I'm training out of GB San Clemente in California. The main professor is Felipe Guedes. The school was previously started by Flavio Almeida. I was awarded my black belt in November of 2022. I have a Judo background and have been doing Judo since around 1979. I received my Judo rank from Master Nori Bunasawa 9th Dan most recently my 2nd degree Black belt in 2011. I am registered with USJF Judo as 2dan. I assist at GB San Clemente sometimes demonstrating takedowns for the class.

I have been rolling with BJJ black belts since before 2005 and have learned a lot and was generally able to hold my own on the ground. I formally started BJJ with my son since he didn't want to do Judo anymore due to scheduling conflicts as he started playing football also. We initially went to Carlson Gracie Irvine under Professor Jason Youseph. Mainly because it was convenient and close to our home. I taught the Judo program there for almost 3 years. Although there were several people I trained with who had my number for sure, I was the largest player at this school and most of the time couldn't play at my full potential for fear of injuring much smaller training partners.

I was introduced to GB San Clemente due to a fellow Judo black belt, Jim West, who asked me to come assist with a Judo takedown class he hosted on Sundays in San Clemente. I was happy help out Jim as he is a friend. I initially didn't think I would train at the GB San Clemente location due to the distance from home, nearly a 40min drive one way. I was suppressed by the size of not only the academy, which was roughly 6 times bigger than my previous academy, but the size of the students. I had some people to train with many over 130kg and 2m. It was refreshing to be able to play hard and not have to worry about hurting my partners as I would at my previous academy. The combination of the atmosphere and challenge at this new academy re-ignited my passion to train and I switched over and have been training ever since.

Sorry for the novel, but I am happy to introduce myself to my fellow practitioners. I am looking for votes to validate my promotion. I have linked my facebook which has Judo content since it was created, and has my time with CGI as well as pictures training with my blue, purple, brown, and black belts. I included the promotion picture for my black belt. I don't have all of the exact dates for each promotion but they are as close as I remember. Please let me know there are any questions that I can answer.

Regards,

Jeff Walker