Royce was the first BJJ star I ever met. Actually before I ever trained BJJ - way back in 2002 I think (he turned up my kickboxing club). He seemed very humble and lovely back then and nice to know he still is.
I finally got the chance to attend a Royce seminar in 2005 and have attended about half a dozen more since (I met Sooz at one of them!).
Royce has gotten some stick recently on the various forums, but if you look at his heritage and what he has achieved, he will always be remembered as the man who's UFC wins helped bring BJJ to the wider world. We should all be grateful.
To anyone who criticises Royce, I always reply by saying this: you roll with Royce and tell me if you think he is too old skool? I think you'll find, once you recover from excessive tapping, that the man is still relevant and has much to offer us.
Look out for Matt Benyon's forthcoming tribute to Royce in Fighters Only soon.
He looks great in your photos, glad you took a lot away from the seminar.
He was great, Meerkatsu. Enjoyed it immensely and took a lot from it. Have no interest in forum trash-talk, he walks the walk and that's what counts. Super experience I hope to repeat :D
Thanks for your enthusiasm, Part Time Grappler, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. There was a photographer there working with Royce (I believe) and I didn't ask if it was possible to take pix during the seminar. However, spectators were allowed, so it wasn't on lock down. I'd defo ask if you're interested. Enjoy!
Hi slideyfoot, yes, he spoke to a clubmate of mine about that, and out of deference to his father wears the navy blue instructor's belt. There was one purple belt promoted :)
Great write up. Some of my Royce memories...
ReplyDeleteRoyce was the first BJJ star I ever met. Actually before I ever trained BJJ - way back in 2002 I think (he turned up my kickboxing club). He seemed very humble and lovely back then and nice to know he still is.
I finally got the chance to attend a Royce seminar in 2005 and have attended about half a dozen more since (I met Sooz at one of them!).
Royce has gotten some stick recently on the various forums, but if you look at his heritage and what he has achieved, he will always be remembered as the man who's UFC wins helped bring BJJ to the wider world. We should all be grateful.
To anyone who criticises Royce, I always reply by saying this: you roll with Royce and tell me if you think he is too old skool? I think you'll find, once you recover from excessive tapping, that the man is still relevant and has much to offer us.
Look out for Matt Benyon's forthcoming tribute to Royce in Fighters Only soon.
He looks great in your photos, glad you took a lot away from the seminar.
He was great, Meerkatsu. Enjoyed it immensely and took a lot from it. Have no interest in forum trash-talk, he walks the walk and that's what counts. Super experience I hope to repeat :D
ReplyDeleteThis is so great Meg. I'm attending his seminar tomorrow at EKBJJ. I can't wait and reading your words made me so excited :)
ReplyDeleteWhere you allowed to take pics/vids of the technical section?
Thanks for your enthusiasm, Part Time Grappler, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment. There was a photographer there working with Royce (I believe) and I didn't ask if it was possible to take pix during the seminar. However, spectators were allowed, so it wasn't on lock down. I'd defo ask if you're interested. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteOut of interest, was he still wearing a blue belt, and does he still hand out lots of blue belts at seminars?
ReplyDeleteHi slideyfoot, yes, he spoke to a clubmate of mine about that, and out of deference to his father wears the navy blue instructor's belt. There was one purple belt promoted :)
ReplyDelete