Professor Allan Manganello Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar – October 2016

Robin French with Professor Allan Manganello and Peter Squire - October 2016

Returning for his second visit this year, October saw myself and Peter Squire host Professor Allan Manganello, under the banner of Team Pedro Sauer UK.

When it comes to Gracie Jiu Jitsu, you can’t get much closer to the source than Professor Allan; he’s extensively trained, and graded under Master Rickson Gracie and Master Pedro Sauer, as well as having completed the Gracie Academy Instructor Certification Programme.

Professor Allan’s first session on the mats here was taking our regular Thursday night class in South Woodham Ferrers. In the class, Professor Allan worked through a progression of a double leg takedown versus an aggressive opponent, working to mount, taking the back, sinking in the rear naked choke, before finishing with a re-mount technique.

The first of the two seminar sessions on Saturday focussed on the triangle; how not to rush to get the finish, and how to counter the common reactions that the guy can give. The system presented was amazing; allowing me to hit a higher percentage of triangles in my very next rolling session!

In the second session, ‘Street Defence’, Professor Allan discussed the Gracie Jiu Jitsu philosophies of keeping yourself safe as top priority; and how techniques and positions change, once strikes, weapons, and multiple attackers are an option.

Additionally to the class and seminars, I was lucky enough to spend a number of hours with Professor Allan in private sessions; giving me plenty to work on before I see him next!

A huge thanks to Professor Allan for making the journey to see us; I’m eagerly looking forward to his next visit.