World Clan Texas /// by: Mayra Cardenas - Shot by: Katty Strite

World Clan Texas was hosted by Brian Marvin: here is a little Bio about him. He is the head Instructor and owner of Gracie Barra Sugar Land.  Retired after 20 years as Active Duty Soldier in the Army. He has been instructing since 2008. Was the BJJ coach for 5th SFG(A) from 2008-2014. Was attached to the 160th SOAR(A) from 2008-2014, with multiple Deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Professor Brian received his Black Belt from Master Carlos Gracie Jr. in 2011 and his 1st Degree from Professor Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhaes in 2014.

On Saturday, July 9,2016 the Shoyoroll World Clan Tour arrived in full force at Gracie Barra Sugar Land in Sugar Land, Texas. For those that don’t know, Sugar Land is a suburb of Houston. The event was attended by well over 150 Jiu-Jitsu lovers and over 30 schools and academies were represented.

The packed event was hosted by Gracie Barra Professor and Shoyoroll sponsored athlete, Brian Marvin. One of Shoyorolls main guys, Juan Rodriguez, who we all affectionately call “Roach”, made the trip from California to join us in this amazing event.

Before I tell you about the event itself, I need to tell you that all the money raised for this event (if you purchased a Shoyoroll World Clan Texas t-shirt) was donated to the We Defy Foundation (www.wedefyfoundation.org). This organization’s mission; “We Defy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of our military disabled combat veterans through the use of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and physical fitness training. Our coaching staff and members are comprised of both military and non-military personnel. We understand how important it is to take care of our returning veterans. We are committed to giving them the tools to combat life's challenges.” So thank you for your support! 

The morning began with introductions from everyone on the mats. We had blackbelts such as GB Professors Tyler Brossard, Jared Chaffee and Pedro Araujo. We also had Unity Martial Arts Professor James Markle, Professor Robert Defranco, Professor Anthony Mitchell from Mississippi and  American Top Team Professor Gabe Barahona. A moment of silence was held for the fallen Officers in Dallas, Texas, which was appreciated by several police officers in attendance.

The event continued with some tough rolls and laughs by everyone. I was able to enjoy being a spectator this time around. The positive vibes, new friendships and family atmosphere was indeed inspiring for a great future within the Jiu Jitsu community. The respect amongst the different schools and academies was felt.

Whether you were there to get in some rolls or to hang out and watch, you were guaranteed to have a great time. Gracie Barra Sugar Land had plenty of mat space for everyone to get  in some good training. There was plenty of food and drinks to keep everyone going for the three hours of fun! 

Thank you to everyone that made it! We can not do these without your help and support. 

If you happen to get the Shoyoroll World Clan Tour to come by your city or even in your state, make an effort to go support it. Open your mind to others way of practicing Jiu-Jitsu and make a positive difference everywhere you go, on and off the mats. Make it count. 

I am Mayra Cardenas- Blue Belt under Professor Brian Marvin and a Jiujiteira for life.