Bonners Ferry Jiu-Jitsu welcomes guest
BONNERS FERRY — Bonners Ferry Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, located next to 3 Mile Corner Store, will be welcoming a special guest this upcoming weekend. Owner, Sam Brown, will be introducing his former instructor, Master Sylvio Behring all the way from Brazil. Behring is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu eighth degree coral belt, a Judo black belt and is regarded as one of the world’s top grappling instructors.
Before moving to Bonners Ferry, Brown lived in Montana, then made the decision to travel after schooling. He wound up working in Florida, at Miami Beach Fitness, as the general manager. One day a gentleman came in and rented a classroom for a couple nights a week and held Jiu Jitsu classes there. Intrigued, Brown joined the class and enjoyed it.
With upcoming plans to travel around South America, he departed the area and arrived to the first destination of his tour in Brazil. There, he found a local gym that offered Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes, and joined them, where he met Master Behring. “I was hooked ever since,” said Brown.
Brown spent about three months in Brazil training and before he left, he participated in a tournament, his first of about 20.
Brown found himself in New Hampshire and made the decision to open an Brazilian Jiu Jitsu school with his cousin. He ended up moving back to Montana after getting married and having his daughter, so Brown’s cousin continued to run the school and is successfully teaching about 300 students of all ages.
With his eye on Bonners Ferry, the Brown family waited for the perfect opportunity to move to the area. After over five years looking, they purchased a home in Porthill about three years ago, and Brown commuted to Sandpoint to teach Jiu Jitsu classes. He grew weary of the commute after a while, and upon hearing about the building by 3 Mile Corner Store being open, he proposed his idea to owner of the store, Chuck Quillin, who gladly accepted.
About two years ago, Brown opened his doors to local residents that would like to participate in the art of defensive fighting. His classes consist of students of all age groups, four years old and up. Students advance their skill and earn colored belts to mark their accomplishments. There are five colors, white, blue, purple, brown, and black. “My rank is first degree black belt and I’ve been training for about twelve and a half years.” said Brown.
Master Behring will be holding seminars, Friday August 11 at 6 p.m. and another one Saturday August 12 at noon, accompanied by three other high ranking black belts from team Sylvio Behring. The cost is $60 for one day and $80 for both. Master Behring is part of a family heritage consisting of high ranking and world renowned figures in this martial art’s history. Brown and Behring plan to bring a unique learning experience to Bonners Ferry in hopes to excite students to push their limits and explore the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
For more information visit www.bonnersferrybjj.com or call 208-290-6518.