Why only train and visit Rio? The real carnival is in Salvador!

Salvador

Salvador, capital of the northeastern state of Bahia, is one of Brazil's cultural highlights. The city's population of over 2 million people is renowned for its spontaneity and easy relaxed manner. The city is an ethnic melting pot and is rich in African culture and colonial legacy. Initially finding your way around the city's winding narrow streets can seem difficult but as most activity is centered around the recently reformed Pelourinho region it can be easily managed on foot (if you can manage the steep hills). The Cidade Alta (or upper city) is the historic center of Salvador full of old churches and other colonial buildings while the Cidade Baixa (lower city) is the city's commercial and financial center. The beaches around Salvador are not so clean but if you travel a little further a field they get better. Some of the best nearby beaches are Pituba, Armacao, Piatas and Itapoaa which are within 45 minutes by bus from the center. The best time to visit Salvador is during Carnival (usually in February), which involves street partying and dancing for the best part of a whole week. Hotels fill up quickly during Carnival so make sure to book a few months in advance. The best place to stay is close to Pelourinho or else in the Barra neighborhood, but don't expect to get much sleep. Other highlights are the Festa de Lemanja on February 2 on the Rio Vermelho beach and Lavagem do Bonfim, between December and Janeiro, on the steps of the Nossa Senhora do Bonfim church. For day trips, there are frequent boats leaving from the Maritimo Terminal, behind the Mercado Modelo, in the lower city, to islands in the Baia de Todos os Santos and other locations.

The Ebook

The link to the right for ordering the discounted book has not been working for some time. I still get orders every month from other sources. I am still in shock about how much you guys love this info....lol. Thank you so much for being so loyal. I am going to get the link working again here shortly.

I have been busy with other career pursuits as well raising kids and getting married. I haven't posted on the blog (though I've kept in touch with those who purchased the book) in over a year and yet it still receives orders and is still #2 on googles search engine.

I guess thats a sign that there is a demand, you guys want this info, and I need to update it.

For now, shoot me an email at jsblair@ymail.com if you want to stay informed or place an order.

Please click on one of the ads........it supports the blog and the advertisers deserve a chance to earn your business.

Thanks so much for all your support.

I am so excited

About all you guys who are actually getting motivated enough to go to Brazil! You will not regret it. I got this email April 26th.

"I want to thank you for your ebook. I enjoyed it and found the information invaluable. I also was inspired as I found a flight for $520.00 and booked it. I also applied for a visa. I will be in Brazil in September." Martin L. (Texas)

Martin, I may be back there in Sept. myself....I'll keep you up to date....maybe we'll hit the mat together and go have a drink. Please take notes and pictures and share them here on the blog when you get home so others will be inspired to "Do It In Brazil"!

Gringo

Proud of this guy! More need to "Do It in Brazil"

Got an email from one of my Ebook clients this morning. It made my day. Out of the hundreds of ebooks I've sold, I can count on one hand the actual guys that have done it.....it will change your life........I wish more would. Kyle bought the book back in Sept. and here is the email I got today.

"Hey Bro, Although we never got a chance to chat, I did want to let you know that I am "doing it in Brasil", and writing from Rio right now. I'm training at BTT, and wanted to thank-you for your e-book.

Cheers,

KD

PS - The ass is fantabulous."

Thats awesome Kyle! Proud of you bro. And I hope you write something for the blog and include some photos of your training as well as that "fantabulous" stuff........lol......

Last few months.............

I spent June and July wondering around Bahia, Brasil! I did no training at all.........but I did leran to dance forro!....lol......Being spoiled and lazy. I am planning a trip to Quito, Ecuador for September, if anyone knows of jiu jitsu schools there, let me know.

Thanks for all the purchases but even more thanks for all the great feedback on the book! I hope to have a updated version and video out in 09! You guys are the best.

Gringo

Joe Rogan in Cbus Ohio. Warning. Strong language!

After going to the UFC in Cincinnati, I swore off Tap Out and Affliction shirts. I love the tap out guys, but its just the rebel in me, I cant be associated with that stereotype. Here is Joe Rogan performing the weekend of the UFC in Cbus, OH. This is exactly why I swore the brands off. Joe nails it on the head. And its pretty damn funny too!

Rolling With Sebastian in Buenos Aires!

Sebastian and I rolled for about an hour. The whole time I had a broken thumb. You can see his sweeps and chokes are real good. For two big guys (over 200 pds each) we got pretty good transitions. Even though I edited the video to make me look better........lol............you still see me tapping twice.

Here is a video from my trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina in Oct. 2007. I trained at Gracie Buenos Aires and had a blast. Sebastian speaks perfect English and is super cool, as well as kicked my arse!!!!!!!!.....lol.......I did break my thumb this night the first minute of grappling. I rolled for about another hour with it....lol. By the time I got to dinner that night my hand looked like a catchers mitt. I contemplated the hospital....but I didnt have time, I was on vacation.......lol. (I should of, 5 months later and it still hurts and dont work right). You'll notice me shake my hands a few times during the training and interview.

Here are some fotos from the March 2008 trip to Brasil. These fotos are from training myself and Pro Fighter Aaron Steele at Gracie Pompei w/ Black Belt "Dida". We got private / personalized attention as well as group classes all week long!

I'm Back!

Well, its been a while since I've been on here. I've been super busy. Running four money making machines, being a family man, and trying to find time to train has left little time to keep up to date here. But I think I'm getting a little better time management skill now.

First my apologies to Sebastian and the BA Gracie Team. I am having a lot of software problems and still have not got the video footage of their school up yet. I am working on it still brothers. Very soon.

Im in the D.C. airport right now, on my way back to Brazil for 8 days of training! Meeting Pro fighter Aaron Steele and going to show him around. I'm so excited. I appreciate all of you who have been buying the ebook even though its outdated a bit. I am going to do a bunch of updates on it over the next 8 days and ad some videos to youtube I hope to compliment it. Any of you who already bought it will get the updated version for free once completed (as you know).

Good training and come back for the updates.

Gringo

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!