Royce Gracie Network Gathering and Loudoun Grand Opening Review
March 03, 2008
CJJ was lucky enough to host the Royce Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Network Gathering this past weekend. Royce, Rodrigo, Royler and Ralek Gracie all made the trip to Loudoun County VA, as did network representatives from across the country. The weekend kicked off Friday night with Royce teaching a self-defense class, Rodrigo taught No-Gi/MMA Saturday morning and Royler taught BJJ Sunday. Royce also handed out several promotions, including several black belts, and CJJ owner Jeremy Lafreniere received his brown belt. The weekend also featured and autograph session, several CrossFit fight gone bad workouts and everyone getting together at Wings n Things to watch the UFC. Thanks to everyone who made the trip to Sterling/Dulles from the Washington DC area and around the country.
Thanks From Jeremy:
"My first thank you is for all the congratulations so many people have expressed to me about receiving the rank of brown belt from Royce on Saturday. Everyone knows the road you must travel down to advance in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu: a comibination of knowledge, experience, time, toughness, perseverance and tremendous support from family, friends and training partners!
My next thank you is to all the volunteers this weekend! Holy smokes there were a lot of you, and each of you was directly responsible for the success of the big production that is the Network Gathering!
I would also like to thank the CJJ staff for their support in the weeks leading up to the Network Gathering. I received most of the attention and praise, but the truth of the matter is that Will, Japheth, Adam, Taylor, Sean, Jacob, Mike, Bryan, Jason, Stewart and Garrett all played a role in the success of the weekend! From Will's amazing work on the fliers, record keeping and web site design, to Japheth's constant phone calling, organizing, and long hours, none of this would have been remotely possible without our team!
Finally, I would like to thank Royce, Rodrigo, Royler and Ralek for making the trip. Royler called me last night and expressed a tremendous amount of thanks and praise for what we are doing at CJJ. I also received a ton of thanks and praise from Rodrigo and Ralek at the dinner on Saturday night. Some people wrongfully make the assumption that these seminars are "about the money" for these guys. They couldn't be more wrong. My first seminars with the Gracie's, back in the days of the elementary school, cost them more to make the trip out to VA than what I collected for them from people attending; and not once did they complain or make an issue of things. They have supported us from day one, and continue to do so every chance they get.
I cannot wait to see what the next couple of years bring to CJJ!"