Gracie Barra Arnold: E: [email protected] T: 07957 137496
Gracie Barra Arnold: E: [email protected] T: 07957 137496
Professor Victor Estima is the Founder of Gracie Barra Nottingham and Gracie Barra Europe leader with more than 15 years of teaching experience.
He is a primary example of a man who is fully dedicating his life to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and its members. Prof. Estima’s witty personality, enthusiasm, integrity, and leadership make the essence of GB Nottingham and touch all those around him. An outstanding competition background qualifies him as one of the most exciting middle weight competitors on BJJ history. He collected many titles such as a European Champion, Pan American Champion, World Champion NoGi, British National Absolute Champion, 6 times Worlds bronze medalist and 4 times world Pro silver medalist.
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
Since 2010
When did you start coaching?
2014
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
My brother started training Jiu-Jitsu first and spent a lot of time trying to get me to give it a go. After about 6 months of trying, he finally persuaded me to give it a go. I absolutely loved it and wished I’d listened to him earlier!
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
At the beginning I enjoyed competing, but as time went on I began to really enjoy teaching. Seeing people grow and develop through Jiu-Jitsu is very rewarding.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Receiving my Black Belt in front of my team mates was a very special moment for me.
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since 2001
When did you start coaching?
2014
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I watched Royce Gracie on the original UFC and it demonstrated that BJJ was a very effective martial art.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
I love the complexity of problems offered while rolling and the connection between practitioners.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Becoming a full time Jiu-Jitsu instructor and being able to empower people through Jiu-Jitsu.
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since 2016
When did you start coaching?
Early 2019, not long after I received my Purple Belt.
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I wanted to do a martial art as I did karate as a kid. Although I quit, I knew I should have transferred to something else. I wanted to do something more practical than karate and wanted the exercise. I was recommended to try Gracie Barra and everything went from there.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
That is keeps evolving so you can always improve. The social side is also extremely important to me.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Receiving my Black Belt, there’s many others but that stands out as the most.
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
I’ve been training since 2017 when I was 14
When did you start coaching?
When I was a blue belt at 16 years old in 2018
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I wanted to train Jiu-Jitsu because I wanted to do a martial art. Jiu-Jitsu looked like a good option in comparison with other martial arts.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
What I enjoy the most is learning new details and techniques for playing guard and being in a friendly environment with all different types of people.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Earning my purple belt from Professor Simon and Professor Vanessa.
How long have you been training BJJ
Since June 2019
When did you start coaching?
2022
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I grew up watching MMA and was always fascinated by the effectiveness of BJJ. My partner had been training for a while so I came for a trial class and never looked back.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
The camaraderie between teammates and the constant pursuit of improvement.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Becoming a coach and changing lives through jiu-jitsu. Seeing our students improve and gain confidence inspires me every day.
How long have you been training Jiu-Jitsu?
Since 2021
When did you start coaching?
2023
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
The challenging nature of Jiu-Jitsu. It motivates me to push myself and to reach my full potential.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
The mental toughness that I have developed since I started training.
What’s your most memorable moment in your Jiu-Jitsu journey so far?
Winning silver at the IBJJF European Championship.
How long have you been training BJJ?
Since 2018
When did you start coaching?
2023
What inspired you to start training Jiu-Jitsu?
I started Jiu-Jitsu because I used to get bullied and had bad self-confidence when I was younger. Jiu-Jitsu has played a major role in improving both aspects of my life.
What do you enjoy most about Jiu-Jitsu?
I love Jiu-Jitsu for its welcoming community, where I can truly be myself. It’s a place where others are always there to lift my spirits after a bad day.