On May 2nd and honorary black belt was awarded in Rio De Janeiro. It was given to a blue belt from China who had been integral in helping set up an IBJJF competition in China.
After a further prodding of the source it was revealed Robson Gracie had given the honorary black belt in MSE jiu jitsu in Rio to Cui GuoQing (崔国卿), CEO of Shanxi New Culture & Cultural Exchange Ltd. Co. (山西新文源文化交流有限公司), in recognition of his contribution to the promotion and development of BJJ in China. The promotion was personally awarded an honorary black belt by red belt master Robson Gracie, with red belt master Master Athyda issuing the black belt certificate.
In attendance were some of the old time bjj practitioners under Carlson Gracie Sr.
According to the bio of the academy, teachers there are Master Márcio dos Santos coral belt; Professor Alesandro Nascimento 5th degree black belt and Professor Ricardo Cavalcante.
Below is master Robson pictured with late Ryan Gracie a number of years ago.
Following an outcry from the China bjj community the championship ended up being cancelled:
As for Mr. Cui, he is very aware of the matter. And GuoQing’s passion is to spend millions to enable an IBJJF competition to make landfall in China, allowing China’s BJJ enthusiasts to come into close contact with the world’s premier BJJ competition.
