Jean Jacques Machado Promoted to Red/Black Belt

Monday June 6th, 2011. One Legend bestows an honor to another.

Without doubt, the most renowned Jiu Jitsu master in the world, Rickson Gracie, promotes his cousin, friend and long time student, Master Jean Jacques Machado, in what was an emotionally yet inspiring private ceremony in Los Angeles, California.

Professor Machado was bestowed promotion to Red/Black Belt in recognition of his 25 years as a Black Belt Instructor, competitor and world champion.

Because I was graciously granted the exclusive rights to record this important moment in the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it is my honor and privilege to share it with the rest of the world.

Also included, at the end of the video, is the following open appreciation letter from Mr. Machado to Rickson: ......

"How does one adequately express their appreciation to someone who has given them the gift of sight? The ability to see and understand things as they never had before.
I am referring to someone in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world who is known by a single name ... "Rickson."

"Before Rickson Gracie I studied Jiu Jitsu, after Rickson Gracie I understood Jiu Jitsu."

Without understanding Jiu Jitsu I would not be who I am today, and knowing this overwhelms me with love and admiration for him, for the wonderful gift he has given me.

No matter where or when, Rickson was always there for me. The 5:00 am lessons, the 15 minute instructions in-between his many private classes - a thinker before a fighter, my mentor had gone above and beyond. I can only hope to aspire to half the level of his influence. To ignite the passion within others as he did with me. To make a difference to others as he has for me.

It is my honor and privilege to be able to help preserve the memory and spirit of his teachings, his philosophy and his humor where ever I may go.

Rock'n roll will always have Elvis, basketball will always have Michael Jordan and Jiu Jitsu will always have Rickson Gracie.

Honestly I don't feel I could ever fully explain the deep rooted emotion of appreciation I have for this man, so I'll say it simply.

Thank you, Rickson. Thank you for taking me beyond the technique. Thank you for providing me the guidance. Thank you for your constant unselfish dedication to show me an art that transcended to the practicalities of life itself. Thank you, Rickson. Thank you for giving me that life."
- Jean Jacques Machado

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[dustedNdisgusted]

Thanks for uploading!! Awesome!!

[Joez86]

@dustedNdisgusted, my pleasure. Thanks for viewing ;-)

[brthomas503]

Whats all that background noise? People weren't respectful enough to stop doing what they are doing for 15 minutes?

[Joez86]

@brthomas503 The background noise was due to outside heavy winds. The wind was banging into the sliding doors and window screens.

[Joez86]

Thanks for the good wishes everyone - I'm sure Rickson & J.J. are reading them ;-)

[trollinyourmom94]

i wish it will be like that when i get my blue-belt :D

[Arwrologist]

Thanks for uploading this. I never met him, but I know Carlos, and his brothers are very much humble men. God Bless!

[dolphinsdewd88]

I am testing for my black belt in kempo today at 10 am.

[ordaboy]

thats pretty friggin cool...Master Rickson gave my teacher Brandon Hetzler his black belt little over a year ago,and then he did a seminar at the school here in sacramento.

[3gsummit]

@xisgo

Awarded in the United States. An english-speaking country.

[FraldinhoBJJ]

omg i almost frickin lost it when the camera zooms in on jjs face after rickson gives him the belt and starts talking. powerful shit

[xisgo]

um esporte brasileiro.... com personagens brasileiros.... lendas brasileiras... falado em ingles... pqp ! que pena............. tinha que ser EM PORTUGUES... e eu sei falar em ingles.. mas nao concordo com isso.

[jiujitsuplayer13]

@L3g3ndkill4 It's a combination of both. Generally it takes 8-10 years to get a black belt and you get tested based on knowledge of sweeps, submissions, etc and how to use them in a roll. Black and red belts and above take into account the time actively participating in BJJ and contributions to the sport.

[L3g3ndkill4]

Hey Im just wondering, how do you get black belt? is it by skill or how long youve been training?

[juninhofreekick]

rickson needs a red belt he deserves it