In the Beginning….
Gracie Technics started at the Oregon Pound which was founded by OSU professor and life long martial artist, Glen Sweeney. In the beginning Glen, who is an accomplished TKD black belt with over thirty years of experience, taught mainly TKD. In the 1990′s this changed with the advent of the UFC as the world was introduced to a new martial art called Gracie Jiu Jitsu. The UFC caught the attention of everyone and Glen was no exception. As the art was still young, and there weren’t many teachers in Oregon, Glen decided to fly on weekends to the Gracie Academy in Torrance California to learn directly from UFC champion Royce Gracie, and UFC founder, Rorian Gracie. On week days, after TKD class, Glen would teach what he learned to a small hand full of students and this became the first Oregon Pound Jiu Jitsu class. Among his first students was Mike Downing who would later go on to succeed him as director and head Jitsu instructor.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the Oregon Pound…
Originally affiliated with Royce and Rorian Gracie, in 2001 the Oregon Pound would become the first official Oregon affiliate of 8th degree, Rickson Gracie black belt, Pedro Sauer. Since that time Pedro has been our inspiration. Once and sometimes twice a year Pedro visits the Oregon Pound to share his vast knowledge, philosophy, and insights of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Gracie Technics is a sub affiliation of the Pedro Sauer Association.
Oregon Pound, and the Birth of Gracie Technics…
In 2003 Mike Downing became the director of the Oregon Pound. Throughout Mike’s tenor as director, there have been many talented instructors who have added to the Oregon Pounds history of excellence. Most notable is multiple state and national champion Rylan Lizares.
Rylan started wrestling at an early age and was immensely successful. In 2001 he came to the Oregon Pound and with in 2 years became the head jiu jitsu instructor. In 2006, after 4 years as head instructor, he moved back to Hawaii and opened his own school. Although based in Hawaii, Rylan comes back often to conduct seminars and contribute to the growth of our schools. Currently, as the founder Gracie Technics jiu jitsu he is the guiding force of our association.
Other notable instructors of the Oregon Pound include Jeff Rockwell (2006) , James Wohlmacher (2006-2007) , Josh Figueroa (2007-2008), and Nick Haloski (2008-2009). Currently Mike Downing is the Head Instructor, Scott King, Yosof Wanly and Wayne Sniffen are the assistant instructors. Amber Crawford, Tristan Ferril, and Mike DeTienne assist with the Family Classes.
Gracie Technics…
In 2006 Rylan Lizares moved back to Hawaii and started the first official Gracie Technics academy. Under his leadership and tutelage over the course of the next several years, his students branched out and started their own schools. Built on the foundation created by Pedro Sauer, the Gracie Technics Academies soon became the Gracie Technics Association, dedicated to the art and science of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Although everyone knows the jiu-jitsu we know, no one does the jiu-jitsu we do!