E.K. resident a Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert

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This article was published 13/02/2015 (4191 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Join my journey into the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu as I meet with Fernando Alban, the morning instructor at Gracie Humaita Winnipeg, located at 181 Stradbrook Ave.

An East Kildonan resident, Alban has been living in Winnipeg since 2009. When he lived in New York City, he was a program director and instructor for the Gracie Academy’s class for kids.

Fernando became interested in jiu-jitsu after seeing a UFC fight between Matt Hughes and Royce Gracie, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert who is considered the father of the martial art in North America. While working in one of New York’s sales districts he stumbled upon the Royce Gracie Academy. He asked the instructor if he was the guy from the UFC. Gracie said yes and invited Alban for a class. Fernando has been training ever since.

Now a brown belt, Alban teaches the morning class at Gracie Humaita under Rodrigo Munduruca, who founded the first official Gracie affiliate in Winnipeg.

“The 7 a.m. class has a curriculum tailored to those who come in,” Alban says.

“The mornings are supposed to be a beginner class but in the past few years we have had the same students training. We try to make the class equal for everyone. We do warm-ups, a lot of drills which are going to help you develop muscle memory, work on technique and then roll.”

Attendants of Monday to Thursday classes must wear a gi. Friday is no-gi class.

“A lot of people focus on belts, I don’t think you should,” Alban says “Being recognized for the time and effort you put into jiu-jitsu is great, definitely you know where you stand but you shouldn’t only focus on belts.

“For me jiu-jitsu became a lifestyle, not a hobby. I don’t think about belts when I am here or training on the mats — I treat everybody as an equal.”

Jiu-jitsu is a sport that offers lessons applicable throughout the day, Alban says.

“Dealing with situations in my life that are tough, I am relaxed and calm and just try to get through them, instead of getting frustrated and giving up. This has made me a better person, friend, husband and this has made me a better father.”

Evan Comstock is a community correspondent for East Kildonan.