I was in Los Angeles on business last week, and, thanks to 12, had the opportunity to train at The Gracie Academy. He was really good about setting everything up, start to finish, and my wife and daughter were cool about letting me off for the evening as well:)
I was disappointed to hear that I had just missed Rorion and Ryron, but was excited about taking a class with 12's son Jordan. But, jus as I was signing in, Rorion and Ryron returned. Rorion was very gracious. I told him I began my training with Rickson over 16 years ago, to which he replied "Welcome home."
Ryron taught a great class, both in terms of technique and atmosphere. I had the pleasure of rolling with him, Jordan, and a tough brown belt (last name Lim, don't remember first, maybe Vince?). Everyone rolled with a great mix of intensity and technique, and I felt welcome and comfortable at all times.
Thanks to 12 for setting it up, to Rorion for bringing BJJ to the States, to Ryron for the great class, and to Jordan for the great roll.
good post john.
ttt
That's great!
FINALLY!! Someone with an EDUCATED OPINION speaking about his own personal experience after visiting the Gracie Academy. Yes I agree, Ryron Jordan and 12 are all great!!
Very nice...
Wish is had dropped in (not phoned before hand) when I was there. I was told I need gloves...
:(
Gracie academy is awesome and Ryron is an incredible teacher. 
john ,it was a pleasure to have you vist.
learned alot from you.(nice sweeps)
when you see brazil,tell hello for me.
again sir ,it was a pleasure,you r welcome back anytime.
My-my, how things change. I remember the days when GT was considered antiquated, obsolete even. A place for the old and rich who didn't compete, where a purplebelt would get worked by blues from other schools, etc. Now it's all compliments and the sincerest form of flattery(imitation)! lol
Nevertheless, I like hearing stories like this and it reminds me I need to visit if ever I get out west.
Missing Glove Tape - My-my, how things change. I remember the days when GT was considered antiquated, obsolete even. A place for the old and rich who didn't compete, where a purplebelt would get worked by blues from other schools, etc. Now it's all compliments and the sincerest form of flattery(imitation)! lol
Nevertheless, I like hearing stories like this and it reminds me I need to visit if ever I get out west.
Well, in case you don't know, John Frankl is an octogenarian billionaire who leaves class right before rolling starts.
So really nothing's changed.
Awesome post!
had the same great experience there myself.
Ryron is a great teacher.
shen's got the right of it.
i was in korea for business and decided to train w/ mr. frankl while there.
he had a gi made of money. 100 dollar bills that were laminated. he said he did that to encourage people to grab the gi, as it brought his enemy closer and he didn't have to work for the clinch then. it was an eye opener to say the least.
@ John
I have always heard good things about the Torrance Academy and one day I hope to drop by myself. As for the size of the place, I know it is really big so I assume a class has around 60+ students. If I am correct, do you think students are affected like how larger class sizes affect students in a normal school?
For people that do not know what I am talking about, more students per teacher results in less focus on individuals. Is this a concern since Jiu Jitsu really does need to be catered to individuals abilities and attributes?
@ Empire
you're shitting me, right?
That's all well and good, but did you learn how to make watermelon juice?!!!!
crackbaby420 - @ Empire
you're shitting me, right?
Americans really do have a problem with understanding sarcasm.
@BenBJJ
sarcasm in the form of text is a little harder to detect, plus i dont doubt some crazy rich dude that trains would do something like that.
ur american comment, i resent too, so layoff that kind of talk here
frens i see this gi too is first green gi i ever see
BenBJJ -crackbaby420 - @ Empire
you're shitting me, right?
Americans really do have a problem with understanding sarcasm.
YEAH! Lay of the Sarcasm.
You Europeans are all the same. Just because we don't always "get" stuff, doesn't mean wear stupid.
BenBJJ - Wish is had dropped in (not phoned before hand) when I was there. I was told I need gloves...
:(
i would have got you gloves