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Brazil Trip 2016

Brazil Trip 2016

Five Rings' took a delegation of eight athletes to Brazil in July 2016. I was an AMAZING experience.



Highlights:

  1. The passion and knowledge of Professor Rodrigo Pagani teaching at this home academy / dojo / compound. He is a world-class ambassador for the sport of Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian culture. 
  2. The opportunity to train for ten days with Professor Pagani's students - over twenty black belts and a ton of skilled colored belts
  3. Daily doubles of Jiu Jitsu training ... a morning session at 10 am and and evening session at 8 am.
  4. The accomodations and lifestyle at Curu Curu Land in Niteroi, Brazil (across the bay from Rio de Janiero) were excellent
  5. The food prepared by Fernanda Pagani (Rodrigo's wife and a trained chef) was world-class
  6. Experiencing Brazilian lifestyle:
     The beach at Itacoataira.
     The hike at Costao Rock.
     The Brazilian BBQ at Fernando's house
     Traveling around the area and seeing such a different world than here in Beaverton
  7. The Five Rings folks were a great group ... tons of laughter, smiles and good times:
     Professor Tom Oberhue (4th time in Brazil with Prof. Pagani)
     Tim Hull (2nd time in Brazil with Prof. Pagani)
     Casey Vann (2nd time in Brazil with Prof. Pagani)
     Jessica Vann
     Haley Vann (she rocked it as the youngest Five Rings' member to go to Brazil with the academy)
     Coach Robert Wolfe
     Coach Will Acton
     Tawnya (TK) Komlofske
  8. Super group dynamic between Five Rings' folks
     Five folks stayed in the hostel on Professor Pagani's compound
     Three folks (the Vann family) stayed one block away at a terrific cottage - very convenient
  9. Competed in the Masters International Championship in Rio de Janeiro
     Four Five Rings' athletes competed in Brazil ... it was a great experience for everyone

It was a mind-blowing experience. Professor Rodrigo has created something truly special and magical in Niteroi -- a Jiu Jitsu vacation / experience that is really fanastic. He has a great support staff - Fernanda Pagani, Mama Pagani (his mother), Felix Fernandes, Adriano Sicoli, to name just a few.

It is always good to get outside of yur comfort zone abd stretch yourself (how you see the world, learn new things, experience new places and people). Curu Curu Land is the perfect place to experience both world-class Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian culture and lifestyle.

In short, it was FANTASTIC! Can't wait to go back ... who's in for the next trip?

For the full album, go HERE. 


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Shane

I have done nothing but lose since joining Five Rings- as in lost 6 inches off my waist and nearly 40 lbs off my gut. I started with Five Rings a year and a half ago as a 43 year old, out of shape, frustrated ex-athlete and it has been an incredible journey for me since. The Professors and coaches create a great atmosphere whether you are in it for fitness or "joy-jitsu" or looking to compete and excel. I cannot recommend Five Rings enough!

Pip S.

I once heard an analogy that if one inadvertently falls into water, their go-to would be to swim or to float to survive, if - they knew how. Likewise if someone takes you to the ground against your will, knowing BJJ is just what may save you. So with that, I like the thought of maybe one day that my daughters can get themselves out of a situation by having that skill. Whether 5 years from now or 20, because they were able to swim to safety or thwarted an attack by knowing how to defend themself that took just seconds to execute, all these hours driving them to swim & BJJ class will all be worth it. As for myself, I joined Five Rings when I enrolled my kiddo earlier this year.  It was a why-the-heck-not moment. :)  So here I am seven months into training at 48 years old, my only regret is why I didn't start sooner.  It's tough on the body, but I've never felt more fit in my life and is mad rewarding. Especially with seeing my progress from just a few months ago, it's exciting to know you only get better. I love the academy and the familial feel of the large group of regulars here who are loyal, train hard, and enjoy doing it. So on this Thanksgiving, a big thanks to all the 5RJJ professors & coaches & training partners!  You guys truly make me better after each class & open mat.

Danny S.

The environment at 5rings is one that promotes a positive learning culture. As an owner of another martial arts school in the area, I've seen a lot of different schools and methods for teaching - and by far, 5rings does an amazing job. I highly recommend for adults and children of all skill levels. Keep up the great work 5rings!

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