A rundown of the biggest headlines and news from the world of competitive grappling.

We are back with another grappling report, but this week our focus isn’t on the upper echelon of competitive Brazilian jiu jitsu. Our feel good story of the week is that comedian Russell Brand has received his blue belt. While a celebrity getting a blue belt doesn’t seem like news, it’s important for the BJJ community to get the added exposure of stars studying our art. Like fellow blue belt Demi Lovato, Brand has suffered extensively with substance abuse, so seeing him use jiu jitsu to better himself is a great thing.

Brand got awarded his blue belt from the most legitimate of lineages. Kev Capel of RGA Bucks gave him his belt with Roger Gracie and Mauricio Gomez in attendance.

GRAPPLING STORIES

Gabriel Oliveira brown belt superstar, World and Pan American champion, Gabriel Oliveira has just been awarded his black belt. Oliveira is a phenom and will likely immediately challenge for medals at black belt. Oliveira received his black belt from Mario Reis and joins the ranks of esteemed Alliance black belts.

India has its first BJJ black belt. The nation is home to over 1 billion people, but only one man has reached the pinnacle of grappling. Arun Sharma was self taught through a lot of his jiu jitsu journey, but he received help from Roy Dean among others.

Ericka Almeida top IBJJF black belt and former UFC fighter, Ericka Almeida has accused her ex coach, Herman Gutierrez of assault. Almeida alleges years of abuse, which began soon after she joined Gutierrez as a 17 year-old.

VIDEO CONTENT

Michelle Nicolini half guard breakdown from Riccardo Ammendolia

Beautiful transitions

John Danaher’s triangle