"The gentle art" practiced at new Cape school

FLORIDA WEEKLY PHOTOS EVAN WILLIAMS Alex Rivero In the movie "Fight Club," guys of all walks meet in basements and garages to fight and bond, because it's something they believe in and feel a part of - like a brotherhood, or a family.

Gracie Barra (pronounced Bah-ha) Jiu-Jitsu is just like that, albeit sucker punches and bullies aren't allowed. And girls are. Instructor Alex Rivero said it's ultimately a lifestyle, bigger than just a sport or weekend sparring match.

"It's a way of being, bigger than yourself," he said.

Rivero is the first to bring this Brazilian martial arts style to Southwest Florida, said his dream of opening the school was a battle of determination and will. After moving to town two years ago, he worked third-shift security jobs to support six children with his wife, while waiting to find a space for classes.

It finally happened in July.

"It's like history in the making here," he said. "This is really, really big."

Where they meet, in a concrete garage behind the Royal Oak Shopping Center off Pine Island Road, you can break a sweat just standing still. A gray mat extends wall to wall - students bow before walking on or off - and the doors are open to the humid August dusk.

"If they train hard in here under these kinds of conditions, they'll be more successful during the real thing," said Rivero, who begins the class with stretches.

His refrain, "Breathe, keeping breathing (in your nose, out your mouth)," becomes increasingly difficult during an intense workout.

"Don't worry if you feel like you have to throw up," one student said. "It happens all the time."

Soon, after an interminable round of crunches, I stumbled outside, dizzy and beat, and doubled over to do just that. A few buzzing fans provided scant relief.

But soon, due to everyone's encouragement, I was back on the mat, and even learned a shoulder-displacing move called "The Paintbrush," from assistant instructor Brian Burch. Like the other students, he's a believer in the Gracie Barra methods.

"It's hard-core," Burch said. "This is world class."

After it was over, I was elated, energized and a little wobbly.

"My main goal is for (students) to leave here and say, 'I can't wait for next class,'" Rivero said.

The participants are a mixed bag of lifestyles - a mother, a bouncer, a CEO, a college student, Rivero's son and others. They hang out before and after class and have back-yard barbecues on the weekend.

"It's like a family," Burch said.

The method Rivero teaches was started by the Gracie family in Brazil. In 1972, they founded a school there on Barra Street - hence, Grace Barra Jiu-Jitsu.

Jiu-jitsu, "the gentle art," is primarily a means for self-defense against attackers and real-life situations on the street, Rivero said.

The style is especially effective for people with small or slight builds - or anyone fighting someone taller and heavier than they are. Students are taught to favor leverage and technique over sheer power.

"We try to teach you stuff so you can defend yourself in a humane way," Rivero said. "Without killing the attacker."

Another major part of training is learning how to fight from the floor, where most fights end up, Rivero said. "If you can't kick from the floor, all your training goes down the drain."

Skill levels are signified by belt color - in order, white, blue, purple, brown and black - and Rivero is a brown belt. He travels to Lake Forest, Calif. every year to train with the Gracie family, in pursuit of his black belt.

He started taking jiu-jitsu 11 years ago in his hometown, Miami.

Having the acclaimed family's name on his school is something he takes seriously. A picture of Alex Rivero and his first instructor, Royce Gracie, hangs at the Cape Coral school.

"They would not give me that name unless they trusted me," Rivero said. "I have a big responsibility."

Commitment, integrity, loyalty, honor, humility and never quitting are also core values the students learn.

"As soon as we're born, we have to struggle through life," Rivero said. "You have to struggle to make it to college, find a good job. Life is a war."

He hopes his school draws people of all ages, sizes and skill levels.

"We want to offer the people of Cape Coral and Lee County something," he said. "We hope they come with an open heart and open mind. (The school is) for people that want to defend themselves from thugs and bullies and people whose intention it is to hurt other people."

Three other instructors also teach a variety classes at Rivero's school - in Mixed Martial Arts, Aikijitsu Karate and Cardio Fitness. Some are for kids. The school is also sponsored by gHP, an energy supplement. People can get more information and class schedules from the Gracie Barra Team Cape Coral Web site, teamcapecoralbjj.com or call (239) 772-9559.