27/01/2021
It has been my great pleasure and honor to introduce Gracie Barra and the beautiful art of Jiu Jitsu to the people of Northern Uganda.
My wife and I were able to train this dedicated team of men and women daily for a period of 18 months. Even after we left the team, they continue(d) to train 2 times per day, 6 days per week. They LOVE the art.
After 2.5 yrs of dedicated practice, 1 year ago, 6 of the top practitioners were able to receive their blue belt promotions. To my knowledge, these are the FIRST Ugandan blue belts in Jiu Jitsu. I am so excited to see how these pioneers affect their region!
That same week, they were to compete in the second annual East African BJJ Championships held in Kampala. They were THRILLED to get their blue belts, but they didn't want them until AFTER the tournament. They knew they'd be competing with blue belts who had been training much longer...in many cases...the competitors weren't even from East Africa.
I assured them that I believed in them, I believed in their abilities, and I believed in the power of the Gracie Barra training methods and culture. I thought they would do just fine. With nervousness they bravely took the challenge and represented Gracie Barra in the tournament.
Watch the video below to see how they actually did....
🙂 ♫ Uh é Gracie Barra Aha Uhu ♫
Blessings and Strength!
John
PS. We support this team, it's members, and the "Jiu Jitsu For Everyone" initiative of Gracie Barra. I travel regularly (as possible) to provide support, leadership and training for the team. We are ALWAYS looking for help in this endeavor. If you'd like to help sponsor the team (for training equipment or training/competition costs) please contact me ... all donations are appreciated and tax deductible.
-->>If you'd like to take a once in a lifetime trip to East Africa to help train the team, please contact me for details and to see if you'd be a good fit!
PPS. a HUGE THANK YOU to Reynold Mainse, David Lee for the photography/videography and to World Embrace for the ongoing support!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3UotiXrF4A&feature=push-u-sub&attr_tag=6yv-GRqLqO0EnApV%3A6
Gracie Barra's John Koeshall along with World Embrace Uganda established the Gulu Gracie Barra BJJ team. Gulu is one of those areas of the world that has be...
