Westborough – Renowned mixed martial artists Mark DellaGrotte and Daniel Gracie were the guests of honor at the grand opening of the Prototype Integrated Martial Arts Studio April 12.
DellaGrotte, of Spike TV's Ultimate Fighter 4 and Gracie, a world jujitsu champion, spoke about and demonstrated effective striking and grappling techniques for self-defense.
“[This is] the first time in an event to see Daniel Gracie and Mark DellaGrotte together,” said Frank Passos, lead instructor and general manager of the jujitsu program at the studio. “To bring this to the community, to Westborough, is amazing.”
The Prototype Integrated Martial Arts Studio has an affiliation with the Daniel Gracie Brazilian jujitsu studio.?Brazilian jujitsu emphasizes the use of leverage and ground technique that allows smaller and sometimes weaker fighters to prevail against larger opponents. Brazilian jujitsu also promotes physical fitness and character building.
DellaGrotte introduced about 50 gym members to Muay Thai, a type of martial arts from Thailand, and urged them to master the fundamentals. DellaGrotte, who has appeared in movies such as “Here Comes the Boom,” teaches and trains with members of the studio on
Thursday afternoons.
“There's nobody better; he has an open mind to everything,” Gracie said of DellaGrotte.
Following DellaGrotte's seminar, Gracie worked with members on striking techniques. He wanted those in attendance to understand the importance of leverage.
“Self-defense is important, but in reality self-defense is a part of jujitsu, like leverage. Jujitsu is all leverage,” Gracie said.
The event ended with a Brazilian-style barbecue buffet, allowing those in attendance to interact with DellaGrotte and Gracie in a social setting.
The studio is located at 50 E. Main St. For more information, call 508-366-1028.
Photos/Gregory Arnold
