For a new academy that has only been only since March, Windham’s Gracie Gym Maine, a premier martial arts academy specializing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has made a striking impression during the Jiu-Jitsu New England Championships in Worcester, Massachusetts last weekend, taking home fourth place overall among 120 other academies.
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| Joel House of Windham, 12, left, won two Silver Medals and his father, Luke House, won a Gold Medal during the Jiu-Jitsu New England Championships in Worcester, Massachusetts on Sept. 30. SUBMITTED PHOTO |
“These victories were achieved by competitors ranging in age from 6 to 50 and spanning across various expertise levels from white belt to black belt rank,” Smith said. “Participating members showcased their extensive training and commitment to martial arts, reflecting the high-quality instruction and supportive community found at Gracie Gym Maine.”
Smith and the Windham program’s head coach, Vinicius Garcia, joined Gracie Gym Maine participants at the event and said local participants performed remarkably.
“We are so proud of what these members achieved,” Smith said. “They worked hard in the gym training prior to the championships and showed grit, determination, and a dedication to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Originating in Brazil in the early 20th century, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on using leverage and submission holds to defeat opponents, making it an effective form of self-defense for people of all sizes and abilities. It is an effective form of self-defense because it teaches practitioners how to stay calm and composed in high-pressure situations.
Along with teaching physical techniques, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also emphasizes the development of mental toughness and a strong, positive mindset. Its practitioners learn to be confident and mentally prepared for any situation, and its intense, full-body workout will help participants get in great shape and improve their overall physical fitness.
Mental health counselor Luke House of Windham and his 12-year-old son, Joel, a student at Windham Middle School, traveled to the championships in Massachusetts and exceeded expectations in the competition.
House won a Gold Medal in the Mens’ Heavyweight Ultra Purple Belt Division, while Joel took home two Silver Medals in youth divisions he competed in at the event.
“I’ve been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 18 years and when this school opened in March close to where I live, it was great,” House said. “I got Joel involved with Jiu-Jitsu years ago and it has helped him. He also wrestles for the Windham/Gray New-Gloucester/Gorham Wolfpack Middle School team.”
According to House, being a part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Gym Maine in Windham is excellent self-care.
“It’s great exercise, offers social and team camaraderie, and for your brain, it’s like playing chess because you’re constantly thinking ahead,” he said. “When I’m at the gym I tend to forget about everything else.”
Joel House said he’s incredibly proud of the Silver Medals he won in Worcester and being part of the Gracie Gym Maine team.
“I like working hard and feeling such a sense of accomplishment,” he said.
Gracie Gym Maine opened at 770 Roosevelt Trail #6 in the Shaw’s Plaza in North Windham and its academy draws students from all over the state. It offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons to everyone ages 4 and up and the program’s head coach, Garcia, is widely considered one of the most elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world. Garcia has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 16 and has competed in many of Brazil’s top events under renowned coach Rodrigo Castro who promoted him to black belt in 2015.
The academy in Windham offers an inclusive and welcoming environment, coupled with world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the gym prides itself on fostering a community where individuals of all ages and skill levels can learn, grow, and thrive.
Smith said that no matter if you are new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your skills, Gracie Gym Maine offers a range of classes and programs to suit every individual's needs and goals.
“We extend our hearty congratulations to all the participants for their outstanding performance and dedication. The academy also expresses sincere gratitude to the organizers of the New England Championships and the supportive family and friends who have made this achievement possible.
For more information about Gracie Gym Maine and enrollment details, call 207-383-2228 or visit https://www.graciegymmaine.com/ <
Along with teaching physical techniques, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also emphasizes the development of mental toughness and a strong, positive mindset. Its practitioners learn to be confident and mentally prepared for any situation, and its intense, full-body workout will help participants get in great shape and improve their overall physical fitness.
Mental health counselor Luke House of Windham and his 12-year-old son, Joel, a student at Windham Middle School, traveled to the championships in Massachusetts and exceeded expectations in the competition.
House won a Gold Medal in the Mens’ Heavyweight Ultra Purple Belt Division, while Joel took home two Silver Medals in youth divisions he competed in at the event.
“I’ve been practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for 18 years and when this school opened in March close to where I live, it was great,” House said. “I got Joel involved with Jiu-Jitsu years ago and it has helped him. He also wrestles for the Windham/Gray New-Gloucester/Gorham Wolfpack Middle School team.”
According to House, being a part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at Gracie Gym Maine in Windham is excellent self-care.
“It’s great exercise, offers social and team camaraderie, and for your brain, it’s like playing chess because you’re constantly thinking ahead,” he said. “When I’m at the gym I tend to forget about everything else.”
Joel House said he’s incredibly proud of the Silver Medals he won in Worcester and being part of the Gracie Gym Maine team.
“I like working hard and feeling such a sense of accomplishment,” he said.
Gracie Gym Maine opened at 770 Roosevelt Trail #6 in the Shaw’s Plaza in North Windham and its academy draws students from all over the state. It offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu lessons to everyone ages 4 and up and the program’s head coach, Garcia, is widely considered one of the most elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructors in the world. Garcia has been training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since the age of 16 and has competed in many of Brazil’s top events under renowned coach Rodrigo Castro who promoted him to black belt in 2015.
The academy in Windham offers an inclusive and welcoming environment, coupled with world-class instruction in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the gym prides itself on fostering a community where individuals of all ages and skill levels can learn, grow, and thrive.
Smith said that no matter if you are new to martial arts or an experienced practitioner looking to refine your skills, Gracie Gym Maine offers a range of classes and programs to suit every individual's needs and goals.
“We extend our hearty congratulations to all the participants for their outstanding performance and dedication. The academy also expresses sincere gratitude to the organizers of the New England Championships and the supportive family and friends who have made this achievement possible.
For more information about Gracie Gym Maine and enrollment details, call 207-383-2228 or visit https://www.graciegymmaine.com/ <
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