I had the honor of teaching and sharing the mats with legends like Professor Sergio “Canudo” Zimmerman, Carlson Gracie Jr., and Marcelo Alonso at the Pound for Pound Team Convention in Munich. A truly unforgettable Jiu-Jitsu experience.
Weekend I’ll Never Forget
There are moments in your Jiu-Jitsu journey that make you stop, take a deep breath, and realize how far the path has brought you.
Teaching and sharing the mats with Professor Sergio “Canudo” Zimmerman, Carlson Gracie Jr., and Marcelo Alonso at the Pound for Pound Team Convention in Munich was one of those moments for me.
Being surrounded by living legends of our art — men who helped shape the history of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — reminded me why I started this journey and why I continue to dedicate my life to it.
Standing Among Mentors and Icons
I’ve been fortunate to have Professor Sergio “Canudo” Zimmerman as my mentor and guide throughout my Jiu-Jitsu career. His influence on my development as an athlete and as a teacher is something I value deeply.
At this event, I had the chance not only to learn from him again but to teach alongside him, and that was truly special.
Sharing the mats with Carlson Gracie Jr., the son of the legendary Grandmaster Carlson Gracie, was equally inspiring. His energy, humility, and passion for the art carry the same values that built the Gracie legacy: discipline, respect, and perseverance.
And then, having Marcelo Alonso, one of the great ambassadors of Jiu-Jitsu, on the mats — a man who represents both the old-school roots and the modern evolution of the sport — made the weekend even more meaningful.
The Spirit of the Pound for Pound Convention
The Pound for Pound Team Convention in Munich wasn’t just a seminar — it was a celebration of lineage, knowledge, and unity.
Hundreds of practitioners came together from different academies, backgrounds, and countries to train, share, and grow together. The atmosphere was electric — respectful, intense, and full of gratitude.
When it was my turn to teach, I focused on what I love most: leglock control systems, transitions, and modern positional awareness. I wanted to bring something that represented my journey — technique with detail, structure, and purpose — the same philosophy I teach every day at AbelBJJ / Casa de Luta Saarbrücken.
Teaching Beside My Professor
For me, the most meaningful part of the event was standing next to my professor, Sergio “Canudo” Zimmerman, and contributing to the same stage.
It felt like a full-circle moment — from being the student watching, to becoming a fellow instructor sharing what I’ve learned under his guidance.
Canudo’s lessons have shaped my approach not only to technique but to teaching itself:
- Patience over pride
- Precision over speed
- Connection over competition
Watching him teach, hearing his insights, and feeling that connection to our shared lineage filled me with gratitude.
Learning from Carlson Gracie Jr. and Marcelo Alonso
Both Carlson Gracie Jr. and Marcelo Alonso brought incredible perspectives to the weekend.
Carlson Jr. spoke passionately about the roots of our art — about loyalty, discipline, and teamwork. He reminded us that Jiu-Jitsu is about building strong people first, and strong fighters second.
Marcelo Alonso, on the other hand, shared his approach to blending traditional Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals with modern strategy — showing that the art continues to evolve without losing its soul.
Training and teaching alongside these masters was an honor and a reminder of how much knowledge exists within the global BJJ family.
Gratitude and Reflection
I’m deeply thankful to the Pound for Pound Team for organizing such an incredible event and to every participant who stepped onto the mats that weekend.
The energy, respect, and sense of community were something I’ll carry forward.
It’s moments like these that remind me that teaching is also learning — every class, every seminar, every roll adds something new.
Representing AbelBJJ and Casa de Luta Saarbrücken in an event of this magnitude was a proud moment for me personally, but also for my students and teammates who share this journey every day.
What I Took Away
The biggest lessons I took from Munich were simple but powerful:
1️⃣ Never stop learning — even when you’re teaching, you’re still a student.
2️⃣ Lineage matters — honor the teachers who came before you.
3️⃣ Community is the foundation — Jiu-Jitsu grows stronger when we grow together.
Looking Ahead
This experience motivates me to continue traveling, teaching, and connecting with the global Jiu-Jitsu community.
Whether it’s through seminars, camps, or training at Casa de Luta Saarbrücken, my goal remains the same: to share what I’ve learned, stay curious, and keep the spirit of Jiu-Jitsu alive.
📍 Train with Me at AbelBJJ | Casa de Luta Saarbrücken
If you’re in Saarbrücken or nearby, I invite you to join us on the mats.
At Casa de Luta Saarbrücken, we build a community rooted in respect, discipline, and technical growth — the same values passed down from legends like Carlson Gracie, Marcelo Alonso, and Professor Canudo Zimmerman.
🥋 Gi & No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu Classes
💪 Competition Training
🌍 International Seminars & Events
📱 Instagram: @abelbjj
📍 Location: Casa de Luta Saarbrücken, Germany
💬 Let’s Stay Connected
Were you at the Pound for Pound Team Convention in Munich?
Or have you ever trained with Professor Canudo, Carlson Gracie Jr., or Marcelo Alonso?
💭 Share your experience in the comments or message me on Instagram — I’d love to hear how these legends have inspired your journey too.
Together, we carry their legacy forward. OSS 🥋