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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.

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

This unguarded inspirational piece, told from the mother herself, about her seemingly hopeless struggle to settle her unhappy child and the lifeline Brazilian Jiu Jitsu provided for the child and family on a whole. Thank you to Shannyn Stevens and family for allowing us to share this. We salute you and all the parents around the world for never giving up….The Fight Never Ends. “Motherhood has changed me, stretched me, pulled me apart. It has broken me down but it has also filled me with so much light and love. The one thing I ever wanted to be was a Mum. I am deeply grateful that I’ve been one of the lucky ones who’ve could experience the journey. But it’s hard, it’s so bloody hard. My dreams of being a mum were always filled with love, laughter and so much fun. They were filled with family holidays and perfect endings to almost every day, perfect babies, perfect sleepers and well behaved children. In fact, I always thought that naughty little kids derived from parents who didn’t discipline their children. Oh, how wrong I was. When I had my first baby, I had a rude awakening. As I look back over the years I know he was sent to me as someone special and sent for a reason; to push me to grow; to push me to the brink to see if I could return. To find a strength deep inside that I never imagined lied within me. Don’t get me wrong, there was no one in this world I adored more than him, but motherhood changed me too. He wasn’t the perfect sleeper and I wasn’t the perfect mum. He woke almost every two hours until he was ten months old, I was completely drained. I returned to work when he was only four months and I worked four days a week to get away – to run away, I guess – for a few hours in the day. I knew my son was different and I knew he had a magical mind on another level, but at the age of three and a half anxiety became a regular foe in his life. He stopped wanting to stay with family, he didn’t like me leaving him. Once, my husband took him to the cricket and he lay huddled on his knee, not wanting to be there. His school years rolled around. I remember that first day so vividly, wondering who he’d play with, if the kids in the yard would be nice, how he would settle with his teacher. So many thoughts flooded my mind and I really missed him. Soon after he refused to let me walk him to his room – he was a big boy now and didn’t need his mum – and I was proud to see him standing on his own. Yet soon after his first year of school I watched him slowly slipping. His moods changed and he was no longer the happy little boy that had started school. He raged the moment I picked him up, I wouldn’t even have the car door closed before he would be kicking my seat and screaming and yelling. I’d noticed so many traits about him that I thought were starting to draw a picture of something bigger so I sat and made a list of every characteristic: emotional, physical, his strengths, his weaknesses, likes, dislikes, academic areas of concern. Triggers that escalated his anxiety and notes about his development as a baby and toddler. It was time to find answers. Why did he need so much attention? Why he couldn’t follow simple steps? Why did he have explosions of frustration, anger and hyperactivity? Most alarmingly, when I looked into his empty eyes why couldn’t I see happiness there? He was one lost little boy. It was time to find answers. Why did he need so much attention? Why he couldn’t follow simple steps? Why did he have explosions of frustration, anger and hyperactivity? Most alarmingly, when I looked into his empty eyes why couldn’t I see happiness there? There was yelling, from both of us. I found him so draining and each day he sucked the life out of me to a point where I felt completely wiped out, lost and alone. There was no other choice than to hunt down answers but I had no idea where to start or who to turn to. No one I knew was experiencing what I was, so no one really understood what I was going through. The days became long and school pick up was the last thing I wanted to do. There were days when I would cry at the thought of having to spend the entire weekend with him if my husband was working. By this stage, we also had two other children as well. I met his needs first as the other two slotted in and went with the flow of life, but I also felt I couldn’t give them the individual time and energy they needed. I resented him for the person I was becoming. This was my son, the one thing I had always wanted, the one thing that really did bring a smile to my face, a glow in my heart but also a crack that seemed to let the light seep out. I decided not to stop until I found answers. He had a cognitive assessment, we saw speech pathologists, we tried kinesiology, occupational therapists, psychologists and finally, a paediatrician. Finally, after a long twelve months of searching and many appointments, I had some answers: Severe language disorder, hyperactivity, inattention, challenging behaviour and – just to top it off – anxiety. I worked closely with his psychologist on behavioural management plans, most about reinforcing positivity. Try doing that when your kids bouncing off the walls and flat out naughty! If I caught him sitting nicely I would say “great job for sitting and playing so nicely” then reward him with a sticker on his chart which lead to a greater reward once he filled a line. This works incredibly well in theory but is tough to juggle when you also have a two-year-old and a six-month-old (both in nappies). To add to the mix my husband worked shift work and wasn’t home most weekends. So, I tried. I tried so fucking hard to keep my shit together, run a house, raise toddlers, work on my health and fitness, manage my son and all his issues and be a wife. The hardest part was not having the support. Some days all I needed was to not be in his presence, just for a small break to re-energise and recharge my batteries. Although with each year his behaviour improved, there were still many moments of rage, explosive aggression, sadness, frustration, lack of confidence and anxiety. The paediatrician reluctantly suggested to medicate his anxiety – he had many parents who would only use them on school days, to allow the mind to calm enough to be able to take in what was being taught. I just couldn’t do it. Each to their own – I have no judgment of others who go down that path – but it just wasn’t something I was ready to do. I said no and walked away hoping that the decision I made was right. That was eighteen months ago. My husband had suggested on a few occasions that we get him into a form of mixed martial arts, but I was worried that it could make our already aggressive child worse. My son had a friend at school who was doing Jiu Jitsu. I’d never heard of it but he nagged me numerous times about trying it out. He’d even told his Grade Three teacher that his goal in life was to become a UFC Fighter! My husband did some research and found a club, and I arranged for our son to try one of the classes. He instantly fell in love with the sport. To my surprise, he used an arm bar submission which was self-taught watching female UFC champion Rhonda Rousey via You Tube clips. How could I hold him back when clearly, he was Googling and teaching himself anyway? To my surprise, it started to change the person he was… The training lowered his energy levels, helping him calm down, relax and ultimately altered his behaviour. He trained hard. It meant us travelling an hour each way to get him to training, but he loved it and appeared to be a natural. To my surprise, it started to change the person he was. He started to grow a new-found confidence and developed a real passion that seemed to run deep in his veins. He trained for around five and a half hours over two nights a week. The training lowered his energy levels, helping him calm down, relax and ultimately altered his behaviour. He found something he was good at, that truly resonated with his soul. It became a space where he could understand the world through a learning environment that really worked for him. It was the discipline, the structure, the excitement of winning a roll and getting a submission on. He immersed himself in the training everyday – before school, after school, weekends even Christmas morning. When he wasn’t training he was watching some of his idols like Georges St-Pierre, Connor McGregor and Rhonda Rousey. He absorbed it like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Shadow boxing in the TV reflection, windows, mirrors, any surface he could see himself. Trying out new moves and repeating them until he could show his coach for approval and to perfect them. I can’t explain the difference that Jiu Jitsu made to his life. He has a role model in his coach, someone he looks up to and aspires to be like. Our son watches his coaches fights repeatedly, he has his picture on his bedroom door, he has him set as his lock screen on his iPad and has even expressed he wants to be Irish like his coach. Our son’s coach will never fully understand what he restored in our son. I’ll never forget the day I looked into my son’s eyes and saw that he was empty. How could a nine year old boy be so lost in a world where he was so loved? How had I failed so badly that it was beyond my control to make this little boy happy? Jiu Jitsu filled all the holes in his heart and left him totally beaming with pride, self-esteem, self-confidence and pure happiness. Some people judge me for allowing him to part take in this type of activity but I know what works for him. The people that are really his tribe – the ones who walk with him and understand his passion – they understand it too. I labelled Jiu Jitsu his natural medication and realised I made the right decision not to medicate his anxiety. After attending his paediatrician’s appointment and explaining the dramatic shift in his life it was decided he no longer needed to see his paediatrician. His psychologist agreed. After training for three months our son entered his first competition and won in both of his Gi and Nogi divisions. He was so proud; we were so proud of him. Jiu Jitsu taught him about the tough lessons, the ones he would struggle to understand in a normal life setting. Jiu Jitsu is an individual sport either you win or your opponent does. There is no losing – try explaining that to a nine-year-old! He found it confronting, upsetting, frustrating and a little disheartening but I worked hard to explain to him that he hadn’t lost, rather, he’d had a lesson. He could watch his videos play back and see where he went wrong, what he could change or do better and hse’d watch himself fight over and over again, and completely change the way he rolls in the future. His determination, competitiveness and motivation are truly inspiring and they will help him to go all the way. February 2017 marked twelve months our son had been training in Jiu Jitsu. He has entered 7 comps and won 4 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals and a best submission at one of the in-club tournaments. He continues to train hard and work towards his goals. It isn’t without the bumps along the road. There are still melt downs and I still feel lost or often lonely in a world of challenge. I’m dedicated to travelling twice a week, one hour each way so he can train. I sit for many hours (often with his siblings, now six and four) watching him train and chase his dreams. I love watching him do what he loves, I love seeing how it has transformed his life. Sometimes I miss the old me, the free me, the one who could do what she wanted. But that’s motherhood I guess or my journey at least. I’ve changed, my life revolves solely around my kids. I give them every ounce of my being and seek little in return. I’ve learnt that I’m stronger than I could have ever imagined, I’ve seen sides to me I don’t like, and I’ve learnt about the mother and person I want to be. I’ve become a better person, but it’s taken one hell of a journey to get here. But I have learnt patience, and learnt to love something so deeply that you really would do anything for that love. I’ve learnt that I’m stronger than I could have ever imagined, I’ve seen sides to me I don’t like, and I’ve learnt about the mother and person I want to be. I’ve become a better person, but it’s taken one hell of a journey to get here. There are days I want to give up and throw it all in and run far away from my responsibilities. I judge myself harshly but I do the best I can with the tools I have. I am trying to shape well rounded, well behaved, polite, loving little people. Amazingly it can just take one great day with them to wash away all the bad -from a genuine “thank you” to a comforting hug when it’s really needed. The one solid thing I have is my husband. When the pressure has really been on we’ve held on tight for the ride. When emotions have been high and we’ve been stretched to our limits we remain the constant. Our bond really has stood the test of time and it’s only made us stronger. I want to share my story because of the loneliness I have felt at times. Even though I have my husband to stand by me, it still feels lonely to be a mum who doesn’t know how to fix it. To the mums who have children with similar struggles and who understand this journey, I want you to know you’re not alone, even in your darkest hours. Not every mum has her shit together, no matter how strong she appears.” *Originally published on Little Tsunami and republished with permission

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.

"A Woman is a human. She is not better, wiser, stronger, more intelligent, more creative or more responsible than a man. Likewise, she is never less." Let's hear it for the girls! We are living in a period of great and exciting change and advancements. Technology is rife, human diplomacy and equality is at the forefront of our minds and discrimination of any kind is questioned and challenged. As with our society, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu holds countless success stories of evolution within it. In this piece and in honour of International Women's Day, we are focusing on the evolution of women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has long been regarded as not only a sport of great commitment and passion but also a solid form of self-defence. In the early years, although women took part in the sport, their involvement was rarely seen and where it existed it was mostly in this context of self-defence, until the mid-1980s, 15 years after Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became a regulated sport in Brazil, when a women's division was officially opened. Now fifth degree black belt, Yvonne Duarte was the unofficial driving force behind the women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu revolution. She was awarded and recognised as the first female black belt in the world in 1990, an incredible 70 to 100 + years (depending whose history you follow) since Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began. She paved the way for countless firsts for women both practicing, teaching and competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, including the likes of Rosângela Conceição, commonly known as 'Zanza' who earned the first female world title in 1998. Since then women's involvement in the sport, has dramatically increased. Today, the global Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gym network and professional circuits are teeming with incredible women from varying backgrounds including the likes of our very own Hope Douglass, all supporting and developing themselves and each other through the sport. Honourable groups like Australian Girls in GI have been established to provide women with an opportunity to band together linked by their shared passion for the sport. Women and men, boys and girls are sharing the same battlefield and the same purpose, there is a sense of equilibrium and respect that not only reflects women of our time but also the core of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu values. The concept that any person can be successful in defending themselves against any other as a result of technique. There is no differentiator, just one powerful martial art. The 19th century saw the women's rights movement, the 20th century saw the feminist movement and now, today, the 21st century, although we still have a way to go, women in many cultures are enjoying their independence and sports for the love of the sport not solely the need to defend. Creatures of strength, courage and resilience, today we honour and thank women across the globe for supporting the growth of the sport and men for supporting the growth of women as well as our beloved Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The truth isn't that behind every great man there is a great woman or the opposite, the truth is merely that supporting and encouraging each other, irrelevant of sex, race or any other differentiator, always yields the greatest results. Together we can do so much... The Fight Never Ends.

January Sunday 15 - Grappling Industries Melbourne www.grapplingindustries.com 17*/18/19/20/21/22 European Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship ibjjf.org/championship/european-jiu-jitsu-ibjjf-championship/ Sunday 22 – Grappling Industries Brisbane www.grapplingindustries.com Saturday 28 – UAEJJF Melbourne International Pro FOR REGISTRATION VISIT: KIDS DIVISION https://www.uaejjf.org/event/info/393 GI DIVISION https://www.uaejjf.org/event/info/395 NO-GI DIVISION https://www.uaejjf.org/event/info/398 Sunday 29 – “Initiator Crown” Event BJJ www.eventsbjj.com February Sunday 05 – Grappling Industries Adelaide www.grapplingindustries.com Sunday 12 – Grappling industries Sydney www.grapplingindustries.com Saturday 18 – Sydney International Pro Trials Saturday 18 - Hybrid Grappling 2 www.hybridgrappling.com Sunday 19 – Pan Kids IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship – Long Beach ibjjf.org/championship/pan-kids-jiu-jitsu/ Sunday 19 - “South East QLD Championship” www.qbjjc.com.au March Saturday 04 - “Sydney Cup” Sydney Cup P/L www.sydneycupbjj.com Sunday 12 - “Byron Bay Australian Open” Byron Bay Open www.bjjaustralianopen.com.au 15*/16/17/18/19 Pan Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship, Irvine CA ibjjf.org/championship/pan-jiu-jitsu/ Sunday 19 - “Brisbane Open” www.qbjjc.com.au Sunday 26 - “Western Australia No Gi State Championship” AFBJJ WA www.afbjjwa.com.au Sunday 26 - “Sydney Open” IBJJF www.ibjjf.org April Saturday & Sunday 1/2 European Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi IBJJF Championship, Rome http://ibjjf.org/championship/european-jiu-jitsu-no-gi/ Saturday 8 - “Mackay Central Queensland Championship” www.qbjjc.com.au Saturday 8 - “South Australia State Championship” AFBJJ SA sa@afbjj.com Saturday 8 - “Hobart Open” AFBJJ TAS tas@afbjj.com Sunday 23 “South Pacific Championship” www.qbjjc.com.au Sunday 23 - “Tasmania Jiu Jitsu Open” tasjjopen.com.au 17/18/19/20/21/22 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2017 www.uaejjf.org Saturday 29 - Sunday 30 “Victorian State Championship” AFBJJ www.afbjj.com Sunday 30 “Sydney Cup 2” Sydney Cup P/L www.sydneycupbjj.com May Saturday 6 “Gladstone Open Championship” www.qbjjc.com.au Saturday 27 “Australian Capital Territory Championship” AFBJJ ACT act@afbjj.com Sunday 28 “Caloundra Open Championship” www.qbjjc.com.au June Saturday 10, Sunday 11 “Koma Memorial Classic” Melbourne, Victoria pat@bjjcomp.com, anton@bjjcomp.com Sunday 11 “Byron Bay International Open” Byron Bay Open www.bjjaustralianopen.com.au Sunday 18 “Perth Cup Gi” AFBJJ WA www.afbjjwa.com.au July Saturday 1 - Sunday 2 “Queensland State Championship” AFBJJ QLD qld@afbjj.com Saturday 15 “Tasmania State Championship” AFBJJ TAS tas@afbjj.com Saturday 15 - Sunday 16 “New South Wales State Championship” nsw@afbjj.com Saturday 22 “Townsville North Queensland Championship” www.qbjjc.com.au Saturday 29 “Northern Territory State Championship” nt@afbjj.com August Saturday 12, Sunday 13 “2017 National Championship” Melbourne AFBJJ - IBJJF www.afbjj.com 5 Star Australia 24/25/26 World Master Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship, Las Vegas Sunday 27 “Gold Coast Open” www.qbjjc.com.au September Saturday 2 “Rockhampton Open” www.qbjjc.com.au Sunday 3 “Perth Open No Gi” AFBJJ WA www.afbjjwa.com.au Sunday 3 “Byron Bay Spring Australian Open” Byron Bay Open www.bjjaustralianopen.com.au 8/9/10 Asian Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship, Tokyo Sunday 24 “Sunshine Coast Open” www.qbjjc.com.au October Sunday 1 “Oceanic Championship” Events BJJ www.eventsbjj.com Saturday 14 “Cairns Open Championship” www.qbjjc.com.au Friday 27 - Saturday 28 - Sunday 29 “Pan Pacific Championship” AFBJJ - IBJJF www.ibjjf.org November Saturday 11 “Newcastle Open” nsw@afbjj.com Sunday 12 “East Coast Championship” www.qbjjc.com.au Sunday 12 “Western Australia State Gi Championship” AFBJJ WA www.afbjjwa.com.au Sunday 19 “Byron Bay Summer Australian Open” Byron Bay Open www.bjjaustralianopen.com.au #BrausFight #TheFightNeverEnds

As we approach the end of another year, we take a quick look at some of the 2016 highlights and what’s on for our year ahead. 2016 saw the launch of our lifestyle line with our hoodies and Tees! The Fight Never Ends resinates with many for reasons beyond the mats! It encompasses our brand and we were thrilled to see people enjoying the products incorporating this important message. And our tshirts, some of which were designed to represent our individual athletes continue to be a popular buy! We’ve taken your feedback on board and in 2017 you’ll see our lifestyle brand continue to evolve. BRAUS Experience continues to inspire, it’s been an honour for us to dive into the inspirational lives of people influenced by BJJ across Australia. The heartening experiences have been enjoyed by thousands across our nation and abroad and we are committed to keeping the inspiration alive into the new year! Our charitable branch, Rolling 4 A Reason has directly impacted several communities and individuals across our network (see last month’s blog “The Project” for more information). Our goal is to continue to support our community and expand our reach for the year ahead, supporting those in need wherever possible! BRAUS Fight saw some fantastic new additions to our team in 2016; Black Belt Kit Dale; Black Belt Roberto Dib Frias (Bob); Brown Belt Ben Hodgkinson from Absolute MMA; Purple belt Ariel Tabak from Garage Jiu-Jitsu; Kayne Ward from AET Brisbane. As well as newest youngsters Zanetta Poretti from Gracie Gym Rotorua New Zealand and Torez Carro from AMMA Gym, Perth. We’re looking forward to the journey that lies ahead with our existing crew and beyond! We can’t wait to continue our journey in 2017, sharing our new products, designs and initiatives to support each individuals BJJ and the growth of BJJ in Australia. We love being a part of this BJJ world and can’t wait to see what we, as a nation, can do! Watch this space….and remember for 2017, on the mats and beyond….The Fight Never Ends! We would also like to extend a huge thank you to every single one of you for your ongoing support and involvement in our brand over the last year. It’s been a brilliant one! Special thanks to; Our close partners, Gui Neves and Gabriella Motta from Garage Jiu-Jitsu in Sydney; Paulo Henrique Polimeno and Ryann Creary from Flow Martial Arts on the Gold Coast; Alexandre Santos from Cia Paulista North Melbourne – ASBJJ; Joel Warren; Veronica and Damien Lombard from Concept BJJ in Melbourne; Bradd O’Brien from Shark Jiu-Jitsu Wollongong; Fabio Glazer from Training Grounds in Sydney; Zee from AET Brisbane; Emanuela D’Annibale from Arte Suave in Brisbane; Fabio Andrade Nunes and Leo Bobadilla from GFTeam Australia in Perth and Minol Tavares Tutida from Equipe Mestre Wilson in Melbourne. The relationships we have with each of you means much more than business, we’re honored to be sharing our journey with such incredible people. Our affiliates; Thiago Braga from Legacy Jiu-Jitsu; John Smallios from Higher Health Jiu-Jitsu; Felipe Grez from Jiu-Jitsu Kingdom; Rahneer Fabi from PowerCore MMA; Igor Breakenback from Igor MMA; Simon Tratt from Dubbo BJJ; 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; BJJ Yamba; Ludus House MMA; Robert Naumoski and Stojan from Roots St. George; Jesse Reid from Urban Edge; Jason Roebig Axis BJJ; Luke from Open Guard. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to work alongside you all across Australia. To those who have given us the opportunity to sponsor and support their competitions; AFBJJ and NSW BJJ Federation; Australian Girls in Gi (Jess Fraser); Grappling Industries and BJJ Australian Open Byron Bay; It’s been a great year on the events calendar, it has been a privilege to be a part of these important events which are allowing the BJJ network to grow and giving athletes the opportunity to compete. And to our Athletes; Levi Jones-Leary from Garage Jiu Jitsu and Unity Jiu-Jitsu School in New York. He has spent a great part of this year abroad in America dedicating his life to expanding his experience of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in another market. Hope Douglas who has recently joined Garage Jiu-Jitsu, spent a few months in Brazil training at Cicero Costa and competing in Brazil with tough opponents in order to further her game. Rodrigo Costa from M1FC who travelled around the world competing this year in Japan, Abu Dhabi, Brazil and North America where he got a Silver at IBJJF Worlds in the Brown Belt division. Well done Rod! Igor Almeida from Sydney Jiu-Jitsu Academy started his year well with third position at Abu Dhabi World Pro Jiu-Jitsu, before injury took over. We look forward to seeing what 2017 holds for him. Adam Watson, Winston Hong, Kate Da Silva, Jessy Jess, Icaro Marques, Lineu Vilanova, Anaru Grant, Daniel Browne, Kain Karnis, Tony No Akuma, Jeremy Ong and Arnaldo Cardoso; Caleb Peart; Goldie Singh a big thanks to you all for your continued support and dedication to our brand and BJJ. A big shout out to our youngsters, watching you grow and evolve through your journey is truly special and always inspiring. Well done Cruz, Isabel and Eemil (All 2016 World Champions!), Ratu, Jesse, Tahryn, Varun, Marley, Matilda and Kauai. True champs! We would like to wish Amaury Menezes, Arthur Teixeira and Brionii Cuskelly all the best on their continuing adventures. And finally thank you to all our competitors – it’s an honor to sit next to such great brands working on a common goal of supporting this great sport. Happy Silly Season! Be Safe Roll on 2017!! OSS

For many, the season of giving is about to begin but for Rolling 4 A Reason, our giving journey has been in full swing for over a year now! Established to provide our BJJ community with an outlet to give something back, it has been a heartening journey for us so far! Our year kicked off with a local project in Sydney supporting refugees who had arrived in Australia. The Gi contributions to Mario Sergio Yokoyama from My BJJ and the Community Centre in Lidcombe - NSW allowed the refugees the opportunity to immediately immerse themselves into not only our beloved BJJ but also our Australian community. Your contributions supported their sense of community spirit, helping them to feel a part of their new home land and providing them with some tangible hope for their new future. We were moved to the core by the gratitude shown by the soon-to-be Australians for some simple gear contributions. Over to the other side of the globe, we visited a not-for-profit BJJ set up based inside the favelas of norther Brazilian city, Salvador, donating a large number of Australian donated Gis. The gym was set up to offer children of that community an opportunity to learn the art of their home country at no cost, proving the kids a warm and welcoming community to be safely active and also learn transferrable life skills like discipline and commitment. The joy plastered across their grateful little faces as they tried to work out where Australia was, tested their limited English and tried to understand why they were being given such wonderful gits, was a humbling experience which will never be forgotten. For our final project of 2016 we’re heading across the continent to Perth where we have partnered with Leo Bobadilla and GFT Mandurah offering BJJ classes to children living with disabilities such as downs syndrome. We’re so honoured and inspired by this project focused on ensuring all humans are provided equal opportunities no matter what their situation. A huge thank you to you for all your support this year! We will continue our focus on expanding our reach to communities in need of varying capacities into the future and are always open to your suggestions, donations or feedback. Together we really can make a difference. We’re grateful for all of your support, your Gi donations and to those who have shared their personal stories with us this year as well. BRAUS Experience has provided some really insightful and inspirational stories which have had positive impacts on others’ lives, proving that giving encompasses so much more than material things. Time and support, as well as belongings are all equally valuable assets and as you can see we have had the pleasure of sharing some heart-warming experiences this year, thanks to you. Giving is not limited nor is it monogamous. Remember that during the silly season. At the end of the day, we’re all just humans rolling our way through this adventure of life……give a little and Roll 4 a Reason OSS