First Namibian Jiu-Jitsu students graded

The first grading for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) on Namibian soil was done by instructor Rodrigo Vital at the Namibian Mixed Martial Arts & Kickboxing Academy (NMMA&KA) in Walvis Bay on 26 July.
Delano Müller (12), Nicolas Simões (8) and Rafael Lima (8) of the junior class completed their first level of training and received their first grade in their white belts after they did a rigorous test. This is a huge first step for the discipline in Namibia. There are also plans in the pipeline to develop the sport, which offers a great stepping stone for those who want to take up martial arts. Students complete four grades before they are awarded new colours over the course of six months. Students aged below 16 can qualify for grey, yellow, orange and green belts. Those older than 16 can qualify for blue, purple, brown and black belts. It takes a journey of approximately 15 years to become a master.
Instructor Vital, a Brazilian naval officer stationed in Walvis Bay, arrived in the country in February and was tasked by his master, Sylvio Behring, to open the first Namibian Jiu-Jitsu club. The Berhring teams follow the progressive system of BJJ.
Master Sylvio Behring will be in Walvis Bay to conduct the graduation of students and will be offering a seminar about techniques in self-defence and BJJ, which will be open for everyone, at the end of the year.
BJJ training is used for sport grappling tournaments, mixed martial arts or self-defence. Sparring and live drilling play a major role in training sessions of the martial art, combat sport and self-defence system that focuses on grappling and ground fighting.
The discipline promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger, heavier assailant by using proper technique , leverage and most notably taking the fight to the ground and then applying joint locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent.
Team Sylvio Behring, in association with NMMA & KA, started a partnership and introduced BJJ classes consisting of BJJ and self-defence training in Walvis Bay in March.
Classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays and can be attended by everyone. Those who don’t intend to compete but are looking to enhance fitness and confidence are also welcome.

OTIS FINCK