Gracie Jiu Jitsu Vermont

Congrats to everyone who stepped up to test themselves in Saratoga today. Travis Gillis won double gold, by winning his division in the Gi, at Blue Belt and also no Gi. Taylor Bergeron won gold in his division in blue belt Gi and Brandon Stoffregen took silver in a stacked white belt division. This was the first tournament for all three of these guys, and they all performed really well!

In the Kids division, Rigby, Rory, and Arthur all stepped up and fought hard, winning a few medals between them, and having fun, supporting each other while doing it.

While the sport of Jiu Jitsu, only represents a small portion of what we do at Gracie VT, the lessons we take away from the experience is what helps us grow both on and off the mat.

Congrats again!

Visit us at www.gracievermont.com for more information and to schedule a free class!

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Congratulations to James Lobdell on his well deserved promotion to Blue Belt. James is an excellent training partner with a positive attitude, and after a successful demonstration of our Blue Belt requirements, it was both an honor and a pleasure to promote him to the distinguished of Blue Belt and Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

I often use the phrase, distinguished rank of Blue Belt. I do that, because at my academy, the Blue Belt does distinguish you from the rest of the white belts. In fact, I believe anybody who ever has received a Blue Belt from me, distinguishes themselves from other Blue Belts. Not to say they are better than other Blue Belts, but rather they have shown an understanding, and an ability to now start learning Jiu Jitsu. My Blue Belt demonstration, while not impossible, is definitely a challenge, and can be intimidating.

congratulations again James on your well-deserved promotion to Blue Belt, the journey has just begun!

Visit us at www.gracievermont.com for more information and to schedule a free class!

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A huge congrats to one of the few students I’ve allowed to train who are taller than me, 😉. J/K

Walker has been training at Gracie VT for just over two years and had been an amazing addition to our academy and community. Having trained in various other martial arts, it always speaks volumes about one’s character when they find Jiu Jitsu and decide to start over again at white belt.

Tonight after a successful demonstration of our blue belt requirements it was both an honor and a privilege to promote him to the distinguished rank of blue belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu.

Visit us at www.gracievermont.com for more information and to schedule a free class!

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It is crazy to think that we are already halfway through 2025! Our fundamental curriculum is still in the first section, and it is the perfect time to start, or restart your journey and Jiu Jitsu! The number one thing I hear after people finally try their first class is “I wish I had started sooner.”

I know there are many reasons why people don’t ever start this journey in Jiu Jitsu, many times, people are worried about needing to get in shape, or the possibility of getting injured. I also know that the only thing you actually need to come in and try a class here at Gracie Vermont is a positive attitude and an open mind. If you can bring those two things with you, not only will you be safe, you will change your life in ways you didn’t know possible.

Visit us at www.gracievermont.com for more information and to schedule a free class!

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What an amazing week at Gracie Vermont! This past week we had our summer camp, which is always a highlight each year. Kids, parents and counselors all look forward to this week, as we get to spend a whole week together, getting to know each other, learning different skills and activities, and building up a camaraderie that lasts far beyond Jiu Jitsu class.

While we do incorporate, a Jiu Jitsu component, the goal of this camp is to teach these kids how to interact with one another, learn about and from each other, and above all else, learned to have a kind, caring relationship with people of all ages and backgrounds.

Each day there were several activities, with rewards for the winners of both group and individual challenges.

Day 1 was an icebreaker, get to know you challenge, where we broke into groups of five and gave the kids 10 minutes to ask a series of questions, then throughout the day checked in with each other to see how much they knew about their teammates.

Day 2 was all about Nerffing out!

Day 3 we broke them into groups of three, blindfolded two of them and bound their legs together, while the third had to guide them through an obstacle course to retrieve their target and bring it back, after lunch we once again took the kids to the pool for a beautiful day of swimming and playing. We even gave them a water, balloon fight, and a chance to do the counselors!

Day 4 we had an epic double elimination connect for challenge which saw an amazing finals, with everybody rallying around both competitors.

Day 5 we had the much anticipated chocolate no bake cookie challenge. The kids loved this opportunity to not only make a delicious creation, but to go to the grocery store and track down the ingredients. I know that makes them feel pretty mature, and I love watching them work together as you navigate the grocery store and paying on their own.

All in all this week was an amazing time for our academy and kids program. To the adult day class members who stayed patient and rolled with the chaos of the day, (pun intended) thank you! Weeks like this reminded me just how lucky we all are to have this place in our community!

I’d like to offer a huge congratulations to Sarah Mazur, on her well earned, much deserved promotion to Blue Belt. Sarah has been training consistently for around two years, and has offered nothing but a positive attitude, an open mind, and a willingness to get better. After a successful demonstration of our Blue Belt requirements, it was an honor and a privilege to promote her to the distinguished rank of Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu Jitsu here at Gracie Vermont! Congrats Sarah, now the learning begins!

Visit us at www.gracievermont.com for more information and to schedule a free class!

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A huge congratulations to Calvin Hultgren on his recent promotion to purple belt. Calvin has been training with me for almost 4 years, and has been one of the most prolific competitors we’ve had. He’s tested himself in MMA, in sport, Jiu Jitsu, and now, he has Ventured off to test himself in the United States Army. I have nothing but respect and admiration for this young man, and I know he will do great things. Congratulations Calvin!

Also, congratulations to Macy Fitzgerald on her promotion. Macy has been training with me in the kids program, and moved up into the adult program, and has recently joined me in helping teach the kids classes. She has a positive attitude and a bright shining spirit that I feel lucky to have on the mat. Not only that, she’s willing to roll with anybody and test herself against anyone.

We are in the second section of the fundamental curriculum where we are focusing on the very basics of foot sweeps, and close guard. It’s a great time to join us for a trial class, or get back on your journey if you have taken some time off. We would love to have you join us!!

Visit us at www.gracievermont.com for more information and to schedule a free class!

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All day classes and afternoon kids classes are canceled at Gracie Vermont due to weather and road conditions. I will wait to see what happens this afternoon before canceling adult night class. Please check your email for updates, and stay safe on the road!

-Seth

Congratulations to Emily Bergeron on her recent promotion at Gracie Vermont. Emily has been training for over 2 years and helps out in the kids classes as well. Her husband and son both train and together their family has helped others feel welcome and encouraged. After a successful demonstration of our requirements, it was both an honor and a privilege to promote her to the distinguished rank of Blue Belt at Gracie Vermont. Now the fun begins!

Visit us at www.gracievermont.com for more information and to schedule a free class!

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