Released on = February 6, 2007, 8:46 pm

Press Release Author = Judy Mulkern

Industry = Media

Press Release Summary = Although the UFC has done great things to promote the
relatively new sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) EliteXC is including women\'s
matches in its upcoming promotion February 10, 2007.

Press Release Body = Women do not fight in the UFC, consequently, Showtime seems to
be breaking new ground. Jim Harpe, Brazilian jiu Jitsu coach at Royce Gracie Jiu
Jitsu in Agawam MA where he teaches Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA/SABAKI Methods says,
its all in the natural order of things, women are as mentally strong as men, maybe
even stronger. . . Royce\'s father\'s vision was to have Jiu Jitsu for everyone that
means girls and women too.” He should know. His 12 year old daughter Erin Harpe is
living proof. She has won her division in the toughest sport Jiu Jitsu tournaments
under the guidance of her seasoned father and his best friend Tony Davila. Principal
by day, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighter and coach by night, Mr. Davila says, It is
amazing to see Erin make the teenage boys tap.” She apparently competes against the
boys who are generally bigger and stronger. Jim Hughes of Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu
commented “I don\'t know, she might be on a mission to make everyone change how they
view women in general. She\'s just 12 and she can make a grown man quit. You have to
respect her… and Royce\'s dad Helio Gracie for giving us Brazilian Jiujitsu where it
is the leveraged based technique that rules.” Jim Hughes of Jim Hughes and Royce
Gracie Brazilian Jiujitsu of CT, MA, and New England is a Brown Belt under Royce
Gracie, and was one of the first to offer Gracie Jiu Jitsu instruction in
Connecticut. He reportedly has had a number of women who achieved success in
regional grappling competitions. Recently, Dominic P. of Royce Gracie Jiu Jitsu of
Glastonbury CT competed in a national level full contact kickboxing tournament. Doug
Gallant, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu coach with Royce Gracie and longtime kickboxing coach
prepared her for the event: “she looks all nice and cute, just don\'t let her hit you
in the face, you won\'t think she is so nice and cute, she punches harder than most
well trained men”. Not bad for a 14 year old. Josh Randorf, a Coach with Gracie Jiu
Jitsu in Southington housed at the Southington Athletic Club, also entered the
tournament. He was impressed with the level of skill of the women competitors. While
many people find women fighting to be controversial, the fact is this is a natural
evolution of any sport. Women athletes are proving to be just as technical as their
male counterparts. These are truly exciting times for the fans of MMA. For women
athletes the event on Feb. 10th will be historic, as it will include a match between
Julie Kedzie and Gina Carano (Gina was featured on the MSNBC show Warrior Nation
recently). For a non-Pay Per View event to broadcast a women\'s match is an
unparalleled event, and a step forward for MMA. Remember Feb. 10, on Showtime at 10
PM EliteXC will air. To catch the un-televised undercard fights, go to
The main televised card is set to have 5 fights including the main event Renzo
Gracie vs. Frank Shamrock. The internet streamed undercard will also include 5
fights.



Web Site = http://www.gracie-jiu-jitsu.com

Contact Details = Jim Hughes and Royce Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu New England
www.gracie-jiu-jitsu.com 262 Park Road West Hartford CT. 860 233 3000.