Champion impressed with local progress

Jiu jitsu world champion Marcio Feitosa returned to Saipan and was amazed at the progress of the Gracie Barra Marianas Academy.

Feitosa, who was on island in the summer of 2005 when the local Gracie Barra dojo first opened, explained that a lot has improved within the past year.

“The level is definitely higher,” he said as he credited Gracie Barra Marianas Academy founder Caesar Whitt for the development of jiu jitsu in Saipan. “The number of people is bigger now and its incredible what [Whitt] did in one-year time. Caesar is really doing a good job and is always in touch with us. We exchange a lot of information.”

Feitosa said he is pleased with the response the art is receiving from the island, and added that promoting the sport will only help the Gracie Barra camp accomplish its goal.

“Brazil is so far away, and we see people here practicing the art and spreading jiu jitsu the way it should be with respect and discipline,” he said. “So we like that and we’ll do anything that we can to help because the goal is to spread jiu jitsu everywhere so that one day, it can be in the Olympics.”

Feitosa and his protégé, Marco Joca, were on hand for last Saturday’s PXC Preba Hao, and the day after conducted a seminar with the Gracie Barra students at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

“We just wanted to evaluate their skills and give tips so that they can improve their technique,” Feitosa said.

While he is happy with the progress, the champion knows there’s always room for improvement.

“We can always improve everyday, and over here, [jiu jitsu] needs the right person who is dedicated to coaching, and Caesar is the right person so in two years, I know he’ll accomplish much more,” he said.

Feitosa even went as far as to say that the local students have the potential to become champions in the future.

“They have the potential. For sure in the future, we can have international champions from here,” he said.

Feitosa indicated that it will be a tough road for the students, and support is a big need.

“They really need the support and also sponsors so that maybe they can go and study in the U.S. and get ready and improve,” he said.

In his words, Feitosa differentiated jiu jitsu from other arts as he cited that the sport accommodates individuals of any age.

“Even though it’s very effective in [mix martial arts] and defense, jiu jitsu training is very gentle and technical. It’s about studying techniques and not about strength or speed.”

Feitosa is currently a professor at the Gracie Barra America School in Lake Forest, California.

Both Feitosa and Joca trained at the original Gracie Barra Academy located in Rio de Jeneiro in Brazil under legendary Master Carlos Gracie Jr.

The 18-year veteran of the art intends to return to teaching and attending seminars at Gracie Barra schools before returning to action early next year.

The champion is looking to compete in a European tournament in Portugal, which will be held on Jan 28 and 29.