10-Day Instructor Certification Course: MAY 3-12, 2008 6 SPOTS LEFT
Read Information and Submit Inquiry at the
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The Definitions You MUST Know...
Grappling: The process of neutralizing an opponent's physical threat by means of controlling holds, strategic body positioning, joint manipulations and other submission techniques rather than strikes.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Derived from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was originally modified by Helio Gracie to enable a smaller individual to defeat a larger opponent in real combat. With the birth of point-based sportive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition in the 1970s many practitioners began focusing more on tournament preparation than street fight preparation. Today most Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors focus entirely on the tournament techniques that have little to no applicability in a real street fight. Tournament Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been known to give practitioners a false sense of security that is often realized too late to make a difference.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: Based entirely on proven effective street self-defense techniques, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the purest and most reliable form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Used by members of the Gracie Family in real combat for over 80 years, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has been tested and proven effective against virtually all other forms of martial arts in real street-fights. The techniques of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu are based on effective use of leverage, proper timing and natural body movements so that they can be effectively applied in combat by any individual, regardless of their physical limitations. Although thousands of instructors claim to teach pure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, over 95% of them actually teach the Tournament Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and simply use the Gracie name to add marketing value.
Gracie Combatives™: Although Gracie Jiu-Jitsu consists of over 700 individual techniques, studies of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioners in real fights have definitively proven that only 34 specific techniques were needed to achieve victory in 95% of all cases. The Gracie Combatives™ was developed by Rorion Gracie and is based entirely on these 34 essential techniques and is consequently designed to prepare any individual for real combat in less time than any other course in history. The techniques of the Gracie Combatives™ course have been officially adopted by the U.S. Army, Navy Seals, F.B.I., Secret Service and countless local law enforcement agencies.
Gracie Combatives™ for Law Enforcement/Military: A condensed version of the original Gracie Combatives™ course mentioned above that includes some additional techniques, specific to the military and law enforcement line of work, that are not taught to civilian students. This course is offered both at the Gracie Academy and at remote locations upon request. Only active military and law enforcement personnel qualify to participate in this 5-day instructor certification course. Active Law Enforcement personnelCLICK HERE for more information. Active Military personnel CLICK HERE for more information.
Gracie Combatives™ Licensing Program: The program (outlined on this page) through which civilian instructors, of any martial arts background, may obtain certification to teach and administer the Gracie Combatives™ course at their school.
Gracie Combatives™ Licensee: Any individual or entity that has been authorized by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy®, under the direct lineage of Grand Master Helio Gracie and Rorion Gracie, to teach the Gracie Combatives™ course. The school of a Gracie Combatives Licensee is referred to as a Certified Gracie Combatives Training Center.
3 Reasons Why Your School
MUST Offer Gracie Combatives™
Watch This Video OR Read the Text Below
Traditional Martial Arts Schools
With the explosive growth of Mixed Martial Arts the demand for effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Instruction is higher than ever before. If you do not offer legitimate Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instruction to your existing students, as well as prospective students, they will seek it somewhere else.
The Gracie Combatives™ course can be easily integrated into the pre-existing curriculum of any martial arts school and a Traditional Martial Arts instructor with no grappling experience can get certified to teach the course in less than 2 weeks!
Gracie Combatives™ is the only training program that is accredited by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy® under the direct lineage of Grand Master Helio Gracie, the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Mixed Martial Arts Schools
The 34 Gracie Combatives™ techniques MUST be perfected by any individual who is considering fighting professionally otherwise they don't stand a chance.
95% of all "MMA Students" have no intention to fight professionally. Most recreational students are extremely concerned with the possibility of injuries that are so common during regular MMA training sessions. Every lesson in the Gracie Combatives™ program was designed to meet two requirements: Simple and Safe. Simple so that anyone can understand class content. Safe so that everyone can go home without injury. Gracie Combatives™ is the perfect program for any recreational MMA student, regardless of age, sex or athletic ability.
Gracie Combatives™ is the only training program that is accredited by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy® under the direct lineage of Grand Master Helio Gracie, the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Schools
As sportive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition continues to grow in popularity, more and more students are realizing that there is a difference between preparing for a tournament and preparing for a street fight. By teaching the Gracie Combatives™ techniques, you can be confident that you are giving your students what they originally came for - effective self-defense.
Studies have shown that between 40% and 60% of all new BJJ students quit within 3 months of signing-up due to the lack of structure at most BJJ schools. New students who enroll in the Gracie Combatives™ program are several times more likely to stay enrolled because they are so determined to learn the 34 essential techniques and the unparalleled structure of the course enables them to track their progress every step of the way.
Gracie Combatives™ is the only training program that is accredited by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy® under the direct lineage of Grand Master Helio Gracie, the creator of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Most Important Reason of All:
We Will Only License One Martial Arts School
In
Each Community to Offer the Gracie Combatives Program™
If You Do Not Get Certified -
Someone Else Will
To See if You Qualify to Become the
Exclusive Gracie Combatives™ Training Center in your Territory Click on the Link at the Bottom of this Page
When is the next Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course?
What are the fees associated with becoming a Gracie Combatives Licensee?
4 Step Application Process
How to See if You Qualify
Why Gracie Combatives™ Works
With over 80 years of teaching experience, members of the Gracie Family have developed, tried and tested countless training programs. The Gracie Combatives™ program is undoubtedly the most successful course to date. Here’s why:
Revolutionary Format
Studies show that 40%-60% of all new BJJ students quit in the first 3 months due to lack of structure. More specifically, they quit because they experience something known as "Technique Overload". This is when a new student starts to feel overwhelmed because they are learning so fast that they can't keep track of what they are learning so they simply give up. The beauty of the Gracie Combatives™ program is that it was specifically designed to prevent "Technique Overload". Here's how we did it:
22 Classes: All 34 Gracie Combatives™ techniques were divided into 22 different classes (2 moves per class). Each class was carefully designed so that all 22 could be completed in any order, this way new students can attend whenever it is convenient for them and complete the course at their own pace.
Combatives Calendar: Each month a handout is printed for the students that lists all 34 techniques and the lesson in which they are taught. Also included on this handout is the Combatives Calendar which illustrates which of the techniques will be taught on each day of the month so that the students know what they will be learning before they attend each class. Students can use this handout to plan their attendance and complete the course in the most efficient way possible.
Combatives Card: Each individual student is issued a Combatives Card on which we track their progress through the program. All 34 techniques are listed on the Combatives Card and each time a student learns a technique it is documented on the card. The Combatives Card enables every student to know precisely how many techniques they have learned as well as how many remain in order to complete the program.
Anyone Can Do It
Joining a school of martial arts can be a very intimidating experience. Here is how the Gracie Combatives™ program reduces fear in prospective students.
Simple: Each of the 22 Gracie Combatives™ lessons is taught under the assumption that every student is learning the techniques for the first time. As a result, no previous experience is necessary to learn the techniques featured in any lesson. The Gracie Teaching Technologies used during each class are specifically designed to put the information into a super simple, easy to follow, format so that new students will not feel confused or left behind.
Safe: The most important thing for any martial arts student is that they leave every class without injury so that they can return the next day. The specific drills and exercises in each of the 22 Gracie Combatives™ classes were designed to minimize the risk of injury. There is no competitive sparring in any of the Gracie Combatives™ classes since that is where injuries are most likely occur.
Fun: Every Gracie Combatives™ class is taught in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and the where the students are always encouraged to give each other positive feedback and work together to perfect the techniques. Every day, students have the opportunity to meet new people and strengthen their relationships with one another not to mention the fact that Gracie Combatives™ training is one of the healthiest, most educational and potentially saving hobbies anyone can get involved with.
Gracie Combatives™ Reflex Development Class The objective of the Gracie Combatives™ course is two fold:
To teach the students the techniques they must learn to effectively counter the most common attacks that would be used by an unskilled, larger opponent in a real street fight
To develop their reflexes in the execution of these techniquese so they can be applied instinctively in the heat of battle.
The first objective is accomplished one technique at a time in the 22 Gracie Combatives classes. The second objective is accomplished in the Reflex Development Class. (watch video below for details)
Gracie Combatives™ Reflex Development Class - Click Play to Watch
The Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course
To ensure that the integrity of the Gracie name is upheld and that all Gracie Combatives™ Licensees are fully qualified to administer the program at their school, at least one instructor from the licensed training center must successfully complete the Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification (GCIC) course.
Before The Course
What are the general qualification requirements to become a Certified Gracie Combatives Instructor?
Must own an official school of martial arts OR a be a sponsored representative of a school owner
Must have experience teaching martial arts
Must be reasonably fit
If I own a do jo, can I send an instructor to get certified on my behalf? Yes, as the owner of the school you have the option to attend the instructor certification course yourself or to have one of your employed instructors attend and get certified on behalf of your school. As long as one person at your school is certified to administer the course, your school will be considered a Certified Gracie Combatives™ Training Center. Although we only require one instructor to complete the course, we recommend that, if possible, two or more instructors complete the course and get certified so that the success of the course is not too dependant on one person.
What grappling experience is necessary to participate in the Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course?
Although some grappling experience would be helpful, no experience is necessary to participate in the program. The course is so comprehensive that even those who do not have any experience will be fully qualified to administer the program and teach classes upon completing the course.
Can I offer Gracie Combatives™ at my stand-up fighting school (Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, JKD, etc.)? Yes, the Gracie Combatives™ program is highly recommended for schools that focus primarily on stand-up fighting techniques since the Gracie Combatives™ techniques are the perfect complement for most striking arts and the system is so easy to integrate with any pre-existing curriculums.
To verify that the Gracie Combatives™ program could be effectively implemented at a traditional karate school we contacted Bill Odom, the head instructor and owner of the Norfolk Karate Academy in Norfolk, Virginia. Upon his completion of the intensive instructor certification course we authorized him to teach the course at his school and here is what he had to say after 60 days of Gracie Combatives™:
"Like many traditional martial artists and "strikers," I reevaluated my thirty years of martial arts training after witnessing the effectiveness of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu in the early days of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. I knew that my karate curriculum required some form of ground fighting to fill in the gaps in the stand-up striking style that I had learned over the years. I could not convert fully to a jiu-jitsu curriculum because I simply lacked the skill and knowledge to do so -- after all, I'm a karate instructor first and foremost. On the other hand, I knew that my students' very lives were at stake if they lacked the ability to defend themselves against much stronger opponents who could absorb their punches and kicks. Gracie Combatives was the solution to the puzzle.
The Gracie Combatives program provided us with 34 essential Gracie self-defense techniques organized into 22 lessons. Each one hour class covered one stand-up technique and one ground technique. Rener walked my instructors and me through each class to ensure that we understood the techniques, key teaching points, common mistakes, and safety considerations. Once satisfied, he certified us to teach the course and to award up to four Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy stripes to white belts. When students complete each class one time, they enter the next step in their training – Reflex Development -- during which the real effectiveness of the Gracie Combatives program becomes evident as they combine the techniques in a series of drills. Once the student has perfected each technique and has developed their reflexes they qualify for their blue belt, not just any blue belt, but a Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy blue belt. That alone is an amazing incentive for your students and it gives your program undeniable credibility regardless of your personal skill level as a jiu-jitsu practitioner. You don't need to be a jiu-jitsu black belt to offer this course. If you're a good teacher, then you can qualify to instruct Gracie Combatives. The course is immensely popular. The classes are easy to teach, interesting, fun, and best of all -- the training significantly increases the students' confidence in their striking ability because it provides insurance that they will prevail if their strikes fail to stop their attacker. Indeed, rather than competing with our stand-up curriculum, Gracie Combatives improves it."
Bill Odom, Head Instructor, Norfolk Karate Academy
Bill Odom can be reached at: info@norfolkkarate.com
During the Course
When, where, and for how long will the Instructor Certification Course be held?
The first course is set to take place May 3-12, 2008 at the Gracie Academy in Torrance , CA . The course will consist of 10 consecutive 8-hour training days ( 8:00am-4:00pm ), including Saturday and Sunday.
Who will be teaching the Instructor Certification Course?
Rorion, Ryron, and Rener Gracie are your primary instructors. They will be assisted several Gracie Academy Certified Instructors.
Do I have to attend the Instructor Certification Course even though I am an experienced grappler?
Yes. Even though many Licensees have already had extensive grappling training and some familiarity with the Gracie Combatives™ techniques, we do require that all certified training centers have at least one instructor complete the certification course. The reason for this is that we want to make sure that all Certified Gracie Combatives™ Training Centers are teaching the techniques in the exact format that was developed by Grand Master Helio Gracie and is currently used at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy®.
How is the Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course structured?
The 10-day course is broken into three phases each of which must be completed successfully before the participant is qualified to progress to the next phase:
Phase 1: Physical Fitness Test – To ensure that you are fit enough to complete the 10-day course, you must pass a basic physical fitness test consisting of 6 pull-ups, 20 push-ups, 50 sit-ups, and 50 squats (Women will be required to do 1/2 the amount of repetitions for each exercise). Those who fail the test will be dropped from the course. (Note: Although you will not need to be in ultimate fighting shape for this course, if you are not confident in your ability to pass this physical fitness test, we urge you not to apply.)
Phase 2: Technique Proficiency – In Phase 2 you will be taught all the Gracie Combatives™ techniques in extensive detail. Only if you demonstrate a very high level of proficiency in the execution of every technique will you qualify to move on to the third phase.
Phase 3: Gracie Teaching Technologies – In Phase 3, you will learn the Gracie Teaching Technologies that will revolutionize your effectiveness as an instructor. Designed to increase student retention and comprehension during the presentation of the techniques, these technologies are what truly sets a Gracie Certified Instructor above the ordinary jiu-jitsu instructor. We will only certify those who perfect these technologies and can effectively apply them in their presentation of each Gracie Combatives™ technique.
Is it possible for me to be awarded a blue belt upon the completion of the course?
No. Participation in the Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course does not equate to promotion to Blue Belt. Although you will learn every technique that is required for you to qualify you the Blue Belt, you will not be considered for promotion until you have spent several months perfecting the techniques and developing your reflexes by teaching the course at your school.
How is it possible that someone is qualified to teach after only 2 weeks of training?
The reason we can certify someone to teach Gracie Combatives™ in 2 weeks is because the specific techniques along with the systematic teaching methodologies used to present these techniques are so defined. The fact of the matter is that although someone can be fully prepared to administer the Gracie Combatives™ program in 2 weeks, there is a significant difference between an instructor who has had several years of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu experience and an instructor with only 2 weeks of training. With the Gracie Combatives™ Licensing Program our intention is not to quickly prepare low quality Gracie Jiu-Jitsu instructors, but instead to efficiently prepare high quality instructors of the most concise program ever developed by the Gracie Family.
After the Course
How soon can I begin teaching after the course?
Immediately after you complete the Instructor Certification Course your school will be recognized as a Certified Training Center and you will be authorized to teach the Gracie Combatives™ course. You are authorized to begin promoting the arrival of the Gracie Combatives course as soon as you submit a completed application and are accepted into the program.
What are the scheduling and pricing requirements for the Gracie Combatives™ program?
Since each school has pre-existing weekly schedule, each Licensee is authorized to implement the Gracie Combatives™ classes however they see fit. The design of the Gracie Combatives™ course is such that it can be successfully added to any pre-existing curriculum. Most schools start by adding only 2 or 3 Gracie Combatives™ classes to their weekly schedule then continue to add more classes as student enrollment in the program increases. The price at which the Gracie Combatives™ program is offered to the students is also the decision of the Licensee.
What is the re-certification policy?
In order to ensure that the quality of instruction remains extremely high at all training centers, after receiving the initial certification, we require that all certified instructors partake in a 2 day re-certification training course for each term of the Licensing Agreement (2 years). The re-certification course will be held at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy® in Torrance , CA . The cost of the re-certification training will be covered by the monthly licensing fee.
What are the benefits of becoming a Gracie Combatives™ Licensee?
Full Authorization to Teach Gracie Combatives™
Immediately after you successfully complete the instructor certification course, your school will be regarded as a Certified Gracie Combatives™ Training Center and you will be authorized to offer the Gracie Combatives™ program to the students at your school in the exact same format that has been proven highly effective at the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy®.
Exclusive Territory
To discourage competition between Certified Gracie Combatives™ Training Centers you will be given an exclusive territory in which only you shall be authorized offer the Gracie Combatives™ program to the public. As long as the quality of instruction is upheld at your certified training center, we will not license anyone to offer Gracie Combatives™ within 5 miles from your school (Territory may be reduced in densly populated regions). Your exclusive territory will be reserved once you have successfully reserved your spot in the Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course (See information below on Step 2 of the application process).
Use of Official Gracie Trademarks
Once licensed, you will be fully authorized to use the trademarked Gracie Triangle logo and the Gracie Combatives™ name in promoting the program being offered at your school. Usage of these highly recognizable and respected trademarks will ensure that all prospective students know you have met the high operational standards established by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy®.
Gracie Teaching Technologies
As fighters, the Gracies focus on perfecting their techniques so that they will work on any opponent. As instructors, the Gracies focus on perfecting their teaching strategies so that they can teach any student. The Gracie Teaching Technologies are the systems and formulas that have been used by the Gracies to teach countless students from virtually every demographic over the last 80 years. During the instructor certification course, you will be taught how to use these technologies in great detail, so that you can have the greatest possible impact on the lives of students.
Confidential Training Manual
To help ensure that you are fully prepared to implement the Gracie Combatives™ program at your school, you will be issued a confidential training manual which outlines virtually every detail of every technique covered in the Gracie Combatives™ course.
Increased Tuition Revenue Assuming the Gracie Combatives™ program is added to your curriculum and is offered to your students at $125/month, with 50 students enrolled in the program, you will generate additional revenue of $6,250.00 each month (totaling $75,000 each year). (Note: Although the Gracie Combatives™ program can multiply the revenues of any existing martial arts academy, the successful implementation of the Gracie Combatives™ program is entirely reliant on the business administration skills of the licensee and is no way guaranteed by the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy®.)
Gracie Merchandise/Apparel Revenue
Once your students fall in love with Gracie Jiu-Jitsu they are going to want to wear the apparel to prove it. All Gracie Combatives™ licensees will have the opportunity to become authorized dealers of Gracie Products (apparel, training wear, books, DVD's) at discounted wholesale prices. With new products being released every month, offering Gracie Merchandise to your students is a sure way to increase revenues.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
When is the Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course?
The first Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course will take place May 3-12, 2008. The only way to reserve your spot in the course and the territory surrounding your school is to submit an application and get accepted into the program. If interested in receiving an application, please submit the online inquiry by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
What are the fees associated with becoming a Gracie Combatives Licensee?
Initial Licensing Fee:The initial licensing fee will cover the cost of the 10-day instructor certification course.
Monthly Licensing Fee:Payment of the monthly licensing fee will ensure that all rights are retained by the licensee. The fees are discussed in more detail during Step 2 of the application process.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Although we are confident that the Gracie Combatives course will be highly successful addition to the curriculum of any martial arts school, we acknowledge that you may be uncertain how effectively it will work at your school. As a result, we have decided to give all licensees the option to cancel at any time with a 30 day notice. Upon cancellation, you will no longer be liable for the monthly licensing fee, this way your school has have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
4 Step Application Process
Step 1: Complete Online Inquiry - If you currently own a martial arts school and would like to apply to become a Gracie Combatives™ Licensee, you must first click on the link at the bottom of this page and complete the online inquiry (there is no cost to submit the inquiry). We will review the information you submit to determine if the territory surrounding your school is available and whether or not you are a good candidate for the Gracie Combatives™ licensing program. It normally takes 15 business days for us to respond to licensing inquiries.
Step 2: Complete Licensing Application - If you are approved to begin the application process, an email will be sent to you with the Licensing Application Packet attached. You will be required to complete and return the packet within 10 business days of receiving it. In order to uphold the integrity of the Gracie name and to ensure the safety and well being of all Gracie Combatives students, we reserve the right to conduct a background investigation on all applicants. Our selection committee will review the application and determine if you qualify to become a Gracie Combatives licensee (Note: You may be contacted for additional information). It usually takes 15 business days for applicants to be notified of the decision. As soon as the application has been cleared and you have been notified of your acceptance into the licensing program, your exclusive territory will be reserved along with your spot in the instructor certification course.
Step 3: Complete Licensing Agreement - Once you have qualified to become a Gracie Combatives licensee, you will be sent a copy of the Gracie Combatives™ Licensing Agreement which outlines the relationship between the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy (Licensor) and you (Licensee). This document must be signed and returned prior to your participation in the Instructor Certification Course.
Step 4: Attend Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course - Immediately after you successfully complete the Gracie Combatives™ Instructor Certification Course your license will be active and you will be authorized to promote your school as a Certified Gracie Combatives™ Training Center.
Please Do Not call or email the Gracie Academy for Questions Pertaining to the Gracie Combatives Licensing Program. Instead, include them in the "Questions or Concerns" field of the online inquiry.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Course Date: May 3-12, 2008
To Get Information on the Licensing Fees...
To See if Your Territory is Available...
To See if your School Qualifies to
Become a...
CLICK HERE To Complete the Online Inquiry
(School Owners Only)
