates me to work hard. One day, I want to be able to give back to others as he has given to me. When you’re in Sydney, Garage Jiu Jitsu is your home, when did first start with them? I started training at Garage Jiu Jitsu after I had just turned 16. Prior to that I was training my BJJ at a local MMA gym, but it was difficult to get the amount of hours training in that I had wanted. When I moved to Garage, Professor Gui Neves and Gabi welcomed me in and instantly made me feel a part of their family. They trusted in me and provided guidance and support, even giving me my first job in Jiu Jitsu teaching kids as a white belt. Their support and belief in me continues to this day, for that I am eternally grateful. What do you feel most proud of? When I look back and see how far I've come, my progress, and the achievements I have made so far, I definitely feel proud. More importantly though, I'm proud of what jiujitsu has given me spiritually and mentally. It has helped me become a stronger person, I look at things really differently now to before, I have a new level of respect and discipline. I have learnt to keep a positive mind and always find the silver lining in any situation if I look hard enough. BJJ has taught me that and I am proud of my mind control now. It’s also taken me to great places along the way so far, and given me the opportunity to meet incredible people. For all those things I'm proud but more importantly grateful. What has been your biggest challenge to overcome to date? Definitely living overseas away from my family is the toughest thing for me. I'm very close with them and I really feel the distance. Especially during the tough times but, that said, whenever i look back they are the most exciting times as well, and the times that have helped me improve and evolve the most both mentally and physically. Change is a good thing. It’s just how you respond to it. What advice would you give to others chasing their BJJ dreams? Just go for it! Go with the flow, train hard, stay focused, study the game and don't be afraid of the future. Setbacks along the way are all part of the learning journey. Set your mindset right and the rest will follow. You need to visualise your dream and believe in yourself. If you can see it in your mind you can hold it in your hand. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Levi and for being a huge part of our growing brand and family. It’s an honour to have you as part of the team. No worries. I would also like to add how grateful I am to be a part of Braus Fight. It's not just about the support you give me but more the belief you have had in me since day one. It's the people that believe in me which motivates me to work hard and whom I want to give back to one day. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family – I truly feel you are family. Create the life you can’t wait to wake up to

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Psychology - What is it with BJJ?