10/07/2026
Professor Royce Gracie has left the building. What an amazing few days and a complete honour to host such a humble, super funny, and intelligent man like Professor Royce.
He made me rethink the way I run my business, how I live my life, and how I train the gentle art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Having had the opportunity to train with him in Hamilton, Ontario, under my professor, Jeff Joslin, when I was a blue belt and also as a purple belt, I recalled those amazing moments and made it a goal to one day present this experience to my students, to the province of Alberta where I was born, and to the surrounding Western Canadian provinces.
This wouldn’t have been possible without the presence of Jesus Christ in my life and how He has made all things new for myself, my wife, and our kids.
It was truly a blessing to connect with Professor Royce, and having him on our mats to profess his father’s amazing self-defence system was mind-blowing.
Also, it was a pleasant surprise to have Prof. Royce here on October 1st, which was his father Hélio Gracie’s birthday. It was so nice to celebrate together and pay our respects to the creator of Gracie Jiu Jitsu and a complete warrior, having fought in the longest fight in history at 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Priceless moments were spent with the legend Professor Royce Gracie, where we shared many stories about his father, his brothers and family, and his journey as a martial artist and life enthusiast. We are very grateful, and I must say, he has the best analogies ever.
I’m pretty sure everyone who attended the three seminars, both youth and adults, had an amazing time and was super elated to have the chance to train under such a knowledgeable man, meet him, and ask him questions.
I was super impressed by how well he managed things, particularly the youth. A blend of humour and sternness, where often his actions spoke louder than words. A great night indeed.
The next day, some of my students and I were able to learn from Professor Royce during three separate group private lessons. Unreal! Many magic moments with awe-inspiring advice and techniques. Invaluable!
Following our group privates, we were able to join in on an amazing bus trip to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise to introduce Professor Royce to the Rocky Mountains for a bit of hiking, sightseeing, and good eats.
I’m pretty sure he enjoyed the beautiful area that surrounds us and is keen on returning one day to hunt a moose. I know he was impressed by the size of the animals here in Alberta.
A big shout-out and thanks to Paul C. for his guidance and for providing an amazing experience in the mountains together. Class act!
Thank you to my beautiful wife for organizing such a fun-filled couple of days with the seminars, private lessons, and day trip.
Thank you to everyone who registered for the seminars and privates and for joining us during this historic moment for martial arts in Alberta. Phenomenal time!
The theory and techniques learned were nothing short of inspiring and definitely ignited my passion and love for the Gracie Way—an art that, in many ways, saved my life when it comes to self-defence.
Thank you to my Sensei, Jeff Joslin, a Canadian martial arts pioneer, for his years of insight and instruction into the gentle art and for introducing me to Professor Royce many years ago. Memories I will never forget, just like this one, with Professor Royce’s first time in Alberta.
Again, an absolute blessing and honour to host such a legend at our school.
Thank you, Professor Royce! You are a gentleman, soldier, and scholar.
Thank you to the one true Father for providing all things under the sun.
All glory to God. +
Ossss!!
Prof. Dallas O’Regan
