THE IMPORTANCE OF TESTING YOUR STUDENTS
I started training in 1998 under Professor Marcello Mello, a black belt under Carlson Gracie. I remember my first promotion. It was approximately after a year of training, there was no ceremony, and I did not receive a belt; he looked me and the eyes and said, "next time you come to class, wear a blue belt." These were the good old days. Everything was so different. If you had an attitude, you were kicked out, which usually meant that your bags and clothes were on the street. We were learning crucifix and heel hooks; we were punching each other with gloves while training Jiu-Jitsu, and the energy was so intense. We were all young, and Marcello was preparing for UFC 20. Promoting someone was ....
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