Jiu-Jitsu Background:
Brown Belt - Jiu-Jitsu Global Federation (JJGF)
Educational Unit Member #5258
Certified Instructor - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Joe Moreira Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Affiliate (Authorization to use the Joe Moriera logo)
Wander Braga Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Affiliate (Authorization to use the Braga Jiu-Jitsu logo)
Brown Belt
Received Brown Belt from Joe Moreira (California) signers include: Joe Moreira, Kainoa Li, Rampage, Marcus Russ, Wander Braga, and Francisco Mansore.
Snake Blocker was first introduced to Joe Moreira via Fabiano Ihn. Snake Blocker received his first blue belt from Fabiano Ihn in 1995/96. Snake Blocker trained with Fabiano Ihn, where he taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes at Blocker Academy of Martial Arts (located inside the Rolling Hills Athletic Club, Torrance, California). At the time, Fabiano Ihn was a black belt under Joe Moreira and a former World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Vale Tudo.
Snake Blocker trained and was ranked, and given the fighting name, "Stranger [to Pain]," from Wander Braga (California-USA). Wander Braga subleased space at the Blocker Academy of Martial Arts studio for over a year and taught Braga Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Rickson Gracie Association recognized). Wander Braga is a former Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Vale Tudo World Champion. Wander Braga also trained under the Rickson Gracie International Jiu-Jitsu Association, under Jorge Pereira. Wander Braga introduced Snake Blocker to Rickson Gracie in 2000. Snake Blocker attended Wander Braga & Magalio (Maga) Abate's wedding in California.
Snake Blocker also trained and was ranked Blue Belt under Rodrigo Medeiros (California-USA). Snake Blocker trained and tested with Rodrigo Medeiros via a seminar in California. Rodrigo Medeiros and Snake Blocker co-taught a seminar on Vale Tudo, Muay Thai and Apache Knife Fighting in Corona, California. At the time, Rodrigo Medeiros was a black belt and part of the Carlson Gracie Team. Rodrigo Mederios is a former World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mike Omerbegovich introduced Rodrigo Medeiros to Snake Blocker. Later, Snake Blocker was ranked Purple Belt Basic Instructor under Mike Omerbegovich (California-USA). Snake Blocker trained with Mike Omerbegovich (Carlson Gracie Team) at Mike's academy, Bianzhu Kilos Martial Arts Academy (Corona-California). Snake Blocker and Mike Omerbegovich did seminars together multiple times. Mike also trained and taught at Blocker Academy of Martial Arts (Palos Verdes and Torrance, California). Mike Omerbegovich was ranked under Carlos Gracie Jr and Rodrigo Medeiros in BJJ.
Snake Blocker also trained and was ranked under Roger Machado (California-USA). Snake Blocker trained via semi-private classes and private lessons. Roger Machado subleased space at the Blocker Academy of Martial Arts studio and taught Roger Machado Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. At the time, Roger Machado was a black belt and former World Champion in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Prior to this, Snake Blocker's first experience in BJJ started with Rorian Gracie and his brother, Royce Gracie at the world-famous Gracie Academy (Torrance, California-USA). Paul Vunak, Progressive Fighting Systems President, recommended Snake Blocker to train with the Gracie family to improve his Jeet Kune Do training. Snake Blocker trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Royce Gracie, from novice to intermediate classes. Rorian Gracie & Royce Gracie are high ranking under their father, Helio Gracie and all are former World Champions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Royce Gracie is a former 3x Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC) World Champion.
United States Army Combatives School 82nd Airborne Division:
Modern Army Combatives Level I & Modern Army Combatives Level II
Snake Blocker trained and received Army Combatives rank from Joshua Winter, Samuel Vanderslice, Craig Alia (Bagram Base-Afghanistan and headquarters at US Army base, North Carolina-USA). Army Combatives I & II have their foundation in Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and was instructed like a sport BJJ & MMA Course.
Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) Level 1 Instructor
Gracie University's specialized Defensive Tactics program for law enforcement, military and first responders
Snake Blocker trained and received GST rank from Rener Gracie (Colorado-USA). Rener Gracie is the son of Rorian Gracie, founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy.
Gracie Mindset Course
Received Instruction by Rorion Gracie, founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy
Brown II - Kodenkan Jujitsu (traditional jiu-jitsu)
Blocker Academy of Martial Arts School Charter Membership (#4411)
Snake Blocker received Brown II Belt and academy charter membership approval from Daniel Saragosa (Oahu, Hawaii). Daniel Saragosa is a Professor and President of the American Jiu-Jitsu Institute (AJI). The American JuJitsu Institute is the official organization of the Okazaki system of Jujitsu. AJI is also the oldest organization representing Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu in America. The original name was American Jujitsu Guild, founded in 1939, but was changed to American Jujitsu institute on 29 June 1947.