Street Sports Jiu Jitsu - Santa Monica, Venice, West LA

Training Photos on Flickr

2010-01-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

Dear Grapplers,

I've been posting some photos I've been taking at Street Sports over on Flickr. Feel free to give them a gander.

Everyday Training at Street Sports

Thanks,
Mike

2009 No Gi Mundials Photos

2009-12-05T12:07:00.001-08:00

Congrats to all the Street Sports competitors who took it to that mats for the Mundials and left their gis at home. Thanks to John Lamonica for hooking us up with some great sponsorships and snapping up some great photos that were also used in GracieMag.

Results:

Raphael Carrao and Charles Martone both took home a bronze for their efforts.

Adriano Camolese lost an extremely close match at Black Belt by one advantage.

Roberto Zeinum left his mark on some competitors before eventually being bounced out with a loss on points.

Lastly, Mike Ripberger lost a suprising judges decision in a 0-0 match that taught us all a lesson. If you really want to win, tap the guy out! Don't let it go to the judges!

Thanks for the videos by Mike Chun

Renato Magno Featured in Black Belt Magazine

2009-11-09T18:06:00.000-08:00

Renato was recently featured in Black Belt magazine for their feature regarding 25 years of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

In addtion to some great jiu jitsu instructionals provided by Renato, the feature includes wisdom amassed over the last 25 years from jiu jitsu greats like Renato, Rickson Gracie, Fabio Santos and Helio Gracie.

Bonus video of Renato tossing around Black Belt editor

Mike Chun wins at NAGA Hawaiin Open

2009-10-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

Mike Chun was already a man not to be messed with when he walked into the doors of Street Sports Jiu Jitsu, not long after he became a feared grappler. And now, a samurai?!?!

Apparently that's the award bestowed upon you if you win your weight class at the NAGA Hawaiin Open as Mike did this past weekend. Way to go, Mike! Leave the sword at home when you come to train though...

Grapplers Quest - Long Beach

2009-10-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

Mike Chun and Hugh Fitgerald recently competed at Grappler's Quest in Long Beach on October 10th, 2009 and I'm happy to announce some great results for both of them. Hugh took home first place and Mike took home 3rd. Way to go, guys!

Hugh Fitzgerald

Mike Chun

2009 US National Jiu Jitsu Championships Photos and Videos

2009-10-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Thanks to John Lamonica for the photographs. Outstanding as always. A few are from aliciaphotos.com as well.

2009 US National Jiu Jitsu Championships Results

2009-09-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the Street Sports team members that competed at the 2009 US National Jiu Jitsu Championships held on Sept 12th & 13th at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Full Street Sports Result List

Roberto Zeinum - Blue Belt
Competed

Anthony Genova - Purple Belt
Competed

Daniel Rodriguez - Brown Belt
Bronze Medal - Middle Weight (Loss by DQ due to illegal leg lock)
Bronze Medal - Open Class

John Rickel - Black Belt
Competed

Raphael Carrao - Black Belt
Silver Medal - Middle Weight

Adriano Camolese - Black Belt
Gold Medal - Super Heavy Weight
Silver Medal - Open Class

Mike Chun Wins at Grappler's Quest

2009-07-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Mike Chun (Street Sports Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt) who won his division recently at Grappler's quest in Las Vegas at UFC 100. Mike also was awarded a silver medal for his efforts in the open weight division.

MMA Outlet to Sponsor Street Sports Jiu Jitsu

2009-06-17T19:12:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to announce that MMAOutlet.com is now sponsoring Street Sports Jiu Jitsu. Going forward, up to 10% of all purchases made at MMAOutlet.com will come back to Street Sports Jiu Jitsu.

Support our team, buy your Jiu Jitsu and MMA gear from MMA Outlet.

Use coupon code: SSPORT09 during checkout.

About MMA Outlet:

MMA Outlet is the premier store for MMA Gear and training equipment on the Internet. MMA Outlet offers the best jiu jitsu gi's, mma shorts, mma gloves, from top manufacturers like Vulkan, Keiko Raca and Bad Boy MMA.

Gabriel Vella at Street Sports Photos

2009-06-12T20:04:00.000-07:00

Some great photos of Gabriel Vella's time at Street Sports by John Lamonica. Gabriel received a sponsorship for the 2009 Mundials from John via his NY Pizza business.

Thanks you John for supporting the sport! And congrats again on being crowned world champion, Gabriel.

Congrats to Gabriel Vella - World Champion!

2009-06-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

Gabriel Vella stopped by to train with Renato Magno and the Street Sports team before the 2009 jiu jitsu mundials.

Congrats to Gabriel for winning GOLD in the ultra heavyweight category for his 2nd world championship!

Below are some videos of the techniques we went over.

Mount Escape Drill

Spider Guard Pass

Spider Guard Pass to Collar Choke Combo

Grappler's Quest National Championships in Las Vegas

2009-06-01T17:53:00.001-07:00

Congrats to Dr. Charles Martone for bringing home another medal at the Grappler's Quest National Championships in Las Vegas!

Charlie (supported by his lovely wife Catarina) won bronze at the event.

Charlie stressing out over the brackets.

"Hey does this make it hard to concentrate when I do this?"

2009 Pan Jiu Jitsu Championships Day 3

2009-03-31T14:40:00.000-07:00

Sunday was a great day for Street Sports at the Pan Americans as we delivered a variety of great performances.

Starting off the day, Daniel Rodriguez steamrolled the Brown Belt middle weight division and captured the gold medal! Winning every match by submission (with the exception for the first on points), Daniel proved he is a force to be reckoned with at brown belt now. Congratulations, Daniel!

Kane Tsay also brought home a medal at Brown Belt! Competing at lightweight, Seniors 1, Kane managed to fight off some very tough opposition in his first tournament as a brown belt to bring home the bronze. Way to go, Kane!

Ending the day on Sunday, John Rickel competed in the black belt absolutes. John fought 3 time world champ Fabio Leopoldo and took him to the end of the time period, and finally losing by points. Congrats to John for a valiant effort against a very seasoned black belt!

Daniel Rodriguez

Kane Tsay

John Rickel

2009 Pan Jiu Jitsu Championships Days 1 & 2

2009-03-29T22:44:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to all the Street Sports athletes that competed on day 1 of the Pan Americans this year. We didn't bring home any medals the first day, but we did give 'em hell!!!

Congrats to: Charles Martone, Eric Luchtemberg, Michael Ripberger, Ruben Lomeli, and Roberto Zeinum.

Special thanks to John Lamonica for sponsoring our team and for taking these very unbelievable photos!

Charles Martone

Eric Luchtemberg

Michael Ripberger

Interview with John Lamonica

2009-03-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

I recently caught up with John Lamonica after a training session at Street Sports to ask a few quick questions about his experience with Jiu Jitsu and his decision to sponsor our team at the Pan Ams.

Thanks to John for his time (and please ignore my very amateur interviewing skills)!

Lamonica's Pizza to Sponsor Street Sports

2009-03-18T18:00:00.000-07:00

John Lamonica, owner of Lamonica's NY Pizza in Westwood, has been gracious enough to sponsor athletes from Street Sports Jiu Jitsu competing in the 2009 Pan American Jiu Jitsu Championships.

In addition to providing entrance fees, John has upped the ante and provided some additional incentives for those that bring home a medal.

John Lamonica is not only an avid jiu jitsu player himself, but he's also a photographer and has even had some of his tournament photos featured in Gracie Magazine.

From all of us at Street Sports, thanks John!

Street Sports Jiu Jitsu in Malibu

2009-02-02T18:17:00.000-08:00

Street Sports Jiu Jitsu is pleased to announce jiu jitsu is coming to Malibu!

In conjunction with Malibu Fitness, black belt Raphael Carrao (who is endorsed by Renato Magno) will be teaching group classes and privates at the gym.

Current Malibu Schedule

Tues: 7 - 8PM
Thurs: 7 - 8PM
Sun: 12 Noon

Call Rapha for more information: (310) 907-6231

Malibu Fitness
29575 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Jiu Jitsu Malibu

In Memory of Helio Gracie

2009-02-02T18:03:00.000-08:00

The world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu lost its founding father last Thursday when Helio Gracie died at the age of 95 in Itaipava, Rio de Janeiro. Helio lived a full life and succumbed to natural causes.

We at Street Sports wish to pay our respects to Helio and the Gracie family. If it were not for our hero Helio, Street Sports Academy would not exist, Renato would not be here in the US, and all of our students would not have the gift of Jiu Jitsu in our everday lives.

We remembered Helio Gracie with a bow and a moment of silence on our knees on Saturday.

Helio Gracie

Street Sports 10th Anniversary Photos

2009-01-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Kitty Martone was able to capture some great moments from our 10 Year Anniversary and she was good enough to share them with us.

View the whole 10 year anniversary gallery here (over 200 photos).

Street Sports 10th Anniversary Belt Ceremony

2009-01-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Renato Magno as Street Sports Jiu Jitsu recently celebrated it's 10 year anniversary! To commemorate the occasion the belt ceremony was extra special this year and was attended by what seemed like at least 120 students, family and special guests.

The day was extra special for the following grapplers as they finally received their black belts:

Tim Roth

Bob Jeninnas

Rob Dixon

Adam Treanor

Matt Cable

Francisco Arias

In addition to those belts, 30 other students also received promotions.

We have made the belt ceremony PowerPoint available online as a memento of the historic occasion. Included in the slide show are old photos and other material we did not get to go over due to time constraints.

Be patient, after you click on the link, it might take up to a minute for the file to start downloading:

Street Sports Kids Martial Arts Program

2008-11-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

Professors Renato Magno and Ricardo Wilke have designed a chidren's jiu jitsu program offered on Monday and Wednesdays from 5 - 6 PM. Additionally, Street Sports also offer a juniors program for teens (13 - 17 yrs) from 6 to 7 PM.

About the program:

Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a very practical and comprehensive ground fighting system invented in Brazil and now gaining popularity around the world. Brazilian jiu-jitsu emphasizes "technique over strength" and not anger or aggression.

Children learning jiu jitsu will gain valuable self defense skills, and additionaly increased discipline and confidence, physical fitness, self esteem and focus. Jiu jitsu can help kids deal with stressful situations without getting emotional and can position them not only become great achievers in martial arts, but in every aspect of life.

In a safe and nurturing environment, Street Sports kids learn how to deal with punches, kicks and other wrestling holds by using their opponents weight and momentum to their advantage. They will also learn how to gain advantageous positions using throws, take-downs and other wrestling-like controls. Children that learn jiu jitsu will be able to defend themselves in real world self defense situations even against much larger opponents.

If you have a child between the ages 8 and 13 or a teenager, stop in for a free introductory class!

Kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Photos:

US Open BJJ Results

2008-11-02T17:14:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Street Sports athletes Scott Singer, Adam Treanor and Reuben Lomeli on their performances at US Open XII.

Adam Treanor won bronze at brown belt while Scott Singer took home the bronze at purple. Way to go guys!

Jiu Jitsu Tournament On October 25th

2008-10-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

Street Sports Black Belt, Chris Lisciandro, is running a tournament at his school in Sherman Oaks on October 25th and 26th, 2008.

The tournament is open to white, blue and purple belts and is an excellent opportunity to gain some competiton experience. See the flyer below for more details.

US National Jiu Jitsu Championships Results

2008-09-24T23:35:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Street Sports blue belt Mike Ripberger for winning enough matches to take home a bronze at the US National Championships in Carson, California last Saturday.

Street Sports would also like to salute team members: Sangmook Bae, Anthony Genova, Adam Treanor, John Rickel for competing and showing some great jiu jitsu on the mats!

Also, congrats to Joel from Street Sports Sherman Oaks, who took home a silver for his efforts!

Tournament Photos:

Mike on the medal stand

Mike about to fight

Mike getting the mount & the choke

John looking for a sweep

John after a fight

Adam on the feet

Adam looking for a sweep

Joel on the medal stand

John Rickel Wins Silver Medal at NABJJ

2008-09-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Street Sports black belt John Rickel for winning silver recently at the North American Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Nationals!

Check out John en route to victory.

Foot Grab

Hee Haw?

Side Mount

Faixa Preta - Jiu Jitsu Comic

2008-09-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

Our friend John Machado is being featured in what we believe to be is the first ever comic about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Based on some of John's true life stories, the comic is actually set in the future. The series is penned and drawn by veteran videogame character designer Chadwick Coleman. If you're into jiu-jitsu and comics, look for it in a store this summer!

The Story of the Movie "Redbelt"

2008-09-09T19:48:00.000-07:00

This video will allow you to go behind the scenes into Street Sports Jiu Jitsu to discover the inspiration for David Mamet's epic movie "Redbelt". Included are interviews with fighters Renato Magno, John Machado and Randy Couture.

Kenny Bond Awarded 1st Degree Black Belt

2008-08-24T22:47:00.000-07:00

Kenny Bond was recently awarded his 1st degree on his black belt by Renato on Saturday, August 23.

Many hardcore California bjj fans know Kenny well, tut for those of you that don't,
Kenny has been a black belt for five years and as many competitors have found out the hard way, he is the master of the bondo-plata (patent pending).

Apologies for my terrible camera phone pics, but they're all I got.

The Stripe

With younger brother, Tim Bond.

Random "Bondo" grappling videos for your enjoyment:

Grappler's Quest 2003

No Gi Pan Ams 2003

Grappler's Quest 2007

Versus Joe Camacho

Arm Barring Len for the 3,000 time

2008 No Gi Mundials Results

2008-08-12T14:33:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Street Sports competitors on their performance at the 2008 No Gi World Championships (Mundials)! Street Sports brought a very small group, but walked away with quite a few medals.

Tim Bond - Black Belt Silver Medal
Tim won silver in his first Mundials as a black belt in the Heavyweight Masters category!

Adam Treanor - Brown Belt Gold and Silver Medal
Adam took home two medals. Gold in the brown belt senior middleweight category and silver in the absolutes!

Charles Martone - Purple Belt Silver Medal
Dr. Charles was just promoted to purple belt after winning gold at the Pan American championships. Amazing to win at the mundials in his first competition at purple!

Tim Bond Photos:

Charles Martone Photos:

Renato Magno Seminar: Sat Aug 16th 2008

2008-08-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

Renato Magno will be giving a seminar at at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club in Sherman Oaks on Aug 16th at 12 noon. For 3 hours, Renato will be sharing technique and strategies that have made him and his students champions. Register today for only $100!

Street Sports on TV: "The Unit"

2008-08-03T21:23:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Street Sports students Galen Tong and Hugh Fitzgerald for landing roles on an upcoming episode of the tv show "The Unit". Both of these guys also had a roles in the movie "Redbelt" as well.

Renato Magno Awarded 4th Degree Black Belt

2008-07-09T16:34:00.001-07:00

Renato Magno along with several other leading jiu-jitsu black belts were recently honored at the 2008 Jiu Jitsu Mundials during a belt ceremony.

At this time Renato was awarded his 4th degree black belt--quite a feat! This puts Renato with a very elite few who have demonstrated this significant level of expertise in competition and who have also contributed to the growth of the jiu-jitsu community world wide.

Click on the pictures from the Mundials ceremony for a larger version.

Renato Puts on Seminar for NYPD

2008-07-09T16:25:00.001-07:00

Renato Magno and John Machado were in NY not too long ago and they were given the opportunity share their expertise with the NYPD. The seminar was conducted with the NYPD's tactical traning unit and focused on adapting jiu-jitsu for law enforcement personnel.

Police officers often must employ very different tactics when using jiu jitsu to end a confrontation and Renato has been refining jiu-jitsu with this special vocabulary for years.

Renato would like to thank the NYPD for such an important opportunity.

If you are interested in jiu jitsu or other ground fighting law enforcement defense tactics, please contact Renato about a seminar using the email above.

Black Belt Magazine on Redbelt The Movie

2008-07-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

Black Belt Magazine recently interviewed David Mamet, writer and director of the movie Redbelt (and a Street Sports purple belt) about his involvement with Jiu Jitsu, training at the academy and his inspiration for the film.

Street Sports in Masters Magazine

2008-07-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Masters Magazine: The Making of Redbelt

In this issue of Masters Magazine they do a great job of getting some back story on Renato Magno and Street Sports jiu jitsu and some of the inspiration for the film Redbelt.

From the article, "Renato Magno is the product of elite teachers born in Brazil during a time when Gracies and Machados trained and surfed together as a big Brazilian family. Renato's background as an outstanding athlete, holding medals in judo and jiu jitsu, combined with his gregarious personality make him the 'diplomat of martial arts'. Don't be surprised if, while training at Street Sports, some of the biggest names in the martial arts industry stop by just to say hello."

Renato Magno in Fight! Magazine

2008-07-09T15:52:00.000-07:00

Fight! magazine was in the Street Sports Gym to talk with Renato Magno about choregraphing the fight scenes in the movie Redbelt. The magazine also highlights Danile Inosanto, world famous martial artist, who sometimes trains jiu-jitsu with Renato. Click on the images for a larger version...

Street Sports in Gladiator Magazine

2008-06-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

Street Sports was featured in another recent issue of Gladiator Magazine for a story on the making of "Redbelt". In the article, David Mamet (the writer/director) was asked about some his inspiration for the film's characters to which he answered, "Well sure, the first of course, was my teacher Renato Magno and then Dan Inosanto was also a person who inspired me because I had a chance to train with Dan. Then of course, there were aspects of the Gracie and Machado families that I found very interesting".

Street Sports in RealFighter Magazine

2008-06-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

RealFighter magazine recently delved behind the scenes into the making of the film Redbelt and talked to some of the key players in the martial arts world responsible for bringing the realism to the screen.

From the article:

"Mamet is a fine choice to lead the charge of MMA into the moviegoing mainstream. Over the past several years, he has earned a purple belt under Renato Magno, a BJJ instructor in Santa Monica, Calif. (In one for the "Fact is Stranger than Fiction" file, Mamet was reportedly introduced to BJJ by his rabbi.) According to Magno, Mamet walks the walk: "His jiu-jitsu is very technical and he did some boxing and grappling before. He has some good chokes and armbars," says Magno who appeared in Mamet's movie "Spartan" and helped choreograph the fight scenes in "Redbelt".

Street Sports In Gladiator Magazine

2008-06-15T20:54:00.000-07:00

Gladiator Magazine has a write up on Chiwetel Ejiofor (star of Redbelt) and Renato Magno's plans to turn him into a black belt for his role in the movie over the course of just a few months. (Article is not online, click image to read)

David Mamet in Vanity Fair

2008-06-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Vanity Fair has a funny 20 questions with Street Sports Purple belt and Writer/Director of Redbelt, David Mamet.

Tim Bond Wins at Grappler's Quest

2008-05-10T11:38:00.001-07:00

Brown belt Tim Bond recently took a break from beating up his friends at Street Sports to take his game to Las Vegas for the Grappler's quest championships.

Tim brought home a belt for his efforts, congrats Tim!

Party At Tribeca: Redbelt Premiere

2008-05-06T14:46:00.000-07:00

Redbelt was chosen as the gala premiere for the Tribeca/ESPN sports film festival in New York and according to ESPN it was not your average festival opening. I guess that's what happens when you get fighters and artists in the same room, add alcohol and maybe a few b-list celebs.

"NEW YORK -- How to kick off a sports film festival: Take one totally off-the-wall David Mamet movie, add celebrity sycophants, a hint of paranoia and some anxious mixed martial artists, then liberally dump in overmatched security goons, the world's most famous magician, Steve Martin, Smash Williams and a dude who's lived with a fatwa over his head for the better part of two decades, and stir. Then, of course, turn away from this dangerous concoction -- pointing in any direction, really -- and run for your friggin' life." Full article here.

Also, more photos from the premiere here: Redbelt Tribeca Premeire Photos

Street Sports on ESPN.com

2008-05-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Sam Alipour of ESPN.com has written one of the best articles yet about Redbelt, the philosophy of jiu jitsu, and its importance to those involved in the film.

"'Redbelt' is Mamet's love letter to this nondescript building along a sun-bleached slab of Ocean Park Boulevard, the men who sweat here and its purveyor, Renato Magno, a BJJ black belt and Mamet's teacher of six years. It's why the notoriously private Mamet, also a celebrated playwright, fire-breathing essayist and a purple belt, has agreed to guide me into his safe haven where, it seems, only two rules apply: Remove your shoes and leave the outside on the outside."

Full Article Here

Street Sports in the LA Times

2008-05-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Times drops by Street Sports Jiu Jitsu to interview David Mamet and Renato Magno about Redbelt the Movie and Mamet's inspiration for the film.

Full Article Here

Redbelt Movie Stills

2008-04-23T22:43:00.000-07:00

Official movie stills from Redbelt the Movie are online. Click here.

David Mamet on The Fightworks Podcast

2008-04-23T22:03:00.000-07:00

David Mamet, Street Sports Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and writer/director of the film "Redbelt" was recently interviewed on the the fightworks podcast about the upcoming movie and his experience in the sport.

Click here to listen to the interview (link to audio is near the bottom of the article).

On the Set of the Movie Redbelt

2008-04-16T18:12:00.000-07:00

Here are some behind the scenes photos of the Rebelt on location at The Pryamid at Long Beach State University.

Ready for Action

You should have seen the other guys

The Tunnel

The Reservoir Dogs

The Ring

Grappling Dummies

Where's Renato?

Renato and Jean Jacques Machado

John Machado and Chiwitel

Jean Jacques and Frank Trigg

Randy Couture

Redbelt Training at R1 Gym

2008-03-13T00:48:00.000-07:00

Behind the Scenes Training: Renato Magno and Rico Chiapparelli take Chiwitel and Rodrigo Santoro out to the R1 gym to learn some of the basics of MMA.

Redbelt on Planeta Brasil

2008-03-13T00:23:00.001-07:00

Planeta Brasil recently did a feature on the making of the movie Redbelt and caught up with two Brazilians involved with the movie: Renato Magno and John Machado.

New Redbelt The Movie Website Launched

2008-02-26T00:28:00.000-08:00

Sony Pictures Classics has unveiled a new website promoting the movie Redbelt on which Renato Magno served as the jiu-jitsu consultant.

Redbelt Movie Trailer Is Here!

2008-02-25T23:40:00.000-08:00

Check out the Redbelt Movie Trailer

David Mamet Interview - On Set of Redbelt

2008-01-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

Here's another recent interview with David Mamet (the writer and director of Redbelt), professing to be a regular guy in a cowboy hat. David's a modest guy; not only is he a pullitzer prize winner and an academy award nominee, he's also an accomplished Jiu-Jitsu player and a purple belt at Street Sports BJJ under Renato Magno.

In the video you can also see Street Sports athletes Ray Mancini and Steve DeCastro doing some fight rehearsals.

Renato Featured on Fightworks Podcast

2007-11-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

Recently the Fightworks Podcast caught up with Renato at this year's Jiu Jitsu Mundials to interview him about his role in developing the movie "Redbelt". Rico Chiaparelli was also on hand to provide some insight.

You can listen to the full interview here.

On The Set of Redbelt The Movie

2007-10-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

We recently got a hold of some photos taken while we filmed some of the fight scenes for the movie Redbelt and decided to post a few.

Click on the images for a larger version.

Frank Trigg tapes Rico Chiapparelli as Renato Magno Preps

Renato getting in character for fight scene.

Renato in his Corner with El Mariachi and David Mamet

The Pre-Fight Ritual

Renato Magno vs Rico Chiapparelli fight scene

Renato, Randy Couture, and Rodrigo Santoro on the commentators set

Renato overseeing fight rehearsals

The actors go over the Redbelt Script

Chiwitel Ejiofor, Alice Braga and Renato Magno

David Mamet and Renato Magno

Renato Magno keeping Chiwitel in character

Redbelt Photos: Renato Magno

2007-07-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Renato was recently photographed in full fight gear for his scenes in the movie Redbelt. Click on the image for the large version.

More Redbelt Training Pictures

2007-07-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here are some more behind the scenes training pictures at the Street Sports Jiu Jitsu Academy.

Click on the images for a larger version.

The guys with the Redbelt script.

Chiwetel practicing an armbar on Renato.

Chiwetel practicing his guard on John Machado.

A determined Chiwetel working some standup.

Chiwetel working the mitts with Jesse.

Chiwetel mount work on John Machado.

Renato Magno helping Chiwetel with the mount.

The UFC and NBC Visit Street Sports

2007-07-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

NBC Sports recently visited the Street Sports Gym in Santa Monica, CA to chat with some of the stars of Redbelt and film some of the fight choregraphy. Interestingly, David Mamet reveals that he had previously discussed making the film with Mel Gibson.

LA Times Article on Redbelt

2007-07-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

The LA Times recently ran a brief article about the movie Redbelt in which they point out the irony of an intellectual filmmaker like David Mamet acting as the catalyst that caused big Hollywood to recognize MMA and Jiu Jitsu as mainstream entertainment.

Photo Courtesy of LA Times and Sony Pictures Classics.

Fox Sports interviews David Mamet about the movie Redbelt

2007-06-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

Fox Sports recently stopped by the Street Sports Gym to interview David Mamet and to gather some footage of Renato, Rico Chiapparelli, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini and others as they prepare for the film.

RedBelt Jiu Jitsu Training

2007-06-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

Chiwetel Ejiofor will be playing the lead role in Redbelt. His character, Mike Terry, is a jiu-jitsu instructor who has avoided the underworld of no-holds-barred fighting in favor of teaching his students the noble art of self-defense.

You may already know Chiwetel Ejiofor from previous roles in films such as "Children of Men", "Four Brothers" and "Dirty Pretty Things". Not only is Chiwetel a fantastic dramatic actor, but he's also a strong athlete and a quick learner as well. Renato Magno and John Machado have been putting him through his paces at the Street Sports gym in Santa Monica, CA.

Included below are some behind the scenes photos of Chiwetel learning Jiu-Jitsu in preparation for his on screen fights. Chiwetel did not have any prior experience with grappling or jiu-jitsu, but he did get to wear one of Renato's black belts in order to help him get into character. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that easy for the rest of us?

Click on the images for a larger version.

Renato choking John as Chiwetel looks on.

Chiwetel practicing a choke on John Machado.

Chiwetel and John Machado from the knees.

Chiwetel going for a body triangle on Renato Magno.

Chiwetel practicing a lapel choke on John Machado.

Renato Magno showing Chiwetel a choke from the back.

Announcing Redbelt the Movie

2007-06-20T22:16:00.000-07:00

Production for the movie Redbelt has been started. The film is the first major motion picture centered around jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts and is being written and directed by Academy award nominee David Mamet. The film is being financed and distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.

Renato Magno will be acting as the Jiu-Jitsu consultant for the film. In addition to Renato, an all-star cast of martial artists has been assembled to act in or choreograph fight scenes for the movie.

Keep reading this blog (or better yet, subscribe!) for more information and behind the scenes info on Redbelt the movie.