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| Nicolas Gregoriades - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Nicolas Gregoriades is an expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and owner of Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood. He was the first person to be awarded a black belt by Roger Gracie. He was featured in Martial Arts Illustrated in 2009 and has won the following competitive titles:
Paris Open Champion
(2006)
(2006)
London Open Champion
(2005)
(2005)
ADDC-UK Champion
(2006)
(2006)
S. African National Grappling Champion (2005), Grappler of the Year – France (2007), Gracie Invitational Champion (2006, 2007), Absolute Submission Fighting Winner (2008, 2009), British Open Grappling Champion (2009), Abu-Dhabi Pro European Qualifier (2010), British Open Champion (2012)
BKO Kung Fu: You started with Submission wrestling (after Judo) when you couldn't find Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training in South Africa. What is the difference between the two?
The major difference is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is usually practised in a 'Gi' or 'Kimono', whereas Submission Wrestling is usually performed in shorts and a t-shirt (or rashvest).
BKO: Were you the first black belt with Roger Gracie because you were one of the first to train with him or were you just so dedicated you bypassed everyone else? What made the difference.
Nicolas: That's a difficult question. I think it was a combination of the two. I focused all my mental and physical resources on jiu jitsu when I was training with Roger, and it allowed me to progress quickly.
BKO: You have been an instructor at some of the best schools in England. Why did you decide to branch out on your own?
Nicolas: Despite all I learned from Roger, It's the natural progression of things to want to branch out on your own. If nobody did that then their would be no progression or evolution. Roger has done the same by creating his own organisation after his time with Gracie Barra.
BKO: Very few people would deny that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the foremost self defense style in the world today. Do you feel it is still important to cross train in other martial arts to be a well rounded fighter? What system do you feel would compliment BJJ the most?
Nicolas: Absolutely vital. Jiu jitsu represents only a part of the repertoire a person requires to be able to consider himself a complete martial artist. I believe the best compliments for jiu jitsu are wrestling, boxing and Muay Thai.
BKO: In your interview at http://athletego.com/2013/05/17/nicolasgregoriades, you state relaxation is a major key to a beginner’s progress. How would you recommend someone to relax when the rest of their day before class is all chaos?
Nicolas: The best way to relax is to change your breathing. When is slows down and becomes deep and even, the body relaxes.
BKO: How do you manage your time between traveling the world, giving seminars, training and teaching?
Nicolas: It's tough! God has blessed me with the time and freedom to do this, so I owe it to him to make most of it.
BKO: You promote yoga quite a bit. What can someone expect from their first few months of Yoga? What if they are someone who does not exercise?
Nicolas: It's dependent on their current levels of athleticism and fitness. But almost everybody will notice improved flexibility and an increased sense of well-being after a few months of consistent practise.
BKO: Tell us more about your Podcast.
Nicolas: The Journey is a show hosted by my close friend Paul and I. We discuss all aspects of the human experience and life in the modern world. We also have unique and accomplished guests who share their perspectives. You can listen to it here: www.thejourneypodcast.com
BKO: Thank you for taking the time to answer our question. We look forward to following your career.
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