Carlos Machado Earns His Coral Belt!

Day three of the Five Brothers Camp was an eventful one with the promotion of  BJJ legend Carlos Machado to Coral Belt! Check out the video below to see his promotion.

Putting the Pieces Together: Overview

Buy Master Carlos Machado’s new book, Putting the Pieces Together – now on sale at www.amazon.com.  It can also be bought at www.rcjshop.com.

This is a book full of wisdom written by a man who has spent his life teaching others. Master Machado has put together an accessible philosophical work for just about any reading level. There is something for everyone in this work, and I have a feeling this will go down in history as one of the great philosophical works in the martial arts field. This is philosophy for the everyman.

A truly great philosopher should be judged by the practicality of his words in real-world application. No doubt, Master Machado’s book delivers this much to its readers. Every time I open this book I am moved to ponder about my role in this world, in this universe. To end in the words the Master: “Only the present provides the opportunity to act by taking both past and future into consideration.It is also the only time that we cannot afford to lose” (Putting the Pieces Together, 18).

Legacy Fighting Championships: Evan Thompson’s Pro-Debut

Evan “The Titan” Thompson makes his pro-debut on December 14th, 2012.

For tickets, email Evan Thompson at evanthompson1984@yahoo.com.

Good luck, Evan!

Food For Thought: December

YOU KNOW YOU LOVE JIU-JITSU WHEN…

• You have begun serious investigation on how to became a Brazilian citizen.
• While driving to BJJ class you listen to, ” Learn Portuguese in 30 Minutes a Day.”
• When you can’t get any work done in the office because all you think about is BJJ.
• When your family members begin to lose feeling in their joints.
• You constantly thinking up a new set-up or move that no one has discovered just so you can put your name on it.
• When your name begins with an ” R ” but you insist that is pronounced with an H sound, “Hichard,” ” Hick,” ” Hyan,” ” Hodney.”
• You speak broken English, even though you are a college graduate.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: WINNING ISN’T EVERYTHING

There is a lot more in Jiu-Jitsu training than just winning; losing for example. How can you win by losing?

Actually there is no loss, the only loss is for the ego. In fact we are always winning because we are learning.

In order to become more complete and balanced in our development we need to allow ourselves to freely experience and learn from offense and defense situations. One is not more important than the other, they are two sides of the same coin and represent an equally important lesson for our growth.

THE UNITY MAKES US STRONGER

When we work as a group in training, helping and supporting each other, with a common purpose, to learn, grow and improve ourselves, we become stronger and our goals are easily accomplished. So, next time you train, help your partners to improve because they will become better partners for you and others. That will contribute to the strength and growth of the group.

Food For Thought: November

YOU KNOW YOU LOVE JIU-JITSU WHEN:

• When nobody is around you start doing submissions on your pillow.
• You are constantly staring at peoples ears to see who is a grappler.
• You catch yourself attempting to pass your spouses guard.
• Only when you are explaining a move to a friend do you develop a slight Brazilian accent.

A Warrior Does Not Choose When To Fight, All He Cares About Is Being Ready When The Fight Comes!

Adam Trees, Carlos Machado, Gilbert Ariza

The title of this piece deals with the importance of handling the day to day life, in order to be prepared for life itself.

When it comes to our work ethics, little things done on a consistent basis will, in the long run, yield results greater than sporadic bursts.  We live in a culture that does not instill individual commitment to anything for a period of time long enough to see the benefits of any given activity.

The short term mentality is what prevails, getting something with little effort, little time, and having all the perks along the way before switching into something else.  That is a distorted way of thinking, maybe exacerbated by the celebrity stories that run amok in the tabloids, giving the impression that anyone who sends an application to American Idol will end up with a record label.

MSG: Truth or Dare?

When we talk about health, we often hear about what to look for in regards to healthy foods, healthy lifestyles, and down to earth approach to cultivate habits that can only enhance the quality of our lives.

Technique of the Month: Butterfly Hook to Pass

Troubleshoot of the Month: High-Low

Master Carlos Machado to Lecture at Dallas College

This Wednesday, November 7th Master Carlos Machado will be lecturing at Mountain View College (DCCCD). He has been asked by Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez to come speak to his students about his new book  Putting the Pieces Together. 

Students have been reading the book, and completing assignments over it for a few weeks now. The book has had a positive influence on the students, and Dr. Gonzalez plans to use the book again in future terms. This is an open lecture, and Dr. Gonzalez encourages anyone to stop by if they want to talk philosophy with Master Machado. Text 972-697-8816 for address and information.

William Martinez – Newest RCJ BJJ Blackbelt!

Congratulations to the newest RCJ Machado Black Belt William Martinez! It’s has been long awaited and well deserved!