‘Godfather’ Mauricio hosts sold-out seminar in Hastings

The red and white coral belt, known as the Godfather of British Jiu Jitsu for his efforts to promote the sport, visited the Gracie Barra Hastings academy in Earl Street.

He taught sport and self-defence techniques for more than two hours before taking part in a belt promotion ceremony and posing for photographs with students.

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“It’s always the warmest of welcomes at Gracie Barra Hastings,” he said. “I have known Paul for a long time and it’s such a pleasure to see how far he has come.”

Bridges, who was awarded his black belt by Gomes and Marc Walder a decade ago, said it was a great opportunity for all students to train under such an influential figure.

“It’s always humbling to have such a true legend on our mats,” he said. “Mauricio is such an important person in the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”

The packed seminar, which had more than 40 people on the mat, also saw Paul Eames promoted to purple belt.