Black Belt, Jim Hughes, Teaching First Ever University For-Credit Class in Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Self Defense and MMA at the University of Connecticut

West Hartford, CT, April 28, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Mr. Hughes “Growing concerns regarding campus safety all around the country, suggest any classes that give students an opportunity to learn self defense skills would be welcomed by students. Considering that Gracie Jiu Jitsu is arguably the most proven form of Martial Art and self defense in the world (evidenced by its adoption by the US Army as the standard for their hand to hand combat training) the timing for adding this for-credit college class could not be better. The class filled to maximum capacity in just a few days after being approved and placed on the official University schedule.” UCONN Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club President Michael Sykucki says, “I have only been practicing Gracie Jiu Jitsu for several years and I cannot believe how much it has evolved. The fact that we now have a class is incredible. Students are learning a lot and I have learned a lot as well. After I graduate in May with a degree in Communications I will be able to use what I have learned about creative problem solving as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club President to help businesses use creative solutions to attract new customers.”

The University of Connecticut is a leader in higher education and provides innovative classes that meet the learning needs of its students. The more relevant that classes are perceived to be (from the student point of view) the more successful any University will be in its mission. Current social trends suggest that the most talked about martial art in the world today is Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. This is due partly to the wide spread media attention of television programs such as Ultimate Fighter and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a growing international sport and self-defense art popularized by the Gracie Family from Brazil. Royce Gracie, utilizing his Families Martial Art, propelled himself to international fame by winning the first UFC and a new genre of martial art was born –MMA. Media exposure of MMA makes it a hot topic on college campus. Jim Hughes one of a handful of Black Belts promoted by Royce Gracie is a Faculty Member at the University of Connecticut in Storrs as well as The University of Connecticut Medical School. Long time Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing Coaches, Paul Bratslavsky and Josh Randorf, have been appointed to the UCONN Faculty and assist with Instruction. “We are pleased to be offering this class at the University of Connecticut and are looking forward to a long association serving the needs of college students,” says Hughes. Go to www.gracie-jiu-jitsu.com, www.AmericasBestMartialArt.com and www.JimHughes.org.

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