🥋 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Pedro Sauer Association

Purple Belt — Promoted by Professor Pedro Sauer (8th Degree Red/Black Belt)

I began training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2021 at Southend Combat Academy (SCA) in the UK. Since day one, I’ve been part of the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Association (PSBJJA) — a system rooted in the original teachings of Hélio and Rickson Gracie, emphasizing technical precision, safety, and longevity.

Over the years, I progressed through the ranks, earning my Blue Belt in October 2022 and completing all four stripes by mid-2024. On May 17th, 2025, I was honored to be promoted to Purple Belt by Professor Pedro Sauer himself during a full-day seminar hosted at SCA.

🌎 International Seminars & Instructor Certification

In October 2024, I attended the Annual PSBJJA Conference in Herndon, Virginia (Washington, D.C. area). It was an intense and rewarding experience: multiple days of seminars led by Professor Sauer and an incredible lineup of high-level black belts from across the association. I reconnected with fellow students from around the world and walked away with a notebook full of techniques and a head full of insights.

During this same visit, I also completed the Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor Certification Courses, further solidifying my understanding of the system’s methodology and technical curriculum. The structure and philosophy behind the PSBJJA instructor program gave me a deeper appreciation for how Jiu Jitsu can be taught effectively and sustainably.

🇧🇷 Brazil Camp 2025

’ve just returned from Brazil Camp 2025 — and it was absolutely incredible. Spending a full week training in Petrópolis with Professor Sauer and many other top instructors was an experience I’ll never forget. Every seminar was packed with detail and insight, but the real magic came from the atmosphere: seven days of pure Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, learning, and connection.

I made a lot of new friends and met martial artists from all over the world, including around 20 black belts from the US, Brazil, Australia, and beyond. Being surrounded by so much talent and passion was inspiring, and it reminded me exactly where this art began. Standing in the birthplace of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, training with people who’ve dedicated their lives to it, gave me a whole new appreciation for the history, culture, and spirit behind the sport.

An unforgettable week — and one that will stay with me on and off the mats.

💭 Reflection

Professor Sauer’s presence on the mat is something special — his kindness, clarity, and depth of knowledge elevate everyone in the room. BJJ has taught me more than just physical technique; it’s sharpened my patience, focus, problem-solving, and humility — both on and off the mats.

I’m grateful to be part of this incredible global community and excited to keep evolving in the art.

“BJJ has taught me resilience, patience, and how to solve problems under pressure — on and off the mats.”

🥋 Belt Progression Timeline

• 🟣 Promoted to Purple Belt
  17 May 2025
• 🔵▫️▫️▫️▫️ Blue Belt – 4th Stripe
  01 Jul 2024
• 🔵▫️▫️▫️ Blue Belt – 3rd Stripe
  06 Mar 2024
• 🔵▫️▫️ Blue Belt – 2nd Stripe
  01 Oct 2023
• 🔵▫️ Blue Belt – 1st Stripe
  16 Feb 2023
• 🔵 Promoted to Blue Belt
  22 Oct 2022
• ⚪️ White Belt (Registered)
  20 Oct 2021
• ⚪️ First BJJ Session
  06 May 2021