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 Mario and Margot Deveault moved to The Shuswap in the fall of 2003, where Mario immediately began work on the shop on their property, to convert it into a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club. The doors of Shuswap BJJ & MMA Inc. in Grindrod opened in September 2004, and students from Salmon Arm, Enderby, Armstrong, Vernon, Tappen, Sorrento, and Chase began to join.
As a purple belt Mario competed in international BJJ tournaments while instructing at his BJJ club in Grindrod and constantly improving the location. It was through the influence of friends and training partners that Mario happily decided to join the Gracie Barra Vancouver family and become Gracie Barra Shuswap.
Mario received his brown belt (and Margot her purple belt) on October 7, 2006, and Gracie Barra Shuswap continued to grow. Mario expanded the Grindrod club, doubling the mat size and adding in a viewing lounge.
Mario received his black belt on November 8, 2008, at a seminar at Gracie Barra Vancouver. Carlos Gracie Jr. and Marcio Feitosa were there while Tim Shears presented the black belt to Mario.
In April 2009, Mario and Margot took the plunge and bought a building in Vernon – Gracie Barra Vernon was born!
Mario and his long time friend and training partner Dave Rothwell (GB Black Belt, 2007) are the two head instructors of Gracie Barra Vernon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts. Both Dave and Mario are proud of how their students in Vernon and the surrounding areas have supported our mission to provide the best BJJ instruction, training, atmosphere and facilities that Vernon/Shuswap has to offer! Both Mario and Dave teach at the Shuswap (Grindrod) and Vernon locations.
We thank you for your continued support and value the opportunity to teach and train with you.
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