Gilbert Yvel, the legendary Dutch MMA fighter from the early 2000s, remains active in martial arts to this day, albeit in a different capacity. While Yvel made his name in mixed martial arts competitions like Pride FC and UFC, today he focuses his efforts on teaching kickboxing & MMA to kids and himself training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Yvel currently teaches classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced students at Mike’s Gym.
While he no longer competes as an MMA fighter, Yvel continues to train and improve his BJJ game. He regularly rolls with his students at the academy. Yvel’s goal is to become a highly skilled BJJ instructor who can help his students achieve their maximum potential on the mats.
Back in December 2023, Yvel was surprised by his long time BJJ instructor Remco Pardoel (UFC legend who fought in UFC 2 and pioneer of BJJ in Europe) to the rank of black belt in BJJ. Yvel was actually stuck at purple belt for a long time, but Pardoel deemed that his level and expertise of grappling was at the black belt level so he skipped the brown belt altogether.
BJJEE reached out to Yvel to talk about his BJJ journey which stretches back all the way to 2000.
1. When did you first start training bjj/grappling and with who?
I started first training grappling with Remco Pardoel, I think in 2000.
2. Nowadays, how often do you train bjj/grappling?
Now I train 3 times a week grappling and BJJ.
3. What do you think about training in the Gi? Is the Gi beneficial for MMA?
I think the gi is not beneficial for mma. I have trained more grappling than bjj and now if I wear a gi I still grapple.
4. What are favorite techniques/Submission in Bjj?
I think Armbar from the guard is my favorite submission.
5. What have been up to since your retirement?
I have been teaching mma and kickboxing class for kids and adults
And doing a lot of yoga a little boxing and grappling and BJJ.
6. Any plans to compete in Bjj?
Not sure if I going to compete in bjj but you never know
7. What can you tell us about your bjj instructor Remxo Pardoel?
Remco is from day one a relax and awesome trainer with a lot of knowledge and patience and always kept it very simple and direct.
8. What are your plans for 2024 and the future?
My plans are to improve my BJJ and be a black belt worthy teacher and keep on teaching my classes and help the kids to became great fighters and great humans.
