NATIONWIDE CONFERENCE OF NORTH AMERICAN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU FEDERATIONNovember 12th, 2005. From 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Open to ALL Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academies, Owners and Instructors!)
Long Beach Marriott Hotel 4700 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA 90815 Phone: (562) 425-5210
Earlier this year a significant meeting was held to begin the process of truly organizing the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well as all instructors and academies in the United States, Canada and Mexico for everyone benefit.
That meeting was attended by 34 (Black Belts) prominent people in the sport who have been operating Jiu-Jitsu organizations in the US an average of 5 -10 years.
The intent of the organizers is to welcome all those who wish to dedicate some of their time and ideas and skills to the betterment of the sport and the advancement of the sport for all those who practice the art. It will be an organization of, by, and for, the people in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The importance of this meeting can not be overstated. Recently a controversial announcement was made by a small group that could actually impede the advancement of the interests of the sport in this country due to the fact that it minimizes the benefits of inclusion of many people who could assist greatly in this effort to organize our sport in a credible way. It is also believed by many to minimize the interest of the sport here for the sake of initiating various formats of control that will not come from domestic interests. We feel strongly that if structured properly our entity will be accepted by the other established sports authorities in America, an essential issue, that if not addressed, could harm the future development of our sport here in North America.
We want to encourage, especially, ALL AMERICAN professionals and instructors to attend. Your involvement is crucial. This will be, after all, the primary effort to provide a comprehensive unifying organizational entity whose primary focus will be development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in North America for the interests of those who practice the sport and art here.
To establish an organization, independent of any other organization in any other country, that holds the interests of the sport here first and foremost in its Mission. Our intent is to maintain our independence from other authoritative bodies and in that way be perpetually positioned to advance the interest of those here as opposed to being under the auspices of those who simply want to profit from and or control what takes place in America and the rest of North America.
We think it is appropriate to restate an excerpt from the invitation that was sent in the announcement of our last meeting:
“As Jiu-Jitsu practitioners and instructors, you have a control over the success and growth of the art and the sport. It is your influence and experience that will shape the perception and determine the quality of Jiu-Jitsu in this country. Because of this, we urge you to take part in the planning and organizational efforts that will shape the near and distant future of Jiu-Jitsu. This meeting will be your chance to stop complaining and take hold of the art that is your livelihood. Only through a unified effort, we will be able to produce better tournaments, referees, and academies. The path to sustainable development will be a bumpy one; therefore, your support and participation is vital. The new federation will be open to all Jiu-Jitsu practitioners regardless of race, nationality, age, sex, religion, or academy affiliation.”
While the disconcerting announcement by the business venture mentioned above in the second paragraph, has its own implications and concerns, it serves simply as a greater impetus for the need for us all to take the next step now.
There will be a highly detailed mailing that will come to you specifically detailing and beginning the communication with the outside business group in the interest of clarifying the points of concern that many have. We urge you to read that coming communication very carefully. We would also appreciate, and encourage, some feedback from you when you read it in detail. In the meantime, please place the meeting in this announcement on your calendar and do whatever you can to attend.
* Please, make sure that you contact us prior to the meting, in order to get your ACCESS PASS to the meting room. Attention, without the access pass you won’t be allowed into the meting room. NO EXCEPTION!
Let us all rally around the flag of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and stand united for our great sport. We are looking forward to accomplishing a common goal. The union brings strength!
Contact information: Charles Gracie (650) 756-7579 email: charles@charlesgracie.com Ralph Gracie (925) 829-8387 email: frgracie@aol.com Carlos “Caique” Elias (310) 618-8149 email: besafe@caiquejiujitsu.com Fabio Santos (619) 229-0022 email: snfsantos@juno.com
Warm Regards,
Charles & Ralph Gracie North American Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fabio Santos & Carlos “Caique” Elias California Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
West Coast Jiu-Jitsu Tournament 2005! POSTPONED, NEW DATE TBA For more info: Phone: (650) 756-7579 Fax: (650) 756-1260 BJJTournaments@UnitedGracie.Com / www.unitedgracie.com