December 18, 2008 in News by Gumby

Meet Our Head Instructor “Gumby”

So if you read the flyer on the front, you’ll see that Heroes Martial Arts has”High Level Black Belt Instruction”.  It’s only fair to tell you about our instructors then, and what better way to start off than with the head instructor:  Alan “Gumby” Marques.

Gumby is well known in the Martial Arts as the co-founder of OTM (www.OntheMat.com), one of the world’s leading sources for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Submission Grappling and Mixed Martial Arts.  OTM has been involved with virtually every major event (including the UFC, EliteXC, Strikeforce, ADCC, the Mundials and many, many more) and has sponsored scores of fighters (way too numerous to list here) and is one of the most respected brands in the sport.

For over a decade now, Gumby has travelled the world reporting on and contributing to the growth of Jiu Jitsu.  As an author, commentator, coach, referee, cameraman, promoter and instructor, he’s taken on many roles, but he is most proud of being called “the spokesman of Jiu Jitsu” by many of his peers.

Gumby began training in Jiu Jitsu in 1996 under the legendary Ralph Gracie. Ten years later he would receive his black belt, a special achievement indeed, and Ralph actually made sure to award Gumby with his own belt!

“Honestly, everything I’ve ever done or accomplished in this industry,” says Gumby, “came from my love of the art of Jiu Jitsu first and foremost.  I’ve been very fortunate to travel, learn from the very best and make friends all over the world.  One of my true passions is actually instructing, and I’m very excited about the opening of Heroes Martial Arts, where I’ll have the opportunity to share everything I have gained over the years.”

In addition to running OntheMat, Gumby has maintained a blog at www.onthemat.com/gumby that you might find interesting.

Gumby personally teaches all Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes at Heroes Martial Arts.  Come train with Gumby Monday through Saturday at Heroes Martial Arts!  460 South Market Street San Jose CA 95113 or call us at 408-288-8857 for more information!