On May 31- June 2, the Valente Brothers hosted the Shokunin Conference 2019. This was the second edition of the black belt and instructors conference with over 50 participants. One of the highlights of the event was a leadership lecture by the US Army Lieutenant General Michael Ferriter. VB black belt and former Florida state senator, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla lectured on Dr. Pedro Valente Sr.’s contributions to jūjutsu in Brazil and to the development of the VB Method.
100s of youth students and parents flocked into the VB Headquarters for a great day of learning how to face challenges.
On Thursday, May 9th, 2019, Valente Brothers won the Focus Brasil Award. VB was recognized as a top martial arts organization in Florida. The Focus Brasil Award is a prominent organization in the Brazilian community in the United States. VB has been a leading force in the martial arts instruction for over two decades in South Florida. Professor Gui Valente with his wife Laura Valente represented Valente Brothers during the award ceremony. During his speech, Professor Gui dedicated the award to his father Dr. Pedro Valente Sr..
On Saturday and Sunday, May 4th and 5th, 2019, Professor Gui Valente returned to Houston, Texas. Professor Gui taught youth and adult seminars at the VB Black Belt School, Cantu’s Self-Defense. VB Black Belt instructor Calvin Carter and his students also attended the seminars. Professor Gui congratulated instructor Roy Cantu, his staff and all students in attendance for another excellent weekend of jūjutsu (Jiu-Jitsu).
The Fudoshin Challenge promotes competition for development and not for ego. We could not be happier with the level of respect and discipline that exists on our mats. Congratulations to all who accepted the challenge and a big thank you to our students and friends who supported the event.
Once again Valente Brothers had the honor and privilege to be selected by the United States Military to teach combat skills to service men and women of the US Army.
According to the US Army’s own words:
“Our Soldiers enhanced their technical abilities, and gained confidence while receiving words of wisdom. We would like to send a special thanks to the Valente Brothers for taking the time to train, develop and motivate our soldiers. And we will be honored to have them again.”
The Army also added that:
“We have the responsibility to plan and resource the best training for our Soldiers who deploy in defense of our Nation. Whether it’s complex rocket intercepts, or JiuJitsu trained by world class instructors, our goal in 2-44 is the relentless pursuit of readiness and lethality.”
We are extremely proud and humbled by this recognition and motivated to continue our mission.
On April 20, Professor Royler Gracie returned for another great Seminar at VB Headquarters in North Miami Beach.
Professor Pedro Valente was invited by the Academia Gracie Humaitá to teach a grappling seminar during the annual instructors Meeting in San Diego, CA. Pedro taught some of Grandmaster Hélio’s favorite techniques and strategies.
On March 22, professor Pedro was once again invited to speak at the Jiu-Jitsu Lifestyle Summit in Los Angeles, CA, organized by Ryron Gracie.
Professor Pedro’s talk was focused on the etymology and definition of jūjutsu, as well as grandmaster Hélio’s teaching methodology and style. VB black belt, Dr. Guy Scuderi, also gave a fine talk during the summit on how to minimize injuries during training.
Retired United States Army Lieutenant General Michael Ferriter visited Valente Brothers on Monday, March 4th. Professor Gui Valente first met General Ferriter in 2008 at Camp Liberty, Baghdad, Iraq. Gui spent nearly two weeks teaching the men and women of the US military and allied forces.
General Ferriter, who holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, was very impressed with the Valente Brothers building and museum. After his private lesson with Gui Valente he stated on his Facebook account, “the Valente Brothers are Jiu-Jitsu icons who studied the history and have incredibly high wisdom. The culture of respect is the first thing you feel.”
In 2018, General Ferriter was named President and CEO of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum in Columbus, Ohio.
We at Valente Brothers would like to express all our gratitude for General Ferriter’s service to our United States of America.
