360 Self Defense Academy

Tomorrow marks 6 years since awarded me my blue belt, today I earned my purple belt from .jiujitsu I just want to say thank you to both of these instructors for teaching me so much, thank you to all of my training partners each one of you has helped me along the way, but especially we have spent so much time on the mats together. I also want to give a huge shoutout to my wife for always being cool with me spending so much time on the mats and pursue my passion! Thank you everyone, today we celebrate, tomorrow we are back in the mats!

We are rolling for Richard. 11:30am-1:30pm. All are welcome, gi, no gi, rolling or hanging out would love to have as many people as possible. We will be providing some light food as well.

I’m deeply saddened that our lead BJJ instructor, Richard Bresler, passed away yesterday. Richard was a true pioneer of BJJ he was the first consistent student of Rorion Gracie, he setup those popular challenge matches and even helped fund the first UFC. If you train BJJ or are a fan of the UFC, Richard had a hand making that a reality. I’m not too good with dates but I believe I started training with Richard consistently in 2016. His teaching style was definitely different than what I was accustomed to from other martial arts training but it really worked, it kept me engaged, and coming back for more.

When I decided I wanted to open 360 in 2019 I was still a white belt and there was no way I was comfortable teaching BJJ. I reached out to Richard in the hopes that he would be willing to teach at 360, without hesitation he said he would love to. This really helped legitimize 360 by having a (I believe at the time) 5th degree black belt instructor. We had some great times at 360, on the mats feeling his passion for jiu jitsu through his teaching, making sure students were doing things correctly, and keeping traditional, self defense style Jiu Jitsu alive. I was so honored when he awarded me my blue belt, and I promise to continue to work and earn my black belt.

Over the years the way he introduced me to people changed, first as his student, then he would refer to me as his boss, but the title I cherished most was his friend. Off the mats we had great conversations, and laughs sometimes staying an hour after class just chatting it up. I do feel like 360 gave him the opportunity to be more playful and connect with students even more deeply. I miss joking around with him even to the point where, of all people, he was at a loss for words. I miss hearing him telling us to relax, I miss when I would answer his call and say “orale!” just so he would respond with “what’s up holmes” and honestly I just miss talking to my friend.

I am truly so grateful for the opportunity to learn from Richard, the little details will always stick with me. He will always have his place on the instructor wall at 360. Thank you for everything my friend, now it’s your turn to relax. 🥋

Which one is your favorite?

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🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Join our new Light Heat Yoga and Flow class every Sunday at 6 PM (replacing the Thursday 8 PM Hot Yoga class). Unwind and rejuvenate with us as we prepare for the week ahead. 💪✨

See you on the mats! 🧘‍♀️🧘‍♂️

From our very first picture together, to dating, for seven years, to me proposing, to marriage and being my forever date. I could not have picked a better human to spend my life with, Happy 3rd year wedding anniversary my love!

I didn’t even know we were nominated but I’m very grateful to everyone who voted us best martial arts school in Westchester, Playa Del Rey, Mariana Del Rey, and Playa Vista. Also, a very big thank you to all of my instructors who make this community we have possible. Lastly, to the 360 members, I appreciate every single one of you. Thank you!

Happiest of birthdays to my amazing wife who doesn’t mind sharing me with all of my students! You’re so beautiful, a blind man could love you.

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A couple of promotions tonight, super proud of all the hard work and dedication that everyone has put in. Hard work always, yes always pays off.