A martial arts teacher has just been promoted to black belt in the Brazilian style of Jiu-Jitsu.

David Delvecchio admitted it had been a ‘long, hard road’ to reach this accolade and the instructor at Workington’s Just Grind gym, had an extra special surprise at the presentation.

Sukata BJJ black belt Gary Savage visited the gym on Monday night to award the honour to his protege and coached a seminar.

Times and Star:

Despite reaching black belt in the grappling based martial art, Just Grind’s head BJJ instructor, Delvecchio, of Seascale, said: “I’m still training, still working on my own progression as well.”

And he admitted that he still learns from his students as much as they learn from him, adding: “The technicalities of Jiu-Jitsu are infinite.”

Delvecchio is originally from County Durham and moved to Seascale in 2015. He was promoted to brown belt under Gary Savage and still gains valuable guidance from him.

The Jiu-Jitsu class, usually led by Delvecchio is a supportive environment and team representative Peter Gilmour said: “A good coach is important but it’s what you learn from your teammates.”

Delvecchio said: “We are very close to the source, Helio Gracie who basically invented the sport,” he said, “there’s always a lineage.”

Authentic martial arts coaching from Delvecchio, Savage and club founder Mark Hodgson is clearly paying-off for the students with Chris Richards and JP Hasley both promoted in 2018.

Hasley has also medalled at national competitions, he said: “If you’re competing he [Delvecchio] always comes down.”

Another student Christian Benn added: “He takes time out of his day.”

A promotion in BJJ is always followed by a brutal ceremony in which the grappler must walk through the ranks of the team as they whip them with their belts.

And despite being chief instructor of the BJJ class, Delvecchio was no exception.

Before promoting his student, Gary Savage said: “Jiu-Jitsu is ever evolving.”

Evolution is a theme for the gym which has seen many new prospects emerge since the re-branding from Hokushinko Fight Academy. However, the team’s stalwarts continue to improve.

Just Grind MMA and Fitness Centre offer grappling classes, Gi and No Gi, for anyone who wants to learn self defence, compete or just improve their fitness.