Richard Bresler, the first regular American jiujitsu student - a podcast by Jeff Shaw

Richard Bresler was Rorion Gracie's first regular American student, which means he was really the first person in the United States to train Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. He started training in July of 1979, 14 years before the first UFC. That means he has a litany of incredible stories, including some from when Chuck Norris invited Rorion to Las Vegas, and Richard was the only non-Gracie to make the trip.There are stories from early dojo challenge matches, including what happened when Judo Gene Lebell asked Richard to roll.

We wanted to talk to Richard because he doesn't get enough credit for what he's done to spread Gracie Jiu-Jitsu throughout the United States and the world. He helped to finance the first Gracie Academy and to make the first UFC happen -- you'll hear about that as well. For most of us training today, Richard played a significant role in making that happen. Bear that in mind when you're hearing Richard Bresler talked about how living with Rorion saved his life, and when you listen to him talk about visits with Helio, Carlos, Rickson and Rolls Gracie.

Today we go straight to the source for stories of Gracie Jiu Jitsu in America. We also announce two new sponsorships of local athletes who applied!

Thanks as always to our sponsors, US Grappling, Toro BJJ, and Cageside Fight Co.! Register online at usgrappling.com to compete, and if you need gi or nogi gear to compete, find the best products at cageside.com! If you want access to bonus content, you can support us at patreon.com/dirtywhitebelt, as Cody Maltais, Karl Krebs, Chris Holmes and Betty Broadhurst did this month -- thanks, y'all!

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