What a great day today was in training. I don’t talk about my own BJJ training often, because no one wants advice from an out of shape blue belt. But I have been at Renzo Gracie’s for a few years and finally got to train under Thiago Saldanha…

Thiago is a 2nd-degree black belt and extraordinary athlete, a multiple-time IBJJF champion, American National absolute champion, and Pan American medalist. He has succeeded at the highest levels in BJJ.

I love that Thiago developed an original de-escalation system for cops, focused on control without unnecessary force. This is something I haven’t heard of before and it’s a very original contribution to BJJ and law enforcement training.

I have interviewed and interacted with some of the most decorated fighters in the world and Thiago was someone I have wanted to learn from for a long time.  He really stands out in the field for his talent and achievements, even among the highest-level athletes I know.

It’s an honor to be training under him.