Alexey Cruz, a second degree black belt under the legendary Ricardo Dela Riva, will be leaving Brazil in mid January and will arrive in Maine by late January. Alexey has been training for 17 years, and teaching for the last 11 years.
He asked that I post this, and let everyone know he intends on teaching in the Saco area soon after his arrival. He will be teaching classes at CJ Kelly's World Class MMA in Biddeford.
It will be great to have a Brazilian teaching Dela Riva's unique brand of bjj here in Maine. I will post further details in a couple of weeks, or you can contact CJ at 207-229-0924 for further information.
Best of luck to Team DLR in Maine. Mastere DLR is an amazing teacher and person with a unique game!
For those of you north of Portland, Aaron Blake, 1st degree black belt BJJ with Team Moreira is in Booth Bay and is an awesome teacher and great person. Check out his academy and I am sure you will be pleased with both the atmosphere and instruction.
I will let the folks from Maine comment on the real estate, living locations etc., but I do travel down from Canada to train with Aaron and it is approximately 50 minutes-one hour from Booth Bay to Augusta. Well worth the trip in terms of training and meeting new friends in BJJ- great bunch of guys, and as stated, Aaron, is a very technical and patient teacher. Good luck with the Maine State Police- proud organization.
Dr. Schmeckle, post a thread if/when you get hired by the State Police. I have several students/friends in the State Police and they may be able to better help out with logistics, etc. Usually you are sent to more rural areas in your first few years, but not always.
Markffd, one of my students lived in Brazil for 4 months. He studied with Alexey while he was there. His jj is awesome, but he is said to be an even better instructor. Can't wait to find out :)
LittleC when were you here in Maine. We have been here, quietly plugging along since 1992 (a break from 93-97, then 97 on). Aaron has been at it a long time as well. Jay Jack has a great school here in Portland, and Marcus Davis has an MMA academy in Bangor as well. There are a LOT of talented people in the woodwork here, just doing their own thing as well.
The level of BJJ has definietly improved over the last 5 years.
Looks like you train in OKC? With Lovato? If so, you are in excellent hands! Be well.
Waveman, never heard of Foundry BJJ. Where are you from/who do you study with? Like I said above, lots of guys in the woodwork training/teaching on their own...you don't hear from them, but they are plugging away/training their butts off and improving. Peace.