After a long hiatus due to COVID-19 lockdowns Fightsportuk Kids BJJ returned to the mats over summer 2021 as restrictions were lifted.
With all of us feeling a bit of mat rust due to working solo drills at home it was nice to get back into the swing of things. So after seeing Odyssey BJJ Head Youth Coach Adam Larkin promoted to Black Belt and Harlow’s primary Youth Coach James Butler promoted to Brown Belt it was the kids turn.
On the 9th of January we got to see sixteen well deserved promotions in Harlow with 6 new Grey-Black belts, 2 Grey belts, and 8 up and coming Grey Whites. With classes returning to a regular schedule and splitting by age and skill we are looking forward to seeing these guys and girls compete in 2022 and hopefully see some Yellow coloured belts this year!
If you are interested in learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in fun and sometimes a chaotic environment then children’s classes are currently held on Sundays and £5 a session -Beginners and Under 10s 9:30 – 10:15, Advanced and Over 10s 10:30 – 11:15.
For more information please contact us directly and we will be happy to help.
Well done to Zaff @jits.247 on his bronze medal🥉 @ibjjf London Winter Open 2020 🥋 @odysseybjj 🤜🏽🤛🏽 @fightsportsuk 🦁 🙏🏽. The journey continues…🤙🏽#ibjjflondonopen #ibjjf #fightsportsuk #odysseybjj #michaelrussellbjj #brazilianjiujitsu #bjjaddict #bjjgi #bjjtraining #bjjcompetition #bjjathlete #bjjbluebelt #bjjlifestyle #jiujitsujourney #jiujitsu #bjj #everydayporrada
@esummerbell and Ben Rood on their promotions tonight! All the hard work has paid off – two new #OdysseyBJJ Blue Belts from @fightsportsuk ????
Well done to Chiara and Tom Melillo on their blue belts today @fightsportsuk hard work pays off???? congrats guys! #OdysseyBJJ #FightSportsUK
This weekend over 100 students from FightSportsUK, MMA Clinic Romford, MMA Clinic Angel, Hertford Combat Academy, MMAX Dorchester and Samson arrived at Redbridge Judo Club to represent Michael Russell BJJ. The day started with an inspirational speech from Michael Russell announcing the association name change from Michael Russell BJJ to Odyssey BJJ.
Michael spoke of the team expansion over the last 10 years from once a small student base teaching a handful of students to now over 150 students across six gyms, and the future team growth with the bright future of many Odyssey BJJ clubs. Michael spoke of how careful thought and consideration had gone into designing the new logo in order to maintain similarities between the Odyssey and Michael Russell BJJ logos, an association that will always exist in many peoples hearts.
Odyssey means ‘long and exciting journey’ and although challenging at times, Brazilian jiu-jitsu really is an exciting journey. Michael emphasised the importance of enjoying every grade and not being in a rush to get what is perceived as the pot of gold (ones blackbelt). Quoting “appreciate the ups and downs and be happy for your friends, should they receive the next stripe / belt, as your time WILL come, IF you stay with the journey”!!!!
Next came a formal line up in belt order and WOW what a line up it was, including up to 13 brown belts and 6 black belts. The belt promotions started with blue belts, then purple belts, then ending with brown belts, and I can honestly say looking through the lens, it was emotional. So many people coming together from different walks of life!
The day finished with students coming together and sharing their knowledge and passion for the sport by way of open mat techniques and sparring.
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We at FightSportsUK would personally like to say ‘thank you’ to everyone (Michael, Blackbelt Instructors, Assistant Instructors, organisers and students) who made this such an awesome occasion. Having known Michael and some of his students for over 10 years, it really is an honour to be part of such a fantastic family!
Mark Fry – FightSportsUK.