Academy of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu morning class photo. December 2008

Raz and Jared Nathanson with the classic serious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pose. Thanks Jared for all your help and tips!

Raz learning and training with Jean Jacques Machado's highest ranking black belt Professor Todd Nathanson at his new academy in August 2008. Thanks for the private lessons Todd and I will see you in December!

Posing with one of Jean Jacques Machado's top ranking black belts Mr. Todd Nathanson. Todd was very welcoming and willing to teach me everytime I visited the academy.

Raz after a good training session with fellow Jean-Jacaques Machado students Mike and Jay Zeballos.

Raz celebrating the victory and showing off the hardware with his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Todd Smith. Many thanks to Todd for sharing his knowledge and taking his time to improve Raz's game.

Sealing the victory, Raz takes his opponent's back in the closing seconds.

Raz takes the fight to his opponent establishing the top mount position.

Four months short of his 38th birthday, Raz wins the lightweight submission grappling division against an opponent 18 years younger.

Admiring coach Jean-Jacques Machado's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu hardware. He is not only a great fighter but an awesome teacher as well!