Interview with Leader of Black House!

"They wanted Fedor to fight against Jeff Monson, but Pedro melted the Snowman"Jorge GuimarãesBy Eduardo FerreiraLeader of Black House and manager of fighters such as Anderson Silva, Pedro Rizzo, Lyoto Machida and Paulão Filho, the businessman and showman Jorge Guimarães, Joinha, gave a special interview to TATAME about the address change of Black House and also about the next fights of his athletes. "We are training at Max Fit´s academy in Méier, and the guys are loving it. While we don´t find another place we will stay there", said Joinha.

Check the full interview below, where Joinha talks about Black House, a possible fight between Pedro Rizzo and Fedor Emilianenko, Anderson Silva and Dan Henderson, and Paulo Filho defending his belt in WEC.

Black House moved from Recreio dos Bandeirantes?

Yes, we are looking for a new headquarter, but we are training in Max Fit´s academy in Méier, Max Fit, and the guys are loving it. While we don´t find another place we will stay there.

You said that Pedro Rizzo received a proposal to fight Fedor...

They pretended to put Fedor to fight against Jeff Monson, but Pedro has won Monson. We want to do this fight in February, probably in M-1 in New Jersey, but nothing is confirmed yet, we were only contacted.

When will Rodrigo Minotauro fight again and against whom?

Minotauro will fight for the title on February 2. At first it will be against Tim Sylvia, but Randy Couture can change his mind and lots of things can change. Minotauro is in United States along with Lyoto Machida and Anderson Silva for a UFC press conferenceand this week we may have some news.

Will Paulão Filho defend the WEC belt against Frank Trigg?

This will happen if Frank Trigg signs. I was talking with him in United States and the guys want him to sign exclusive with WEC and he works as commentator for IFL. He told me this: "I am not going to be a fighter forever." So I do not know how will this situation be resolved, because he earns a good money with it. Besides Trigg we don´t have anyone in mind to fight against Paulão.

And who will Anderson Silva face to defend his belt?

We still do not know, but it can be Dan Henderson to unify the titles of Pride and UFC. But nothing is confirmed, I don´t know if he will accept to low his weight. Everything is just speculation.

Apart from the ones who have already been mentioned, you are manager of which athletes?

Apart from Anderson, Lyoto, Pedro Rizzo, Paulão Filho and Rodrigo Minotauro, there is also Rogério Minotouro that will fight in an event in Canada and Luis Sapo, who will fight in WEC. Vitor Belfort and Assuério Silva are not with me anymore.

Source: http://www.tatame.com/interviews

Ok, the book deal gets even better! I messed up, you get rewarded! 66% off now!

The post below from last week says I'll give you the ebook for 50% off.....$15! I created the paypal button to the right, and set it at $10. Several people have paid, and I can't go back and request the difference, nor can I have them telling others they got it for $10 off my website when I'm now charging $15. ......so what the heck..........for at least the next 20 I'll leave it at $10. But then I got to rethink it. So if you've been tempted, you better do it now! Thanks guys.

Update 11/06/07 7:16 A.M. - Its only been 8 hours since I started this post and there are only 17 left at this price.........

Update 11/28/07 11:36 A.M. - 12 left at this price................

Another chance to get the ebook on training in Brazil...50% off!

Ok. So last year I wrote the ebook on training in Brazil. I sold over 200 copies for $30 and stopped. I took a position as a partner in a financial consulting firm which devoured my life. Over the year I've gotten alot of request for the book. I've shopped it to some other publishing houses too. But I've just been to busy. But since I started this blog, the request are increasing again. I dont have time to sit down and update it, or make a new sales page. But for you who come here and read my blog, I will honor last years version, using the same sales page, but at 50% off! So if you want it, You can have it for $15. Just click the link to the right...it will take you to the sales page, and you can order there. I'll email it to you usually within 24 hours.

By the way, over 200 sold. Not one refund. Not one complaint! Unheard of. Here is a couple feedbacks left for me on mma.tv


"This book is so full of vital information that even someone who has lived in Brazil for years can learn from it. For the newcomer, reading this book is a necessary act!"

"I went to Brazil twice in one year and Scotch was my host! Freaking incredible time! I have since been back twice without his presence, only this course. I am addicted to Brazil!"

"Great information. Definitelyl worth the price, and fun reading."

"Great info...I read the entire thing a couple times now, very informative...exactly the kind of info a young single guy looking to train/live in brasil needs to know. Basically its everything the mainstream travel guides & packages will not or cannot tell you, it truly does give you a sense of the reality of dealing with life there. The contact info was thorough & deep...many more contacts than I anticipated, & the personal accounts of jiu jitsu training were motivational to say the least."

"I had some initial fears about going but your book helps answer most of the questions people going for the first time would have. Now that I know what kind of ATM?s to use, and all the other little details your book provides, I?m not as worried. No disappointments at all. This book pretty much touched on most of my concerns and things I wanted to learn about. It was a great read. I read it all within the first 40 minutes of having it. It?s also a great reference with all the links and little tips that are provided"

So go get your copy before I take this down. Thanks.

Frank Shamrock Vs. Phil Baroni Fight

Frank Shamrock Vs. Phil Baroni Fight. Great Fight!!

VIDEO REMOVED!!!! SORRY!!!This guy is the evolution of the sport without a doubt. This fight with Phil Baroni was awesome. A lot of people didnt get to see it because it was on Showtime and StrikeForce following isnt that strong yet. And for those of you who "cry" about steroids in the sport, Baroni tested positive after this fight, didnt seem to help him much.....lol..........












Pic of Frank and I right after my son was born!

Couple Pics from the UFC in Cincy!

Dinner at Mortons with Brock was the highlight though!

UFC Weigh Ins!

So I just got back from Argentina and will post video and update on that later. But I am going to be at the UFC all weekend in Cincinnati, OH. Last night I was able to go to the weigh ins! Wow! Super high energy and I would estimate the crowd as more than 3k people....at the freakin weigh in! Josh Burkman was the only one who didnt make weight at first.....but he came back about a half hour after the crowd had left, and made the cut.

The crowd went crazy for home town boys Jorge Gurgel and Rich Franklin. They began booing Anderson Silva as he made his weigh to the scales. Rich Franklin began to shake his head "NO" and telling the crowd not to boo but to cheer the champ on the jumbotron screens......about half the crowd changed to cheers while the other half continued to boo....a deafinin mix!

Many fighters on hand to run into as you can see in the pics. Got to talk to Jens Pulver again. I first met him at the Arnold Classic about 5 or 7 years ago. He was so approachable and cool it was unbelievable. .....and I found the same thing about him yesterday. Cant say that about everyone in the photos with me....ha ha.....!

Probably the guy working hardest to be with the fans the whole day was Alexander Houston. Bro, you won me as a fan, you keep fighting the way you do, and treating us fans like you do, then you are gonna blow up huge! Thanks!

Mick Rices Experience Training BJJ in Rio!

Rio de Janeiro. When most Westerners envision this city, certain images are conjured; Stunning women, scenic beaches, futebol worship, Sugar Loaf Mountain, favelas. While I observed all these elements in my three month stay, I came home with a deeper, more profound understanding of the city.

My motivation for the trip revolved entirely around jiu jitsu. Anyone who practices the Art knows that it has an incredibly potent, addictive power. Once you begin your life is quickly dominated by thoughts of training sessions, technical refinement, mistakes to be corrected, among others. Thus, it wasn’t long before I decided that at some point I would have to experience the sport at its purest.

There was nothing particularly unique or advanced about the training in Brazil. The underlying reality is that there are countless academies with dozens of black belts. I trained at Ricardo De La Riva’s and I can recall a few classes were everyone was a black belt. In terms of format, it’s quite simple. A simple warm up, every week one position is shown with an accompanying technique, and then it’s a lot of sparring. Unlike the schools back home, there were at least two classes that could be attended each night. To my delight this translated to hours and hours of mat time each week. Is it any wonder that they continue to dominate the sport? In North America jiu jitsu is a little more recreational. Of course, there are some world class non-brazilian competitors, but they are in the minority.

The contrast between Rio and Toronto (where I reside) was nothing short of dramatic. From a purely aesthetic point Rio bears no resemblance to the flat, grey, symmetrical Toronto. The city is easy to navigate as there as so many points of reference – the beaches, sugar loaf, Christ the Redeemer, etc. The mosaic sidewalks are lined with open juice bars and cafes serving exotic fruits and pastries. Bronzed, healthy looking men and women strut showing obscene amounts of skin. I was used to the pale, ghostly complexions of Canada, typically covered my two or more layers of clothing.

It seemed like a very hedonistic lifestyle. Where was the worrying about bills, work, or the family? Was this just a carefree society propped up by Skol Beer, Samba, and the Beach? Not exactly. Cariocas stress like the rest of us, but their lives are filled with certain contentment and acceptance of the financial and social limitations of Brazilian society. Those who are educated and have jobs make enough to sustain their lifestyle. They don’t fantasize about a second home or a fancier car. Simply put, they don’t define themselves by material or financial wealth.

What struck me most about Cariocas was their genuine warmth and friendliness. I was accustomed to a certain type of politeness in Toronto. It was formal, sort of hollow, perhaps devoid of any real sincerity. Within my first two weeks of training, two people invited me over to their homes. A group of black belts took me to try some mix of beet and carrot juice. A Brown belt from the academy showed me around Barra after I registered for the Mundials. This social experience was just as gratifying and memorable as the training.

Going to train Jiu jitsu at Gracie Buenos Aires!

I am going to South America again this week but instead of Brasil I've decided to check out Argentina. I thought I could learn to Tango as well as train at the local Gracie Jiu jitsu academy. I have been in contact with the instructor Sebastian and have set up some times for classes and privates. Seems like a super nice guy...and judging by all their instructrs resumes.......I'm gonna be tapping like a drummer.
I plan on posting video and pics each day I'm there. If you want to check out their website just click the pic below.

Rio Heroes is True Vale Tudo! I think I'm hooked!

Author : Andre Fernandes - MMA Madness Brazil/Europe Correspondent
Date : 10-07-2007

The most controversial and hated fighting organization in the world, Rio Heroes, made its 9th event this month in Brazil. Known to be a return to the famous Brazilian Vale Tudo bloody origins, Rio Heroes is a bare knuckle organization with no time limit and almost no rules. Only the "rules of honor" apply -- no eye gouging, striking the groin or biting. With no crowd, the events are broadcast live on the Internet through a pay-per-view website which also features cock fighting and bikini girls armed with military weapons. The first editions caused a huge uproar in Brazil due to the lack of rules and the injuries the fighters sustained because they couldn't tap out. The referee, and mastermind behind it all, Rickson Gracie BJJ black belt and former Vale Tudo fighter Jorge Pereira (7-4-0), gives instructions to the athletes during the fight encouraging them to destroy and massacre their opponents, even when they are nearly unconscious on the ground. Though they now have a "low budget" cage, the first events were held in gym rooms and fighters often fought up against the walls, breaking windows and brawling through the glass. Another factor that contributed to public disapproval was the fact that fighters came from poverty and frequently stated that they were only fighting for the money. This was true even in the case of a female fighter who then proceeded to beat her male opponent.

My first match in Brazilian Jiu jitsu in Brazil....

I got off the plane in 2002. One day later I walked into a BJJ Academy to work out. I had no belt, only a judo top with a bad boy patch on it I had bought off ebay. I had never trained at a formal academy. Only with my buddys in a garage using video instructionals to pick up new moves. The instructor wanted to see what I had so he put me in against a blue belt my weight. The video explains the rest. I am now embarrassed out how sloppy the it is (come on, I had to start somewhere and have since went on to win some pretty big tournys), I still love what I do at 2:30 seconds into this film, its still the "sickest back take" I came up with (Im not saying I am the original inventor, just no one ever taught it to me and I never seen it done before), and still use today. I'd say I won this match on points for sure...lol... And I made the film not to show off but just practicing on how to make films with my mac. Enjoy!

This picture is awesome! Rampage owns Liddell!

I don't know who did it but if you do post it here!

chuck liddell quinton jackson

Another big supporter of ours

The team at Bad Boyz Fightwear has attendend and sponsored our charity events (and my personal BIO Networking Partys). The have a great fight team, fighter manager, and clothing line. Be sure to check em out!

Tell em Gringo sent ya!!!!

Did "Jacare" sign with UFC?

I've read on 2 different boards that he made the announcement but I havent seen it in any press releases. Can anyone confirm? Please God, let this be true! I have been a fan of Jacare after moving to Brasil. His BJJ is unbelievable. Then, I got to work with him when I was the media coordinator for the GFC this year. He is freakin the biggest 185 'er I've ever seen. Ripped! I'm about 24o in this pic beside him. Here is also a video of his BJJ.

Getting a new belt in Brasil?

check this video out. This guy is actually lucky, I've never seen them let the person keep their jacket on.....when I participated, it was shirtless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Proof I've been down with MMA and the UFC since the beginning!

Here is a picture of a hat I ordered off the first UFC PPV event!!!!!! I also ordered a t-shirt that I still have, but wore it to death. Ill post a pic of it later. So if you have something like this, leave a comment, I want to see who else has it.

I don't plan on selling it, but what would you offer me for such a collectors piece?????

UFC MMA

The Power of being "single minded" in Purpose!

Of the best pieces of advice I can give you in being successful is being single minded in your purpose. Every successful person I have every interviewed or worked for has had this characteristic.....probably to a fault. The human mind/spirit connection has a strange ability to draw to us those things we obsessess on. Some refer to it as a "magnetic mind power".

I became this way about missionaries a few years back (and was always this way about martial arts). I began to study everything I could find on missionarys, mission organizations, and such. I could not devour enough books on the subject. Sometimes I would have three books at a time I was reading. One at work, one on the toilet, and one I'd take with me to the coffee shop! Strangley enough, I took my first missions trip that year. Three years later I was living full time oversseas!

This power will affect you positively or negatively....depending on what you think about. I've never heard of a pedophile who wasnt molested themselves or didnt have an obsession with porn (either case they are constantly thinking about sexual deviance). So what do you spend your time thinking about?

The most powerful book I have ever read on success is "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill. In fact, I have already read it through twice this year (Sept. 2007 at time of this post). I will read this book at least once a year for the rest of my life. If you want to know how to be successufl in anything, fighting , business, sales, ect.. I recommend you buy this book and make it a part of your training.

If you are going to buy it, please do so here by clicking the picture below. I'm sure you could find it for a couple dollars cheaper on ebay or at a local store....but by doing it here you help contribute to my work with the kids, as well as saying a big "Thank you Gringo" for turning you onto the book.

I hope you are blessed by it! Thanks.

Blessed to be around the Gracies....

I've been blessed to be able to train and hang out with the some of the Gracies and just wanted to post some pics here. Not only did I train and compete for Gracie Pompei, but I trained with Royce, and promoted a party for Relson. So here are some pics of Gringo Loko w/ the Gracies!

Relson Graice & I in our limo on the way to the after party!

Royce & I training. Like my yellow belt....lol...

Randy Couture, you better retire!

Or when you are 57 years old, this 4 year old will stomp a mud hole in your a*&! ....lol....well, he wont be 4 then.......jk....we love you Randy!!!

MMA Fighters Got Huge Hearts!

(pics of some of the babys we rescued in Brasil that now live at the orphanages I planted :-)

My travels to help other people have taken me to China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam over the last 9 years. I also lived in Brasil for almost 4 of those years where I planted two orphanages. I'm now the VP for a non-profit group based in the USA that does local work as well as support works in Brazil, China, Hondorus, and about to add Argentina. As you can see by that resume, I dedicate the largest part of my life to giving to others, especially less fortunate children/families.

When I returned home from Brazil, I decided to try something new (at least to me). To mix my two great loves.....helping kids and MMA. So far I have thrown 3 fundraising events and have asked big name MMA fighters to make appearances to support the work. I have been blown away by how big these guys hearts are.

First and foremost, the greatest guy in the sport to me, Jorge Gurgel. Jorge has attended two of our 3 events and has been a big giver in many ways. Here is a guy with a great fight record, the biggest damn MMA school in the country, trains the former UFC champ Rich Franklin along with a slew of others greats, and from what I hear is probably one of the best jiu jitsu "coaches" in the country (I've trained and rolled with him but dont want to give a biased opinion of my friend so I'll go by what others say). This guys walks into a room and makes himself available to everyone there, not only available, but genuinely takes time to build relationships with the people at our events. I know he is super busy, but always makes time for us and the kids. Thanks Jorge, your the best bro! Muito Obrigado e Abracos meu irmao!!!!!

Others who have come out and been supportive include but not limited to Rich Franklin, Wes Simms, Kenny Florian, Josh Rafferty, Neil Rowe, Trevor Garrett, Mike Patt, and the list goes on (sorry if I forgot you).

I don't know if you guys know how much it means to me that you came out, I hope you do! Its my greatest passion to help these kids and you taking time out to help me acheive my dream leaves me speechelss. Thanks my brothers!

If anyone feels moved to give to the childrens works, you can make a donation by using the button to the side of this blog that says "donate".

If you want to donate a sizeable amount and would like a tax write off receipt, just contact me. Even a dollar makes a difference. Thanks.

Top Ten Things to do Before Arriving in Brazil.

This is a version of an article I wrote for another MMA online site. Enjoy. (It refers to my course, which was a ebook course I wrote and sold in 2006).

Part two of the series on training in Brazil.

1. Gain weight and focus on strength training. Especially if you are a bigger guy. If you are around 200...go ahead and beef up. Most bjj guys in Brazil are years behind in strength training and aint too many over 200 pounds. This weight and strength will get you through some tough matches. It did me. Don’t start with the size don’t matter its technique argument either. Tell that to Mark Colemam & Bob Sapp. Neither has any good submission skills and have given some Brazilians hell in a fight.


2. Learn as much Portuguese as you can. It will not only help you at jiu jitsu, but also make you more comfortable with just living there. Also, you are a true international player when you can spit game to chickies in 2 languages. It just makes Brazil that much funner. (there is a CD in my course on slang and jiu jitsu terms in Portuguese you wont find in any Port./English Dictionary..shameless plug)


3. Get a TESL/ESL teaching certificate before going.


4. Work on grappling skills outside of jiu jitsu. Wrestling, submission, catch, judo. A lot of these moves frustrated my Brazilian amigos when we rolled. Straight bjj was predictable to them, some of these moves weren’t. Get an Erik Paulson vid or Tony C. catch wrestling vid. You’ll pick up a few non-traditional bjj moves that will be effective.


5. Use the Internet to network. Find Brazilians who share your interest, speak English and live in the town you want to go to. Find Americans who have lived there or are living there. Make friends with them online. The can share a lot with you. Plus then can show you around or introduce you to people later.


6. Save money. The more you go with, the less you have to worry about finding work and can focus on training and fun.


7. Pay off or open up a good high limit credit card for emergencies.


8. Get a debit card that works on the plus or cirrus network.


9. Start researching visas in advance. Not the credit card dude...Travel visa. You’ll probably only qualify to stay 6 months out of the year on a tourist visa. …unless you’re pretty resourceful.


10. Buy my course that teaches you how to do all the above and so much more in greater detail! -)
Claudio Godoi from Brazilian Top Team and I after a hard training session in Brasil at his academy.

Top 10 Reasons to train MMA / Jiu jitsu in Brazil!

I have had the privilege to live, work, play, and train in Brazil the last 4 years. I would not trade this experience for nothing. I am pissed that I did not step out of my comfort zone and pursue this much earlier in my life. I wanted to write an article that might help push some of you to give it a try…a choice I know you wont regret.Here are the top 10 reasons you should get out of your comfort zone and come to Brazil…even if just for a week. (List was compiled by a survey of gringos who had taken the plunge and do not necessarily reflect the authors opinion. Especially since the author is monogamous family man and in love and knows nothing of numbers 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9.....I love you baby;-))

1. The women
   


2. The technique is still years ahead, especially in gi. I think in the no gi arena, the west coast may have caught up with Brazil, or even surpassed it, but as far as the with gi techniques, they are still way ahead.
   


3. The women
   


4. Many more purple, brown, and black belts to roll with. Imagine having at least a dozen of the afore mentioned in every class.
   


5. The women
   


6. The cost of living and training is super cheap. At one Rocian Gracie academy I was paying around $25 dollars a month and was training 6 days a week, sometimes twice a day!
   


7. The women
   


8. Easy to meet, hang out with, and rub shoulders with people we consider superstars and legends in the USA. I have personally hung out with many but most enjoyable was training and lunches I had with Vitor Belfort. Very cool guy!
   


9. The women
   

10. The pace of life and the people there are so enjoyable. I have been in 13 countries around the world and Brazil and its people are truly Paradise! Feel free to contact me if there is anything I can do to encourage you to give it a try or help you to do it!

This is me and my instructor from Gracie Pompei after I won a silver medal at a BJJ tourny in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

This is where it starts..........Training Jiu jitsu around the world Gringo style!

In the last few years my life has been exciting! Both in good and bad ways! So many things have created ups and downs for me including MMA, the internet, spritual issues, family, love, and work. I hope to inspire some of you...........because in this last few months, I've really come to see that it is......the good life! Brazilian jiu jitsu being exported to the USA has changed the sport dramatically. I hope to capitalize on those changes.