Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:44 Getting to know Professor Bruno Fernandes

21:31 Rio de Janeiro, Jiu Jitsu & Surfing

32:00 How Jiu Jitsu can help tackle mental illness and suffering

51:17 Outro - Reminder to tune in to Part 2 on Oct.28

The Grappling Monthly Podcast stops by at Gracie Barra Montreal to visit 6th degree BJJ black belt and founder of GB Montreal, Professor Bruno Fernandes!

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, professor Bruno Fernandes is a Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt under Carlos Gracie Junior, a multiple time world champion and was the grappling coach of numerous jiu jitsu and mma fighters, including former UFC champion George Saint Pierre.

Professor Fernandes moved to Canada in 2005 to do a speciality course in ophthalmology and a PhD at the McGill University in Montreal, where he started coaching BJJ part time. He was ultimately invited to teach at the prestigious university and has called Canada his home since then.

In part 1 of this 2 part episode, we discuss:

• Starting jiu jitsu at age 11 at the Gracie Academy on Rua Figueiredo Magalhães in Rio de Janeiro

• How Jiu-Jitsu evolved from self-defense to global sport

• Surfing, discipline, and longevity on and off the mats

• Building Gracie Barra Montreal and bridging two cultures

We hope you enjoy this episode! Stay tuned next week for Part 2!