A Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Seminar with black-belt world champion Reubens “Cobrinha” Charles, took place at the CRIB, Rockwood Parade, Sligo, hosted by of Atlantic Jiu Jitsu, on January 29th.

Such was the interest in the Seminar, over fifty BJJ practitioners participated. Many of which traveled from across Ireland, from places such as  Donegal, Mayo, Derry, Dublin, Galway and Limerick. The purpose of the seminar was to create an opportunity for Irish Jiu Jitsu practitioners to learn from one of the top BJJ instructors in the world. Opportunities such as this are usually reserved only for those who can afford to travel to Brazil or the USA where many of the high level BJJ champions live and train.

Short Bio via BJJHeroes.com

Rubens Charles, also known as “Cobrinha” is a historical figure in the sport of Brazilian jiu jitsu, being a 4x IBJJF World Jiu Jitsu Champion as well as a 2x ADCC champion. Originally from the town of Londrina and with a background in capoeira, Rubens Charles’ talent was discovered by the legendary BJJ competitor and instructor Fernando Terere . With Fernando, Cobrinha worked for an extended period before he joined the Alliance Jiu Jitsu Team. Though Rubens Charles is famed for his aggressive style on the mats, Cobrinha is also an accomplished instructor with a long career building fighters games.

Main achievements:

• World Champion (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009)
• World Nogi Champion (2007, 2008, 2011, 2012)
• ADCC Champion (2013, 2015)
• Pan American Champion (2007, 2008, 2009)
• European Open Champion (2013)
• IBJJF Hall of Fame
• Ranked No.1 Light weight All-time by BJJHeroes.com
• Ranked 5th All-time pound for pound by BJJHeroes.com

The 1st impression you get when you meet the 37 year old Cobrinha, is that of a happy and motivated man who takes life in his stride. Cobrinha displayed his great skills great skills and knowledge as both an athlete and a teacher, with a great skill in making the complicated aspects of the game seem simple to the attentive student. t.

The Seminar 4 hours long; a Warm up and with Sport specific drills; technique training; and a capoaeira workout to finish.

Cobrinha demonstrated many important game changing details, the like of which one may spend many years trying to figure out. Guard recovery drills, Guard pass drills and back attacks were the main techniques shown on the day. His attention to detail and knowledge of the art was outstanding, akin to a having a living BJJ encyclopedia on hand. Morgan Smyth, instructor at Atlantic Jiu Jitsu in Sligo, when asked for his thoughts on Cobrinha , he remarked; “Cobrinha is an excellent instructor, a superb athlete, a true BJJ Legend… and above all… he is the most humble guy with huge respect for everybody he meets. It was a true pleasure to have Reubens “Cobrinha” Charles here in Ireland.”

The seminar was deemed a success by the organisers having achieved their objective. The feedback from the participants was extremely positive, so much so the Atlantic BJJ hope to have Cobrinha back again soon. So stay tuned!

Alliance Jiu Jitsu would like to thank all the BJJ practitioners from all over Ireland and some as far as Manchester for making the trip to Sligo, and big thanks to all the Alliance Sligo team for their continued support. Thanks for the support of the CRIB Youth Centre. And a special thanks to the magnificent Reubens “Cobrinha” Charles for delivering an amazing camp.

When the curtain closed on the event, all agreed that they “Really enjoyed the atmosphere, the technical details on display, and most of all great times with some great people…”

If you wish to find out more about Atlantic Jiu Jitsu, Contact us 
Tel: Ryan  086-8759056
E-mail: info@sligobjj.com