I have had a blast training down here lately. Since I am not really affiliated with any Jiu-Jitsu organization and I fight in MMA I don´t really adhere to the unspoken (and often spoken) rule about training at gyms outside of your own organization.

 Thus I get the best of both worlds. I can train with top guys in my area at Nova Uniao schools and at Gracie Barra schools. I have close friends in both and they are always very open and welcoming. I try to make myself available to help them with any striking or MMA related training and they in turn twist my arms out of their sockets and cut off my air supply. Seems like a fair trade.

 My first week here I was in Sao Jose do Rio Preto, my wife´s town. This week I am in Ribeirao Preto, my town, training with close friends and some of their very best students, all of whom are routinely impressive. It´s blistering hot and I have no idea how to fight while wearing what feels like heated levi pajamas (read: a gi).

 It´s always a good time learning something new. I can´t wait until next week when hopefully I´ll be able to go visit friends and gyms in Sao Paulo. It´s sure to be a hoot.

Just wanted to let everyone know that I´m working on keeping my word. The fact that I´m in Brazil has made t-shirt printing and sales more difficult and time consuming. The t-shirts are all finished but I can´t exactly fill orders from here so I am partnering with a friend to take care of the distribution. Check back soon for a new link for t-shirts if you are still interested.

 Also, I have received several requests for autographed pictures. That is awesome and I still can´t believe I am fortunate enough to have people ask, but since I don´t really have any pictures taken or an address for people to send the self-addressed stuff to, I can´t even do those. Give me one more chance to get straightened out and we´ll get both items out to you all. Thanks again for your patience.