peshphoto

Jordan’s Skate Session | Ladera Ranch

pesh — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:43:39 +0000

Tonight I joined Jordan at the skate park and saw how good he is getting. He is airing out of bowls like a little pro ! Here are some of him and his friends. You can see more on flickr here.

080808, our little NO-lympics | San Clemente, Ca

pesh — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 23:06:28 +0000

A group of us were invited (and obviously accepted) to our friend Regis’ home for the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. First off, SORRY for not putting these up on 080908… I was busy :) Anyway, we had fun. Regis pulled out the table tennis table and we had at it while sipping frosty beverages and dining on Baja Fresh. Here are some images I caught when I was not otherwise occupied smashing the living daylights out of anyone on the opposite side of the table.

I am only kidding about beating everyone to a pulp, but it turns out the Flavio does pretty well at this game too !

Felipe | Purple Fury

pesh — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:03:08 +0000

Well, it finally happened. After many years of total training, Felipe was granted his Purple Belt in BJJ. He took some time off of BJJ in order to attend college to become a dentist and has been back and focused for the past 2 years. I am so proud of my friend. He teaches me every time I roll with him. He is a great guy for his girlfriend Kendy and I hope someday to be able to photograph them being married. We all know Felipe is a technical warrior and has performed at this level for a while… I am just happy to see the belt on his waist instead of the old rag of a blue belt he once had. Congratulations Felipe! I love you man!

Unique Opportunity

pesh — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 15:52:53 +0000

Today I was asked to make some photos for the Gracie Magazine (www.graciemag.tv). After taking some time to understand what Luca and Marcelo wanted of the photos, we went to work. Master Carlos Gracie Jr and Marcio Feitosa we both perfect “models” for the BJJ techniques :) Working in their location is a little challenging. The academy is located in an old building in Old Irvine and it tends to get pretty hot. In addition, the lisghting is hard. They use flourescent and incandescant light, and there is no natural light to use. I was able to pick up a kit from ProFoto… I had fun with it and I feel that they are going to be a perfect adition to my work. Here are a few samples…

Thank you Master Carlos and Professo Marcio for your time, and Lucal Atalla for the opportunity.

2008 South Bay Open | Torrance, CA

pesh — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:37:33 +0000

This weekend we had some of our San Clemente team competing at the 5th Annual South Bay Open held at the Torrance High School gym. Although it was hotter than I can explain, we did well. Here are some photos, enjoy !

Alyssa:

Branden:

Felipe:

Richard:

Dave:

All of us:

Gracie Barra Ventura, Grand Opening | Ventura, CA

pesh — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:36:10 +0000

It was only supposed to be a 2 hour drive but it ended up taking us well over 3 1/2 hours to get to Ventura. Even though we made it there safely, we had the whole academy waiting for us, including Master Carlos Gracie Jr. Again, we apologize

Anyway, last night was the Grand Opening of Gracie Barra Ventura and many other academies were there to support Fabio Leopoldo and his students. We were all able to hear speaches from Flavio Almeida, Marcio Feitosa and Master Carlos Gracie Jr. Everyone is so proud of Fabio and their speeches shared more and more about our newest school’s head instructor.

The facility is GREAT ! There are so many places to sit and learn, their changing rooms are huge and they even have a COLD water fountain ! I really liked all the photos on the walls, and Professor Fabio even paid a tribute to one of his mentors, Ryan Gracie, by having his photo among those who he has learned from, including Renzo Gracie and Master Carlos.

Congratulations and good luck Fabio! - from the Gracie Barra San Clemente Team.

High School Football, 6:30AM, My first class instructing | Laguna Beach, CA

pesh — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:07:36 +0000

I was recently treated to my first real opportunity to teach BJJ. It turns out that Professor Flavio was running a bit late and with Angy, Dave and Myself being the only ones there, we were asked to just run with it. I was happy to step in, even though I was not sure what was being taught to them. So after about 3 minutes getting my mind ready, I stepped in front of about 30 students on the football field at Laguna Beach High School to deliver my first BJJ instructions. I need some time to develop my own style but I was able to pull it off with help from Dave. About half-way through the session, Flavio arrived and thanked us for stepping up.

I had a good time and I will continue to take the opportunities that are gifted to me when it comes to teaching.

Joey’s Birthday | Ladera Ranch

pesh — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:39:23 +0000

Another year gone by….. ok, so he is not THAT old Last year there was a lot of water and this year was no different. Joey had a blast and so did we! Brian had a “taco guy” and blended margaritas - Thanks Brian and Meilssa for the fun time!

Geeking out at the Toronto Airport

pesh — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:54:40 +0000

So the “working” week is done. After atrophy of the butt (read: sitting all day) I am ready to be on the plane and back home. I miss the family, digs and of course my BJJ Acedemy. I missed a few things this week:

My wife and Grace
Ricardo Almeida came to our academy after his appearance in the UFC.
At least 3 sessions on the mats with the guys at GB San Clemente.
Jordan and Joe video-taped themselves skating at the local skatepark.
Cooper and Fiona.
My own bed.
Lastly, I missed a chance to get back into the gym with Jason.

So anyway, I am on my way back, chillin’ here at YYZ working on my expenses. NExt week we have the camper at Sano near trail 6, so if you want to come have some fun with us by the fire and at the beach, let me know.

I could not end this post without a view of my dorky butt calling the family from the airport.

Random Sweetness

pesh — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:38:49 +0000

This week I am in Toronto for work. Normally, I would not mind being out here but I am not thrilled with the training… anyway. So I call home a couple times a day to talk with Heather and Jordan but yesterday Heather suprised me with a small update of her own. She sent me this photo of Jordan and Joe after getting their hair cut. I just liked how I got a little update PHOTOGRAPHICALLY from my wife, it really did brighten my day.