Danbury Health and Fitness Club Sportsplex (sportsplexbethel.com) Hosts Gracie Jiu Jitsu Grand Opening

West Hartford, CT, April 15, 2007 --(PR.com)-- Grappling and self defense coaches Jim Hughes, Tony Butler, and Jim Harpe, (gracie-jiu-jitsu.com and RoyceGracieJiujitsu.com) are among the few instructors certified by Royce Gracie to teach his father's now famous form of self defense. Gracie Jiu Jitsu was first popularized in the original Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)and is now the leader in the worldwide evolution of martial arts. The instructors conducted the first Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu class at their new Western Connecticut home, Danbury/Bethel health, fitness, and exercise club Sportsplex.

Tom Pear, the owner of Sportsplex commented, "It is all about good training, good fun, and family like atmosphere, these guys fit right in here!"

Jim Hughes said, "Sportsplex is a fun place to train, I am looking forward to coming back. This is our 10th location in New England. Our members can now train every day, multiple times a day, from Boston to a stone's throw from New York." (Gracie Jiu Jitsu locations in West Hartford, Glastonbury, Southington, New Haven, Norwich, UCONN/Storrs, Danbury, Agawam/Springfield MA, Boston, and seminars in Puerto Rico.)

Tony Butler reported, "Our martial art is really lots of fun and it is a great addition to any health and fitness minded persons exercise regimen.” He should know, he is a former Ranger Qualified Army Officer, and he is a certified Master Fitness Instructor. Jim Harpe, Agawam and Springfield MA Gracie Jiu Jitsu coach, brought his daughter, and he brought his son, a football player at nearby Western Connecticut State University. "It was great to help teach the seminar and train with my family." Gracie Jiu-Jitsu members from the University of Connecticut in Storrs; Jeremy, John, Matt, and Chris traveled across the state to attend the grand opening. The Buccaro family also attended. They were sporting their brand new blue belts recently earned during a visit by Master Rolker Gracie (Royce Gracie and Royler Gracie's brother) on his training visit from Brazil.

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