A large number of Arashi-Do students recently travelled to Edmonton where they were tested with Master Sylvio Behring, a 7th degree red and black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), and received new rigs in the art.
Master Sylvio Behring, originally from Rio de Janeiro Brazil, is currently one of the highest ranking practitioners in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the world. He is one of 31 people that hold the current rank of 7th degree red and black belt. He has trained UFC Fighters, including Ronaldo “Jacaré” Souza, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Andersen Silva as well as many others.
He performed the grading and training seminar for 23 students in Edmonton Apr. 26. Sensei Ken Sumner, head instructor of Arashi-Do’s Sylvan Lake School attended. Sumner was tested and awarded his purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It has taken him an approximately six years to get to this rank.
“I was extremely surprised by this rank. I didn’t expect it. However the panel of black belts who felt I was ready have been doing this a long time and I trust their judgments,” Sumner said. “It really hasn’t sunken in yet. It was a complete surprise to go up and show and test but I’m glad I did it and I’m glad I showed well.”
The rank is comparable in many martial arts to a black belt. In fact the purple belt is commonly called the mini black belt. A person of purple belt has a very good understanding of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The seminar also focused on self-defense for both adults and for kids which he teaches in his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes.
Two members of Arashi-Do Sylvan Lake attended grading on May 4. TK Adeleke was awarded his first stripe on his white belt. He performed a 15 minute demonstration with a partner to show his technical skills, with a group, in front of the head instructors.
Also attending was a second student who declined to be named. After two years of training, he has accomplished his Blue Belt in BJJ.
— Submitted