Released on = March 1, 2007, 6:59 pm

Press Release Author = Judy Mulkern

Industry = Small Business

Press Release Summary = Approximately 30 members of Jim Hughes and Royce Gracie
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Schools of Self Defense were on hand to help the Hartford SWAT
Team learn "less than lethal" restraint strategy.


Press Release Body = 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 in New
England with locations in Boston MA, Newton MA, Agawam MA, Danbury CT, 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 Butler, Royce Gracie BJJ Coach, former Army Officer, decorated war veteran and
co founder of the Combatives Institute 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 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 Brad Wolfson. Perry Siegel, strength and condition coach,
and health and wellness consultant with OasisForWellness.com 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, and
exercise program manager for people with medical problems agrees " the SWAT Team is
an impressive bunch of community service professionals!"


Web Site = http://www.gracie-jiu-jitsu.com

Contact Details = Jim Hughes and Royce Gracie
www.gracie-jiu-jitsu.com
41 Crossroads Plaza #300
West Hartford CT 06117