Rickson Gracie Article Translated: Part 4-B

ARTICLE TRANSLATION:
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview (Part 4) with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie

Q: Tell us about the new organization you established and named, the Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Japan.


It's an international organization with the purpose of broadening accurate Jiu-Jitsu knowledge. The organization also sponsors the "Rickson Gracie Cup International Tournament." This year, my son Kron is scheduled to compete in the tournament.

"Starting with Japan, my plan is to hold the Rickson
Cup in the United States, Brazil, and Europe."
Photo by Takahiro Kohara

Right now, Jiu-Jitsu is continuing to develop at an international level. As Jiu-Jitsu gains the worlds interest, my cousin has organized a world championship that brings competitors from all over the globe. However, if you look at things objectively, you could say that the tournament hasn't quite become organized.

I didn't form a new federation with the intention of simply surrounding myself with other Jiu-Jitsu authorities.

I serve as the representative, but the purpose of the federation is to go around and promote Jiu-Jitsu tournaments regardless of affiliations.  The purpose is to elevate the standards of all Jiu-Jitsu players regardless of where they got their black belt.

Q: So, even if they were your competitor you would welcome them?

Of course. To raise the value of an event, you need to host tournaments in places where television stations would become interested while gaining sponsorships. I'm always thinking about how the growth in our operations would lead to offering better services to tournament participants. However, it all boils down to being able to produce profits.

Starting with Japan, my plan is to hold the Rickson Cup in the United States, Brazil, and Europe.

It's a project where we anticipate growth, but I'm thinking if it brought in a hundred thousand dollars then seventy thousand of it would go back into project funds to pay for the staff and future development of this project.

Eventually I would like to implement uniforms for the referee, have a jumbo-tron, television sponsorship, a great event stadium, and a top of the line warm up area.

I plan to nurture an internationally renowned tournament where people say, "This is amazing! It's a tournament that really cares about the competitor. The facilities and services are perfect."

Up Next (Part 4C): "I have no interest in training people for Mixed Martial Arts"

Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9711?page=2

Translation by:
Eliot Kelly

Eliot Kelly

www.edhbjj.com

"Learn, Share, Train, Adapt"