“Martial arts like Kung-Fu and Karate are well known, but they aren’t very practical and the belts are practically just given away. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is different; it is a fun and useful martial art that keeps me fit and gives me real benefits, plus rolling is NEVER boring!

I started BJJ as a sixth grader, when I was 12 years old. I have been training and competing in Jiu Jitsu for over two years. For anyone who is in or has attended middle school you know it can be a time of insecurity and fear. Jiu-Jitsu definitely helps me feel confident about myself.  I am not only confident about my self-defense skills, but also my personal physical fitness and in myself as a person.

I live in Plantation and my mom drives me to Pembroke Pines three to four nights a week. There are a lot of places that I could train closer to home, but I love training at Vagner Rocha Martial Arts (VRMA). At VRMA I get to train with Vagner, it’s not just the name of the gym!

I can tell you all the things you can read about Vagner like that he is BJJ black belt, Pan American Champion, ADCC Gi & No Gi Trials Champion, has fought in the UFC, is the current Fight Time Promotions Light Weight Champion and was voted Florida’s MMA fighter of the year for 2013.  What you can’t understand though is what you learn about him when you train with him. He loves the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu- everything about it – and he loves sharing his knowledge, skill and passion. He believes in everyone who trains with him and helps them believe in themselves.

Vagner and everyone at VRMA push me to do my best. It is a fantastic gym to train Jiu-Jitsu because I get to train with people at all different levels who want to get better AND help each other get better. I love Jiu Jitsu and being part of the VRMA Team. Vagner, all of my teammates and competing in BJJ tournaments has taught me a lot about setting goals and all the hard work, commitment and dedication that it takes to reach those goals. ”

Nicolas Fonseca 

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