I started training in traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu in 1987 under the guidance of Chad A Sidaway 9th Dan and currently the grade of 5th Dan Black Belt with original DAN Grades being ratified in Japan, Okinawa and the USA. Lineage Traditional Ju Jitsu: Kenshiro Abbe > Ron Bamfield > Chad Sidaway > Ian Rossiter.----- I have been studying BJJ since 1999 and currently a 3rd Degree Black belt (awarded by Chico Mendes).----- In the past I was fortunate to be Qualified as a referee under the old BAMMA association (British Association of Mixed Martial Arts) and refereed on many MMA events at all levels (Ultimate Combat, Extreme Brawl, UK Storm, Combat Evolution (UZI), Combat Sports Open Trials to name a few) and was an official ringside adjudicator at UFC 38 (Brawl at the Hall) back in 2002.----- My Grade CV in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is as follows - Lineage BJJ: Mitsuyo Maeda > Jacyntho Ferro > Carlos Gracie > Helio Gracie > Rolls Gracie > Romero Cavalcanti > Leonardo Vieira > Chico Mendes>Ian Rossiter.----- Blue Belt awarded in 2003 by Professor Roberto Atalla (Rio Grappling Club) (Subsequent stripes added to blue belt by Carlos Lemos Jr) ----- Purple Belt awarded in 2006 by Professor Carlos Lemos Jr (Gracie Barra / Trojan Free Fighters) ----- Brown Belt awarded in 2010 by Professor Italo Ferreira (American Top Team / Trojan Free Fighters) ----- Black Belt awarded 19th August 2012 by Professor Chico Mendes (Checkmat) ----- Black Belt 1st Degree awarded 27th August 2015 by Professor Chico Mendes (Checkmat) ----- Black Belt 2nd Degree awarded 16th February 2019 by Professors Leo Vieira & Chico Mendes (Checkmat) ----- Black Belt 3rd Degree awarded 19th August 2021 by Professor Chico Mendes (Checkmat)