Red Belt Grand Masters of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The Red Belts of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
There are very few 9th degree red belt Grand Masters in the world.

We are making a documentary film about their many decades of experience in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu: their history, their stories, and their wisdom.

http://www.indiegogo.com/redbeltsbjj?c=home

Why?
While most historical accounts of jiu-jitsu focus on the famous Gracie family, these men were their trusted students. They followed them, fought for them, and helped deliver the message of jiu-jitsu to generations of grapplers, from world champions to part-timers.

Now mostly retired, they’ve sadly been largely forgotten. Most exist outside of the knowledge of those within the jiu-jitsu world. The attention is firmly on current world champions, but we should be careful not to forget the lessons these masters can teach us.

We want to honour the work of the grand masters by recording their knowledge and telling their stories – before it’s too late and they’re gone forever.

Who are they?
They are teachers and fighters who began training before most of our fathers were alive. Men like João Alberto Barreto, a direct student of Helio Gracie who was a referee at UFC 1 and trained bare-knuckle vale tudo fighters throughout the 60s and 70s, while acting as a sports psychologist to the Brazilian national football team. Men like Oswaldo Alves, who has graduated hundreds of black belts and who is the only Brazilian jiu-jitsu master to have taught at the Kodokan (the home of judo) in Japan. Men like Renato Paquet, who was a two-time Brazilian boxing champion in addition to being an expert grappler.

We aim to include as many as nine Grand Masters (depending on their availability) in this film.

Who are we?
At BJJ Hacks, we’ve made a number of very successful short films about Brazilian jiu-jitsu, featuring some of the biggest names in the game – check them out on YouTube. We’re taking it to the next level with this project, which will be a full-length 90-minute documentary.

The plan, and what’s in it for you
Our plan is to make this video FREE and available online to anyone who wants to watch it. But to do so, we need financial support.

The Grand Masters deserve something that reflects their lifelong commitments, and making a film like this will take many months of work. We’re going to have to devote our entire time to produce this film, and we estimate it’s going to take a least 3 months to complete.

We’re not trying to sell anything. We want as many people as possible to see this movie, which is why it’s going to be hosted online across multiple video-sharing websites like YouTube and Vimeo.

In the sidebar you can see the different funding options and corresponding rewards, which range from credits in the film and a private link to the movie before it’s released, to some really amazing, limited-edition special items from some very generous people who have decided to pitch in and support us.

If the funding goal isn’t met, the film will still be made and all rewards will be honored, although the whole process will take longer.

We’re also going to produce a coffee-table book featuring photos and quotes fro the Grand Masters. Only 22 of these will ever be printed – 9 will go to the Grand Masters, 3 to the authors / filmmakers, and the rest will be given to people who donate to the project.

The Budget
We’re aiming for 100% transparency in this project. People might think we’re being overly-ambitious, or that we’re funding some lavish beach-going lifestyle.

Where will the money go?

If the target of $15000 is reached, here’s an estimate of how the funds will be used.

Perk manufacture and shipping costs: $4874
Production costs:
Camera Operator $2000
Translator $1500
Equipment hire $2000
Travel expenses $500
Website for film $628
Book designer and production: $1700
IndieGoGo processing fees: $1539.24

Total: $14811.24

We’ll round it up to $15k and spend the leftover on celebratory coconut waters and acai for the crew once it’s complete.

What if we raise more money than we’re asking for?
Well, that means more money to spend on production, meaning a better quality film completed sooner. Which would be awesome.

Fantastic! What else can I do to help?
You can ‘Like’ the BJJHacks Facebook page, where we’ll be posting regular updates during production.

If you feel like sharing this page, or just the campaign video, on your social media networks, blog, or by email, that would be a big help.

Thanks in advance for your support!
Where can I find more information?

Head over to our website! http://www.redbeltbjj.com