Dennis Asche - The Silencer

Teaching this class with Prof. Luiz Paulo Soares Filho “Pitty Boy” has been a lot of fun. It is great to see young students practicing the application of new technique in class…to see them becoming more focused and disciplined while learning the martial art that has given so much to my life. It is a good feeling helping to build the next generation of champions and an honor to teach at this academy.

Training with Gordo has without a doubt changed my Jiu-Jitsu and MMA for the better. His “old school” ways to me are along the lines of a Charles Bronson character, a man’s man. For an athlete, not the professor to hold your hand and give praise every time one pulls off a move in class…quick to remind of the position that was just lost. Never the less, he does give praise when it is deserved and those praises are remembered. He also has a good sense of humor that comes out at the right times. Rather than greet one behind a plastic smile his state of mind shows through with the seriousness in concentration display on his face. Gordo has an answer for every Jiu-Jitsu question I have asked to date and an ability to respond with an explanation that is practical in application. With the experience and technique he possesses there is much to be learned by anyone who makes time to train with Roberto “Gordo”.

Thanks goes out to Claudio Machado for consistently being there in the morning training and all those extra rounds after the classes end. Claudio’s top pressure and relentless attacks keep my defense sharp and put my guard to the test. In time I hope to add some of the qualities of his game to mine.

Here in Rio my favorite place to train outside the academy is this forest…running up Pedra da Gavea (second favorite being the beach of course). Gallons of sweat roll off as my lungs burn pulling in the thick, humid air and forcing my muscles into exhaustion. The hill running generally ends at the half way point of the mountain, know as the “Ship Rock”.

I have always enjoyed running and even more so outdoors. It allows for a form of meditation and brings one closer to the environment that is often overlooked in daily life.

After hiking back down, standing under this waterfall has got to be one of the best ways to close out the session.

Thanks to Pedrao “Arnold” my running partner for taking pictures.

Last month Grace Barra Black Belt Fabricio “Predador”, owner of Pride Fightwear came through, adding kimonos to my sponsorship.

Since the first run of kimonos the company put out they have come a long way: now featuring “rip stop” pants in black and a better contour on the top half of the kimono. I have been using Pride kimonos for years, enjoying the durability and comfort they provide. Now I look forward to representing the company in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA competitions to come.

Predador and I in front of the Pride retail store.

(Rio de Janeiro, Brasil)

Thank you Predador!

In training Jiu-Jitsu I have been introduced to many interesting and just generally “good” people. Sean the “wandering why” (known in the academy as “Camarao”) is one of those people…He has been in Rio with his wife Dawn for the past month, training and enjoying what the city has to offer. For him Rio was just one stop of many in a trip around the world. Good luck on your adventures Sean and Dawn!

Check out amazing photos & humorous blogs @: WanderingWhy

This past week “Soca” came by the Gordo Jiu-Jitsu academy to train during his visit here in Rio. Since my first time training with him in 2003, I have always admired the technique and fluidity in his game…Thanks for making time “Soca”!

He is now on his way back to the East Coast of the US and his Jiu-Jitsu academy.

Check out his site: http://www.socabjj.com/

The championship was well run and as organized as could be. I arrived late by bus, as the bus cashier had forgotten to let me know when we reached the stop. After the cashier was kind enough to get me on another bus (free of charge) my stop came around the second time and I hit the ground running for the entrance. Outside the Grajau Country Club my name was being called over the loud speakers.

Entering in the Arena I was approached by an official confirming that my name was Dennis Asche (there are some advantages to being the only foreigner in an event, sometimes, as I am fairly easy to spot). A few minutes later my kimono was on and my name was being called again for the first match…

Event Result: Bronze

(lost by advantage points in the semis to the eventual victor of my category)

Back to the academy in the morning to refine my weaknesses.

**video and photos of the matches will be posted as they come in from x-combat.**

Rommel has a positive influence on my training and the training of many others here at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu.
His outlook on both Jiu-Jitsu and life in general help influence students to question the how and why of training, continually evolving and improving the art.

Here are a few photos of a session this week.

This is the upcoming Gavazza Jiu-Jitsu championship I will be competing in. Aside from ranking the athletes in the circuit, this event is also helping to combat the mosquito borne disease Dangue fever, that has hit the state of Rio hard this year.