Sifu Alan Baker

Day two of the Combat Submission Wrestling World Conference was outstanding. Master Erik Paulson, Professor Greg Nelson, Kade Ruotolo, and Tye Ruotolo all taught yesterday, and the level of material was excellent from start to finish. It was a great day of learning, training, and being around high-level people who continue to push the art forward.

Now it is time for the final day. After that, we head back to Atlanta to get ready for our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Annual Conference next weekend.

An epic day to be a part of in Jiu-Jitsu history. Rigan Machado received his Red Belt from Rorion Gracie, while Erik Paulson and six others were honored with their Coral Belt at the Combat Submission Wrestling Conference today. A tremendous moment recognizing decades of commitment, leadership, and impact on the art. Congratulations to all!

Coach Bob and I got out to Orange County a few days early to get some focused private training in ahead of the CSW World Conference. So far we’ve spent time on the mat with Sensei Erik Paulson, worked Savate with Professor Nicolas Saignac, and put in some solid boxing rounds with Coach Marvin Cook. (And yes, a lot of the content will end up in the online acadmies) We’ve got a few more sessions lined up over the next couple of days.

The conference kicks off Friday with an incredible lineup including Erik Paulson, Greg Nelson, Kade and Tye Ruotolo, Rigan Machado, and Nicolas Saignac. It’s shaping up to be a great event. Hopefully see you there!

A few more shots of myself with the infamous Mel Chancey and getting some words of wisdom from Nick Koumalatsos and Ray Cash Care the Core Medical Group’s Military Appreciation Weekend in Beaufort, South Carolina a few weeks back.

Photo Credit for these awesome shots goes to Brandon Ankney