Allan Manganello BJJ Seminar – August 2012

Robin French with Allan Manganello - Aug 2012

Over the long weekend of 18^th-20^th August 2012, I was privileged to be part of a series of Gracie Jiu Jitsu master classes by Rickson Gracie/Pedro Sauer GJJ Black Belt, Allan Manganello.

The weekend focused on the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association (PSBJJA) white to blue belt syllabus in intricate detail.

Starting with a thorough warm up the blisteringly hot Saturday session at Paul Finn’s Dojo in Sidcup, Allan took time to break down the often overlooked applications of basic movements like standing up in base. Saturday’s session then went on to focus on escaping and attacking from the mount.

The slightly cooler Sunday session was held at Laurence Sandum’s Black Belt Martial Arts Academy in Chelmsford. After another BJJ specific warm up, Allan took the time to work through some of the self-defence syllabus, before moving on to maintaining and passing the guard as well as sweeps from the guard.

Monday’s semi-private session, held again at Laurence Sandum’s Black Belt Martial Arts Academy, took the form of an example blue belt grading, meaning that attendees could get a good idea of what would be expected when they test for their blue belt. After the session, I was ranked to white belt with three stripes. Knowing how particular Allan is regarding rank, I was deeply honoured to receive this promotion.

I would like to thank Allan Manganello for taking the time to travel to the UK and give such a complete overview of Gracie Jiu Jitsu; I feel lucky to be able to learn from a teacher so close to the source.

I would also like to thank Laurence Sandum, as the lead UK affiliate, for bringing Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Professor Sauer and his great team of teachers to this country; from which I think many people, including myself, will benefit.