Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Trains Hartford S.W.A.T. Team

West Hartford, CT, March 02, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu is known for its effective self defense and fighting strategy. It was initially popularized by Royce Gracie in the first Ultimate Fighting Championship. Over 10 years later, the initial debut of Gracie Jiu Jitsu has become a worldwide phenomena and the UFC has become one of many venues highlighting what is now a new sport in its own right, Mixed Martial Arts or MMA. While the media hype is centered on the fight venues such as ION TV's BoDogFights and Spike TV's Ultimate Fighter, there are some who remain focused on the original purpose of jiu jitsu or jujutsu as it is sometimes spelled. Jim Hughes, Royce Gracie's representative in New England is one of those diehards. “Hey, I do this because it is fun, and because my regular job involves running programs that monitor dangerous criminals, self defense is the reason we do what we do here.”

The Hartford SWAT Team apparently values these ideas as well. They recently attended a training session at Jim Hughes and Royce Gracie's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu School in West Hartford CT, the center of activity for Legendary Champion Royce Gracie MMA in New England with locations in Boston MA, Newton MA, Agawam MA, Danbury CT, Strstford, East Windsor/Enfield, Southington CT, New Haven CT, Norwich CT, Glastonbury CT, UCONN/STORRS CT, Manchester CT, and Puerto Rico.

Lt. Rodriguez organized the event and said this about it, “The SWAT Team is running in when everyone else is running away our guys really enjoyed this training and appreciate the help.” Lt. Rodriguez is also the co-founder with retired Captain Robert O'Connell of the Hartford Police Dignitary Protection School. They have trained representatives from all over the country representing many different levels of law enforcement and many different agencies. Regarding the Royce Gracie Team, Lt. Rodriguez explains “they are always here for us and their piece of the Dignitary Protection School is always highly rated by the participants.”

Tony, Royce Gracie BJJ Coach, former Army Officer and decorated war veteran, was on hand assisting with the training, “they picked up our technique quickly and were very sharp and on the ball.” To the Hartford SWAT Teams credit, they are investing time in learning how to subdue and detain a dangerous suspect using less than lethal means says Josh Randorf, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach in the Royce Gracie organization in Southington CT. “I really enjoy helping the police,” says, Jim Harpe, Agawam /Springfield BJJ and MMA coach, “they are out there helping us” and, “it is nice to give a little back” adds New Haven Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Self Defense coach Dustin Rhodes. Perry Siegel, strength and condition coach, and consultant with super-fit.org was impressed with the SWAT Teams size and strength, “obviously, they have been training,” Paul Bratslavsky, a Hartford and Boston Children's Karate teacher, BJJ coach agrees “ the SWAT Team is an impressive bunch of community service professionals!”

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