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Most people who have trained BJJ have wondered what a trip to train and/or compete in Brazil would be like. In June/July this year, I spent a solid month on the mats at Cicero Costha’s academy in Sao Paulo, Brazil, before hitting the competition mats at the 2016 Mundials. I learned a lot about myself and about life by toughing out those 5 weeks on the mats in Sao Paulo. And I would say that all serious BJJ practitioners should definitely consider training and competing in Brazil at least once in their lives. Here is why: my experience of training and competing in Brazil. The high-level of training partners Where else in the world will you get so many brown and black belts in the same class to train with? Since Brazil is the home of BJJ, it’s not uncommon to see 10+ black belts on the mat in a larger class and an abundance of high-level training partners. Cicero’s even had separate classes running every day for purple, brown and black belts only. I was fortunate enough to have purple and brown belt female training partners at most sessions (this is almost unheard of in Australia). The option to train all day every day There is hard comp style training all day every day. The first class is at 9:00am, the second 10:30am and the third from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Then a few hours break for lunch before the 5:00 and 7:00pm classes. Each class is a different format, but each class includes loads of rolling time. There are guys living at Cicero’s who are on the mats rolling and drilling for the majority of the sessions. They literally train all day. I would aim to train 3 times per day, but my body would often only let me do 2 sessions. The rolling style is different These guys roll hard. There is no such thing as a ‘flow roll’ or ‘light training’. The mats are absolutely packed and everyone rolls as hard as they can no matter what belt or weight. But the rolling is also very technical and smooth. It is clear that hours of drilling repetitions has refined the technique of Cicero’s students. Also, there didn’t seem to be too much fuss about who tapped who. If you tap someone, it is considered a good roll, and that person will just want to train with you more. There is no ego about it. Everybody is rolling all day and tapping people and getting tapped. It is just training. Competing in Brazil is an amazing experience Competing is a huge part of many people’s BJJ experience. There is such a wealth of top-level guys and girls that compete in Brazil that simply cannot afford to travel to overseas events; so unless you go there and compete amongst them, you won’t get to experience their level of competition. Most serious competitors in Brazil also compete every single weekend. They are repping it out and gaining comp experience every week. In contrast, most serious competitors in Australia compete maybe one or two times a month at most. Sure, we have world class competitors in Australia, which is clearly shown by the continued results that we achieve at international events each year, it is just that the average standard of the competitors in Brazil is much higher. There are more high-level athletes to deal with in each division. The Mundials I competed at the Mundials. The Mundials is a world championship event that occurs annually in Sao Paulo. It is run by the CBJJE, which was founded in 2007 with the goal of unifying state federations in Brazil by providing courses and national events to benefit the homeland of BJJ, and projects to enlarge the opportunities for BJJ on the world scene. The Mundials was one of the most organized and well-run events that I have participated in to date, with bonus cash prizes and really cool medals. The comp ran over 4 days with considerably large divisions of competitors from several different countries. The schedule was posted the weekend before the comp, and all matches were running on time (to the minute!) making it easy to warm up and be ready for the first match. There were loads of staff, including English speaking staff, so it was really easy to get to where I needed to be, despite my lack of Portuguese. The mat coordinators were professional and really friendly, and the referee even helped me set up my phone on the stands that were provided at each mat to record my fights. I entered my weight division and the open weight, so got the chance to fight several matches. The open weight divisions ran on the first day, and were open to all competitors to enter. Unfortunately I bombed out in the first round of the open weight, losing to a considerably larger opponent. I then had a couple of days to get it together before I was due to fight in my weight division. I fought in my division on the last day of the comp and managed to do a little better, coming home with a silver medal and lots to work on. Overall the competition was a really positive experience, and I would definitely consider going back next year. More about Cicero’s academy Lutando Pelo Bem = Fighting for Good Cicero Costha is a black belt under Marco Barbosa, and as well as being a top competitor in his own right, Cicero has produced some of the greatest Jiu-Jitsu fighters in the world, such as Leandro Lo and the Miyao brothers. His academy is well known for consistently being one of the top academies not only in Brazil, but in the world. Cicero’s academy, Cicero Costha Projeto Social Lutando Pelo Bem (‘social project fighting for good’) runs as a social project that is aimed at adolescents that come from a poorer background and is committed to giving a sense of purpose and citizenship to those that society left astray. The academy offers unlimited training and a place to sleep on the mats at little to no cost, and in turn oversees the lives of many young people drastically changed ‘for good’. Cicero himself is friendly and exceedingly generous, with his eye on investing in the lives of others and in the greater community. It is not hard to see why his academy is so popular. The academy is always packed with people (including several international visitors at any one time) and with a different vibe then anywhere else I have trained. Cicero’s students are the most humble and laid back group of people with, at the same time, the most dedicated and fierce work ethic on the mats. There are several guys and girls currently living in the gym that have come from significantly under-privileged backgrounds, but that have the most grateful and dedicated attitudes that I have come across in the sport. And this is how Cicero has produced such a large percentage of champions; he has provided those with no future a place and a means to become great. He has given them accommodation and the opportunity to train as full time athletes at no cost. Cicero’s academy is a social project. It is not commercial and it is not for profit. It is for Jiu-Jitsu, it is for empowering people. It is exactly how I envision running my own gym one day. I am absolutely inspired by how these guys do life. My sincerest gratitude goes out to professor Cicero and to all his students that welcomed me in to their academy and helped me prepare for the comp, and to grow in myself and as an athlete. Braus Fight: Rolling for a Reason A huge shout out also to Braus Fight for their part in funding the trip to Brazil. Without them this would not at all have been possible. I look forward to working along side Braus for many more years to come. I partner with Braus not only because they make the best gear in the business (and they do!), but because they embody the ideals that I dream about being shared in the sport. Braus is on their way to becoming the ‘lutando pelo bem’ of the Australian BJJ scene. Braus’ social project, Rolling for a Reason, is an initiative aiming to help the children and adolescents of Australia get off the streets and into their community using Martial Arts training to provide a more favourable positive environment for them to grow within. ROLLING FOR A REASON provides access to a niche BJJ community by offering free BJJ classes to youth who may have lost their way. Check out more on Braus Fight and Rolling for a Reason here and find out how you can be involved - It’s great to get behind the companies that support the people. Braus are my kind of people. Schofield King Lawyers Thank you also to Schofield King Lawyers for your financial support on and off the mats. It is a truly powerful and inspiring thing when companies support the dreams of their community. Thank you for believing in me and my dreams and ambitions as an athlete. HOPE DOUGLASS / BJJ Brown Belt BRAUS Fight Athlete Awards: 2 x WPJJC Australasian Trials Champion Pan Pacific Champion World No-Gi Bronze IBJJF Sydney International Open Champion IBJJF Melbourne International Open Champion Victorian State Champion Sydney Cup Champion Triple Bull BJJ Open Champion NSW Summer Cup Champion Oceanic Championships Champion

Domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence, happens in many forms including physical, emotional and economic violence, and can affect people of any age or sex. It does not have to be within the home to be classified as domestic violence. It is a form of violence that can occur within any relationship (family, intimate partner or other intimate relationships). Domestic violence is about power and control and there are many ways this control can be expressed. This week we came across a domestic violence story that hit close to home. MMA fighter Julian Wallace pleaded guilty this week to assaulting Jess Jessy; a well established and respected MMA Fighter whom is adored within our BJJ community and beyond. Displaying her strength and courage, she publicly shared her story in a hope she could be of inspiration to others facing the dark and painful life of domestic violence. We are honoured to have Jessy Jess on our Ambassador team, however she is far more than her MMA or BJJ skills, she is a truly remarkable, inspirational and courageous woman. The Fight Never Ends Jessy. Here is her story: See below her statement about "I'm not entirely sure what to write... This is something that I have struggled with being able to speak about over the last couple of months. Until my close friends and family encouraged me to be open about it in the hope of not only helping the women in this mans future, but other women men and children who are being subjected to situations like this or worse. It has only been a few short months and one of the hardest things for me to come to terms with, is the fact that the man I was so head over heels in love with, and professed to be madly in love with me in return, could act the way he did. And I was too stupid to leave. I was too in love to leave. I truly believed things would get better. They got worse. It saddens me that this particular incident had to happen before I finally found the courage to leave. And it saddens me that I was still so caught in his spell, that I still went back multiple times to see him even after it happened. I still told him I loved him and I even considered trying to make it work again. 5th time is a charm right? I am BLESSED to have had beautiful friends and my family for me to lean on whenever I was feeling tempted by his beautiful words and his sweet actions. They always reminded me of where I had come from. I had to leave the country to break free of his spell completely. I saw him 3 days before I left for America. He begged me to come say goodbye to him and I did. I couldn't even look him in the eye. I had to leave. I haven't spoken to him or contacted him since. I am so grateful for the support network that I had and have around me because without it, I might still be caught in that trap. Thank you to everyone who has been there for me through every threat, every fight, every hit, every time I was made to feel like I was nothing and nobody would ever love me or want me the way he did. The reason I came out so publicly about this is because it TERRIFIES me to think that if someone like myself, a professional fighter, can get so deeply caught in such a toxic and hurtful situation, and knowing how hard it is to break free of their hold on you, then what hope is there for the women, men and children who don't have the physical ability to not only defend themselves but remove themselves from the situation. I am urging everyone, PLEASE don't ever feel like you are alone. There are people everywhere who will help you. I will help you. Msg me any time of the day or night and I will be here. I wasn't alone, no matter how degraded and isolated I was, I realized I was never alone. You are not alone." - Jessy Jess Don’t be alone: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732): 24 hour, National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Line for any Australian who has experienced, or is at risk of, family and domestic violence and/or sexual assault.1800respect.org.au Reach Out: http://au.reachout.com/ NSW - Domestic Violence line (24 hour) 1800 65 64 63 or on http://www.domesticviolence.nsw.gov.au/ VIC – Domestic Violence Victoria line (24 hour) 1800 015 188 or on http://www.dvvic.org.au/ QLD - Statewide Sexual Assault Helpline 1800 010 120 - 7.30am to 11.30pm, 7 days a week

As our world continues to become smaller and more accessible thanks to a seriously competitive and doable travel market, it is challenging not to be tempted to go explore. The skills and experience gained from travelling abroad provide life-long personal benefits. The cultural experience and fun of trekking outside home territory combined with practicing and evolving your beloved BJJ and skills on your journey is a recipe made in heaven! In this installment, we take a look at just a small handful of destinations recommended to get your BJJ on around the globe. With so many incredible gyms and cities to choose from, this installment is merely to give you a taste on what’s on offer abroad. In no particular order, wet your appetite and be infected by the travel bug! TOKYO, Japan Birthplace of Judo (and some same Jiu-Jitsu) and often acknowledged as the spiritual home of martial arts, Japan offers a distinctive cultural experience. In many ways the Japanese culture reflects the Jiu-Jitsu philosophy; respect and humility are felt on and off the mats. A trip to the country's bustling capital Tokyo will provide you with a holistic martial arts teaching and infinite culture, dining, entertainment and history options dispersed across the 23 central city wards. Often lighter and very technical, Japans Jiu-Jitsu legends and martial artists provide a unique variation to your usual BJJ training. Tourists– Tokyo Express (Mt Fuji), Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Meiji Jingu, Shibuya Crossing, Tsukiji Market, Senso-ji Temple, Sumo Wrestling and Tokyo Sky Tree. Foodies – Okonomiyaki (simple staple of eggs, flour and cabbage – recommend toppings!) Miso soup (accompanies any meal), Tempura (deep fried seafood or vegetable), Green Tea (done traditionally!) Ramen (more than soup), Sukiyaki (slow cooked staple in winter), Yakiniku/Yakitori (grilled meat/chicken), Wagashi (traditional dessert) and of course the worldwide favorite Sashimi and Sushi. CAPE TOWN, South Africa South Africa's second most populated city (3.7m of 55 million) and arguably its most breathtaking, Cape Town offers a full suite of BJJ lifestyle options. This culturally diverse city is filled with natural beauty, top surf beaches and endless eateries (meat meat meat) and all amidst a good bunch of BJJ Academies. Although there isn't a huge list of BJJ gyms and academies, there are a few large credible academies that will offer you a top level roll. Like the country, the level of Jiu-Jitsu on offer aligns closely to Australia. The notable difference in the two lands being the ever changing political situation of South Africa, but don't let this deter you, a little awareness is all you need to enjoy this friendly warm country. A trip to the culturally rich Cape Town will leave you satisfied on all levels. Tourists – Table Mountain National Park, old Biscuit Mill, The Heart of Cape Town Museum, Clifton Beaches, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Shark diving, Beta Beach. Beaches (surfing) - Muizenberg, Dungeons and Long Beach. Foodies - Braii (South African style Bbq! Order Monkey Gland sauce as a side…No monkey included), Boerewors (a gigantic sausage), Biltong or Droewars (dried, spiced sausages or strips of beef or game), Bunny Chow (forget rabbits… it’s curry served in carved out bread), Bobotie – (like meatloaf topped with egg custard), Potjiekos (slow cooked meat or vege stew cooked old school!), Konfyt (fruit soaked in lime water, cooked in syrup and spices), Malta Pudding (syrup laden cake) and a Springbok (popular little shot!) SAN DIEGO, USA Home of countless Gracies; LA previously held the title for the US epicenter of BJJ, however in recent years California’s coastal gem San Diego has taken the crown. The city’s natural side offers an abundance of activities that pair beautifully with BJJ training and practice; from surfing to rock-climbing the city has a lot on offer for those looking to immerse themselves in the BJJ/Surf lifestyle. There is a plethora of options for high to beginner level gyms catering to all your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu needs. Tourists – Balboa Park and Museums, San diego Zoo, Old Town State Historic Park, Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument, Seaport Village, Legoland Beaches (surfing) – Trestles, Oceanside and Swami’s Foodies – Carne Asada Fries (Mexican style fries!), Fish Tacos, Wood fired pizzas, California burritos, beer (America’s craft beer capital!) and all things Seafood. LONDON, United Kingdom Europes largest and the worlds most visited city London is the hub for UK tourists and BJJ tourists alike. Geographically closer to Japan than Brazil, the UK BJJ scene feels more heavily influenced by Judo, giving your training a well-rounded challenge. Grab your umbrella, mentally prepare for the daily tube battle and explore the abundance of large academies and underground gyms that the greatly populated and culturally diverse city has to offer. No visit to Europe would be complete without a stopover in this cultural boss filled with history, the arts, politics and finance sprawled throughout. Tourists– Big Ben, Buckingham Palace (changing of the guards!), Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, The Gherkin, Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus, The Tower of London, Camden Markets, The Thames, Richmond Park. Foodies – Fish & Chips, Sunday Roast with a Yorkshire Pudding (a Sunday staple), Bangers and Mash (sausages, gravy and potatoes), Beef Wellington (a pastry wrapped and baked beef), Eton Mess (strawberry and cream meringue mess!), Afternoon/High Tea (typical royal delight, bite-size cucumber sandwiches and sweet treats), Pimms and Lemonade (summer cocktail consumed in vast quantities at Wimbledon) and English Ales (pick one!). RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil Brazil's diamond and second largest city, Rio De Janeiro, is home to beautiful beaches, people (around 6 million), sites and endless BJJ camps, gyms and living BJJ legends. If Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was a religion, this would most certainly be it’s holy land. Granted there is substantial petty crime in this wondrous city, however if you are able to use your common sense and remain street smart this should not deter you from visiting and experiencing the culture of the sport you live and love. Tourists - Statue of Christ, Steps from Rua Joaquim Silva, Parque Nacional Da Tijuca, Maracana Football Stadium Beaches - Copacabana and Ipanema Foodies – Churrascaria (Brazilian style BBQ), Feijoada (a Brazilian staple!), ACAI, Empadas (delicious sweet and savoury pastries), Pão De Quijo (cheese bread!), incredible range of different exotic Fruits (too many to mention), Doce de Leite (a sweet-tooths dream), Brigadero (mouth watering ball of chocolate) Caipirinha (Brazilians spirit in a drink!) The globe is dotted with incredible BJJ gyms and academies and far too many great cities to mention. With the help of social media, technology, cheap flights and the BJJ spirit, the global BJJ network is easily and readily accessible. Companies like GlobeTrotters offer a one stop shop for mat surfing, proving you with an instant link to your BJJ mates abroad including recommended institutions all over. Throw your Gi in a bag, grab your passport and go explore. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. OSS

Earlier this year, surfing legend Kelly Slater publicly shared his respect and love for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the value the sport can bring to a child (and adults) life. “I advise all parents to put their kids in Jiu Jitsu classes before any other sport.” Every child should be given the opportunity to enjoy a developmental environment when their growing; their minds are like sponges, ready to absorb all that surrounds them, what better environment to support their development than one promoting positivity, confidence, discipline, and many other developmental qualities and life skills. In this instalment we take a look at some of the rounded education BJJ can provide children (and adults!) and how the learnt techniques and skills of the gentle art extend far beyond the mat. Stepping into any BJJ gym around the globe we see a broad diversity of students; the sport attracts people from all different demographics, educational backgrounds, professions, ages and sexes. We see younger students teaching older students, men teaching woman and women teaching men. The sport knows no prejudice. Everyone is there for the same common purpose – to enjoy a positive environment and improve their BJJ – everything else is irrelevant. In today’s world it is challenging to find a more balanced example of people working together undiversified – it’s a positive lesson of life provided to children training in the sport. This unprejudiced environment encourages students to just be themselves within a safe and supportive forum, helping them build confidence in who they are and providing them with a path of their own which they can chose to develop more on both in terms of skills and as an individual. The self confidence and self esteem that naturally develop as their BJJ game improves through knowledge and practice, eventually transfers to life outside of BJJ as students start to realise that their abilities to overcome and conquer learnt on the mat are in fact part of their very being and can be applied to everyday life. Learning to be confident in who you are is a life learnt skill and one that often evolves only with age, children who train in the art at a young age learn this personal skill early on setting them up to enjoy a full life filled with a healthy the confidence they deserve. BJJ teaches individuals the art of openly interacting with people. As a student begins their BJJ journey, they are immediately taught to verbally and physically interact with both their fellow students and masters, all of whom are there simply there to help each other on their journeys. Throughout the ongoing training in supportive surrounds where listening, interacting and engaging are all foundations of the art, BJJ skills begin to improve as do interpersonal skills naturally begin to develop. The bonds that are created within a BJJ community become so strong; the lifelong love for the sport develops into lifelong friendships. None of these taught skills are possible without learning and applying a BJJ fundamental; discipline. All the benefits of combining discipline with training BJJ are obvious. The complexity of the sport takes time to understand and learn, requiring mental discipline to not give up, continue training without limitation and working towards being the best one can possibly be. This type of mental strength in discipline builds character in a person. The healthy addiction BJJ becomes requires discipline to maintain. Learning the value of discipline and commitment at a young age provides children with a respect for themselves and what is possible from hard work and dedication. We’ve had a look at only some of the benefits BJJ brings to everyday life, of course there is also promoting a healthy lifestyle, learning respect for yourself/body and others, learning to defend yourself, the skills of adaptability; the list of benefits really is endless. The value the sport brings to any age group is clear however parents looking for an all-encompassing healthy habit to bring to their little ones lives cannot overlook BJJ. It is a well-rounded lifestyle choice that promotes only positivity. “I wish that I had grown up training Jiu Jitsu” – Kelly Slater

2016 is well under way and our youngsters have hit the ground running. Let’s take a look at what the remainder of the year has installed for our little champs! Kicking off on home soil Orange Belt Tahryn Roberts of Garage Jiu Jitsu Bondi, has big aspirations for the year ahead. He would like to travel abroad to develop his skills further at competitions like the Pan Asian International in the Philippines and the IBJJF Kids International being held in the US later in the year, whilst continuing to compete in as many local and interstate tournaments as possible. With plans to make his international debut at the Kids World Championships in LA later in the year, Orange Belt Varun Mehrotra of My BJJ Sydney is aiming to have his most competition active year yet. He will kick his year off avenging his title at the Winter Cup before focusing the remainder of the year on local state and interstate championships including the Pan Pacs and Australia Cup. Aiming to join Varun at the Pan Pacs later in the year, Orange Belt Marley Sherlock of Extreme MMA Byron Bay will focus most his attention this year on continuing to expand on his existing impressive skillset at local Queensland State competitions with goals to join the NSW State, Nationals and local Grappling events too. With just over 2 years of BJJ training under her belt and an already impressive 16 medals from 15 events in her pocket, Orange Belt, Brionii “Killer B” Cuskelly of Concept BJJ Melbourne, has big plans for 2016. She plans to continue training daily with her sights set on competing in 16 National and Interstate Competitions as well as joining the boys at the Kids World Championships in America. Moving down a belt, brother and sister Yellow Belts Eemil and Isabel Iivonen of SPMA Sydney are also planning to enter the international scene this year, joining our Orange Belts at the Kids Wolds in LA as well as the Pan Asian Jiu-Jitsu Open in Manila in May. The Family duo will also continue to travel across Australia competing in as many NSW, Queensland and Victoria competitions as possible. Focused on dominating competitions on home soil this year, Yellow Belt Jesse Ryder of Concept BJJ Melbourne is aiming to compete monthly covering much of Australia at all available State Championships, including Tasmania, as well as joining our other BRAUS youngsters at the Pan Pacs, Nationals and Grappling Industry Events local and interstate. Grey Belt, Ratu Cayuqueo of Gracie Sydney, goals for the year ahead include continuing his commitment to training with special attention on strength, cardio and game control. He will join the other belts on the Australia Competition platform with plans to compete in NSW, Tasmania, Nationals and the Pan Pacs. Garage Jiu-Jitsu’ Grey Belt, Cruz Clarkin will also be joining State Competitions with ambitions to compete in the big interstate Competitions as well. Cruz will continue his dedicated training regime alongside challenging himself at local competitions to support his preparation for his global debut at the Kids Worlds in LA in August. What a year our little champions have planned! It’s an honour and a privilege to be part of each of the BRAUS youngster’s journeys. Watching them grow as athletes and individuals through their BJJ training is a constant reminder to us of the positive significance BJJ and it’s lifestyle has on our lives and development. Thankyou to our BRAUS Youngers for keeping us motivated on our quest to build BJJ knowledge and awareness throughout Australia and beyond. Have a great year champs! OSS

2016 is set to be a huge year for the BRAUS Team who are travelling far and wide to expand on their existing quality skills and challenge themselves with further experience. The local and global BJJ events card is again offering up an impressive array of opportunities for our brave martial artists. We’ve recently been catching up with each of our athletes and are excited to share some highlights for what they have planned for their year ahead! Black Belt Alexandre Santos of Cia Paulista North Melbourne kicks of 2016 with his mind set on continuing to help people change their lives for the better through the art of BJJ. He will compete at state and interstate tournaments in Sydney and the Pan Pacs in Melbourne as well as jetting off to LA for the 2016 Pan Ams. Focusing on the Queensland Circuit and making his Black Belt debut, Icaro Marques of Transform Martial Arts Byron Bay is excited to face some of Australian finest BJJ Black Belts this year. Icaro sees this year as one to gain further experience whilst continuing to build new champions from his dedicated BJJ students. Black Belt Lineu Vilanova of Delariva Brisbane has had a small setback to kick off his year having had surgery as 2016 began. His mind remains positive and dedicated to his BJJ training, teaching and competing. He will spend a further month or two recovering before getting back in the game with his focus on local tournaments in Queensland before hitting the Pan Pacs in Melbourne later in the year. Black Belts Gui Neves of Garage JiuJitsu Bondi and Brown Belt Joel Warren of Concept BJJ Melbourne, will focus on evolving their students this year. They’re esteemed skills, knowledge and BJJ way of life will undoubtedly continue to shape BJJ warriors and develop BJJ knowledge throughout the community. Similarly Black Belt Paulo Henrique Polimeno and Brown Belt Ryan Creary of Flow Martial Arts Coolangatta goal for 2016 is on the growth and development of his existing BJJ students and the community. Like many of our athletes, Ryan will continue to juggle his commitment to his students while keeping his toes in the competition scene; competing in local and interstate tournaments with his eye firmly on giving the World Masters a try on his Brown Belt. Brown Belt Anaru Grant from Tukaha New Zealand will spend his first year as a Brown Belt enjoying the new challenges. He is planning on competing in local NZ Nationals, but also further abroad at The Abu Dhabi Worlds, Floripa Open and the Pan Pacs. Joining the boys at The Pan Ams will be Brown Belt Hope Douglas of My BJJ Sydney whose goals for the year ahead are to make it her most successful competition year yet. She will return to LA several times this year, competing in the Worlds Gi and No Gi.and continue to battle on home territory in states, nationals and the Pan Pacs. First stop for Hope will be the Abu-Dhabi trials held in Sydney this weekend where she will be defending her title and chasing that golden ticket to the main event! From the other side of Australia, Brown Belt Rodrigo Costa of M1FC Perth sets his sights this year to the offshore tournaments, scheduled to compete in as many internationals as he can, including The Worlds, Abu Dhabi and The Pan Ams. Recently graded Brown Belt Daniel Browne of Kimekai MMA Melbourne is planning to compete at the Asian Cup later in the year as well as hitting the local state, interstate and nationals titles hard, focusing all his attention on proving his brown belt worth. He’ll tie his year off joining our other BRAUS athletes at the Pan Pacs. Having just recently returned in December from 3 months training in New York, Purple Belt Levi Jones-Leary of Garage JiuJitsu Bondi is returning to New York at the end of this month to continue his training. His focus for 2016 is continuing to broaden is exposure on training and tournaments abroad. Levi will be fighting to keep his championship title at No Gi Pan Ams, as well as challenging the Gi Pan Ams again, he’ll also compete at the Worlds in LA and Brasileiros in Rio and fight to maintain his championship title at Abu Dhabi World Pros. The Abu Dhabi Worlds draws again Purple Belt Amaury Menezes of Legacy Martial Arts Sydney who speaks fondly of the Abu Dhabi event last year. This year Amaury will focus primarily on training with plans to attend a few months of intense training camp in Brazil with further goals to hit the Asian Cup later in the year. Currently in training camp in Brazil, Purple Belt Matthew Diaz of Legacy Martial Arts Sydney will return to Australia next month to compete in local Sydney tournaments before jetting off again later in the year for the Asian Cup in Japan and then the Worlds in LA. With his eye also on the Asian Cup in Japan, Purple Belt, Kain Karnis of Delariva Melbourne is concentrating on technique and conditioning for the year ahead. He will compete in at least one competition around Australia each month to sharpen his game before stepping into the international league. Joining our Braus athletes at Abu Dhabi World Pros, Asian Cup and as many local and interstate comps as possible, will be Purple Belt Seb Pentreath of Transform Martial Arts Byron Bay. His top priority for this year is BJJ training over all else, he is currently looking into training camps in Brazil to support his focus and expand even further on his existing impressive skillset. Purple Belt Jeremy Ong of Cia Paulista North Melbourne is dedicating his year to improving his game with particular focus on building his BJJ character and being ranked number one in light feather for his division. Jeremy will compete in local and interstate championships including joining other BRAUS athletes at the Pan Pacs in Melbourne later in the year. Also from Cia Paulista North Melbourne, Purple Belt Tony No Akuma has committed his year to competing in as many Victoria tournaments as possible, including the Pan Pacs, before testing his skills on the international circuit at the Pan Ams. Tony’ mind is set to the future, with aspirations to be world champion and sweat on as many mats as possible across the globe. Returning from injury this year, Purple Belt Arnaldo Cardozo of Gracie Barra Newcastle is focused on home-soil events for the year ahead with the exception of how he goes at the Abu Dhabi trials this weekend. Arnaldo is concentrating on getting back in the game, evolving his existing skills and rolling at any chance he gets. Also chasing that golden ticket from the Abu Dhabi Trials this weekend will be Blue Belt Arthur Teixeira of Legacy Martial Arts Sydney. His goals for the year are on competing in the biggest comps around Australian with special attention on maintaining his title of No Gi Light Feather Australian National Champion. Blue Belt Adam Watson of SKAMMA Fight Club Melbourne is scheduled to have a busy year ahead aiming to compete in as many local and interstate tournaments as possible, including Pan Pacs, as well as challenging himself abroad at Abu Dhabi, The Worlds and the Asian Cup. It’s going to be a big one for our BRAUS Team and we wish them all the best across all their events and training. It’s exciting to see BJJs popularity continue to sky rocket on home soil. The determination, commitment and skills of our BRAUS athletes, as well as all other athletes in the community, is high level, providing a sensational spectacle for supporters around the globe. We look forward to seeing the sport continue to grow and our BRAUS Team continue to shine! Have a great year guys!! Until Next time……OSS

BRAUS Fight is honored to share Clinton Davies story in this months Blog. What a man. His achievements speak for themselves, he is a true mentor for both BJJ and life… “The Fight Never Ends.” We challenge you to read his story and not be inspired! Details on how you can join us in supporting Clintons journey can be found at the end of the blog. Check it out for your chance to win a brand new BRAUS Fight Gi and support a great man and cause! Enjoy the read and thanks for Clinton Davies! We can tell you will go far, you deserve it. OSS “There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do”. -Derek Jeter My name is Clinton Davies. I am a 33 year old athlete and I compete in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I am a grappler. I am also 95{cf85d6e77c29d4f46f06b9997a0fa4f5fbcf4b5bda0ea38bf9698d986e79160e} blind. When I was two years old, I was treated for infected chicken pox with penicillin. Unfortunately, I had an allergic reaction to this life saving treatment which left me with Stevens Johnson Syndrome. It permanently damaged my lung tissue, blistered my body and left my sight with 1 metre visibility, although I can only perceive shapes and changes in light. I have always believed there’s nothing I can’t do that other sighted athletes can. Although I am qualified to compete in the Paralympics, I choose to test myself against sighted athletes. Why wouldn’t I? People often ask me about my supposed disadvantages and limitations. In all honesty, I’ve been without sight for so long, it’s become all I have known. You learn to adapt. I simply refuse to accept my situation as a barrier to what I wish to accomplish and show. I don’t really think of myself as inspiring, just lucky I have something that I love to do. Although, let me assure you, my martial arts journey has certainly been no cake walk! It’s not like that for ANYONE, despite what Hollywood would like you to believe. When I first began learning to wrestle at 17 years old, I was absolutely smashed and bashed for a few years. It takes a while to learn things, like how to move, where to be, what not to do, how a technique should feel. I was very lucky to have a compassionate, patient and caring mentor to guide me and give me the time of day. I will never forget him. Getting beaten up can suck, but I am pretty grateful to say that no fully sighted athlete I’ve trained or competed with has ever taken it easy on me, who learns that way? I am currently a ten time national champion in wrestling, as well as the New Zealand champion in my weight division (75kg) for Greco-Roman wrestling. I was the first blinds Kiwi wrestler to compete at the World Champions in 2013. I started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu less than a year ago. I have so far managed to medal in every competition I have competed in the past year. I competed in my first international tournament, the Pan-Pacific Championships in October 2015. I chose to enter the open weight division, as well as my own. It was in the open weight division, I fought an athlete who was 55kg heavier than myself. I went on to win this match despite dislocating a rib and tearing my intercostal muscles, the win was an incredible experience for me. In that tournament, I won two golds and one bronze medal. This year marks another mountain for me. A new journey. I will go to the Jiu Jitsu World Championship tournament as well as the Oceania Wrestling Championship tournament to test myself against the very best, once again. I would appreciate any help in recognizing my dream. Clinton Davies Join BRAUS Fight in supporting Clinton on his journey to make his dreams come true and win a brand new BRAUS Gi of your choice in the process! Simply: Make a donation to Clinton at his registered donation site https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/blindgrappler/# Include your name and BRAUS Fight in the “leave a comment” section You will receive one entry for every $10.00 you donate On the 31st of January 2016 all donation entrants will be placed in a drawer and the winner will be announced! Color, Style and Size are winners choice! (stock pending) This is a great cause guys, get involved!

As 2015 draws to a close, we look back on this great year and take the opportunity to send out a warm Seasons Greetings to all. Our first year in the market has been a successful one; we’ve exceeded all our own expectations of what we thought the Brand could achieve in year one – all of it made possible only because of the continued support and encouragement from our industry peers, partners and of course our athletes. We would like to thank; Garage Jiu Jitsu in Sydney for giving us our first Black Belt Gui Neves, both him and his partner in crime Gabriella Motta have supported BRAUS Fight from day one, providing us with endless encouragement and support every step of the way. Sydney based Legacy Martial Arts, for working alongside us since mid 2015. Also, Thiago Braga, Brian Falzon and Lucas Santana who represented BRAUS Fight at Boa Super 8. Flow Martial Arts on the Gold Coast whose coupling of Surf and Jiu-Jitsu provides their entire community and BRAUS Fight with a new way of approaching the sport. Ryann Creary and Paulo Henrique Polimeno are true ambassadors of our brand, endlessly supporting BRAUS Fight’ expansion across Queensland. Cia Paulista North Melbourne – ASBJJ Alexandre Santos for being our first Black Belt sponsored athlete from Melbourne. He has provided us with a warm introduction to the Southern State and his fantastic academy. The gentleman of Gerijitsu based out of Southern Cross Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Nova Uniao Australia – whose old school angle adds great value to the sport, reminding us all that we’re never too old to enjoy the art of BJJ. John Smallios and Oscar Loudon from Jiu-Jitsu Commune; Felipe Grez from Jiu-Jitsu Kingdom; Carlos Portugues Vieira from Cia Paulista; Fabio Glazer from Training Grounds; Rahneer Fabi from PowerCore MMA; Rodney Ellis from Southern Cross Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Nova Uniao Australia and Igor Breakenback from Igor MMA. Thankyou all for giving BRAUS Fight the opportunity to work alongside you. To AFBJJ and NSW BJJ Federation for giving BRAUS Fight the opportunity to sponsor a few of their Competitions; Life BJJ for the opportunity to sponsor the Wollongong Open; Australian Girls in Gi for allowing us to support their Sydney Competition; Grappling Industries for inviting BRAUS Fight to sponsor their Tournaments in Sydney; It’s been a great year on the events calendar, BRAUS Fight has been honoured to be a part of it. To all our competitors – it’s an honour to sit next to such great brands working on a common goal of supporting this great sport. And Thanks to our Athletes: Levi Jones-Leary from Garage Jiu Jitsu for being BRAUS Fight’ first sponsored athlete. Since day 1 his belief in the brand has been equal to our belief in him. Representing us around the World. Anaru Grant from Tukaha BJJ for being BRAUS Fight first Kiwi athlete, representing us in Abu Dhabi BJJ Worlds and New Zealand local tournaments. Kate Da Siva from Gracie Gym Rotorua for being BRAUS Fight first Female MMA athlete, representing us in Brazil this year. Rodrigo Costa from M1FC for being BRAUS Fight’ first Western Australian athlete representing us in Abu Dhabi at Abu Dhabi World Pro and in North America for the World Jiu Jitsu No Gi IBJJF Championship. Hope Douglas from My BJJ for being BRAUS Fight’ first Female Australian athlete representing us in Abu Dhabi for Abu Dhabi World Pro and in North America for the World Jiu Jitsu No Gi IBJJF Championship. Arnaldo Cardoso from Gracie Barra who has been recovering from injury, we look forward to seeing you back on the circuit next year. Icaro Marques from Transform Martial Arts for being BRAUS Fight’ first Black belt athlete in Byron Bay. Seb Pentreath from Transform Martial Arts who represented BRAUS Fight in various Queensland tournaments. Amaury Menezes, Arthur Teixeira and Matthew Diaz; our first Legacy athletes who represented BRAUS Fight at The Pan Pacifics. They have all had an incredible year, some of them jumping around the globe seeking new challenges, others dominating closer to home. They have proven to be some of the worlds finest and we have no doubt all of their success will only continue to grow. Lest we forget our youngsters. These little legends are always a pleasure to watch train and compete – we feel honoured to be part of their journey from the beginning. They encapsulate our brand to their very core; Strong, Disciplined, Committed and Respectful. It’s been a big year for them all and we’re so proud to see them grow. Well done Cruz and Tahryn from Garage Jiu Jitsu, Ratu from Gracie Humaita, Isabel and Eemil from Team SPMA and Brionii from Concept BJJ. Finally, a warm welcome to our newest additions; Black belt Lineu Vilanova from KMA Brisbane – De la Riva Australia; brown belt Joel Warren from Concept BJJ; our newest youngster Varun Mehrotra from My BJJ and Marley Sherlock from Extreme Mix Martial Arts; we look forward to being part of your exciting journey ahead. We feel very privileged to work with you all and can’t wait for continued good times ahead. We have ambitious goals for the future of the brand and are looking forward to launching exciting new products and events with you all in the future. As always our primary goal and commitment is supporting the growth of BJJ in Australia – The Fight Never Ends. Happy Silly Season! Be Safe Roll on 2016!! OSS