Posts Tagged ‘ron goldstein’

By Ron Goldstein, Boulder MMA Examiner

Recently Examiner had a chance to sit down with Owner/operator Steve Hordinski about his brand new Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu academy in Littleton. Have you ever met someone that lives, eats, breathes and sleeps their passion?…Well I sure did when I sat down with Steve in his new gym location of: 6707 West Ken Caryl Ave in Littleton. The Denver bred Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu black belt is a man that truly “BELIEVES” and has a wonderful story behind him. Come & meet this devoted Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioner.

Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Academy

Steve’s story begins with his involvement in the traditional martial arts of: Tae Kwon Do & Kenpo Karate. He eventually become a Kenpo Karate & Kabuto black belt and utilized a disciplined approach which transcended into many facets of his life. Once he enlisted into the Navy, his opportunity to train with Phil Cardella in Hawaii opened up his world to Jiu-Jitsu. He started training in Gracie Jiu Jitsu & entered in his first tournament in1997 and has never looked back. His rich BJJ training history begins with winning a Hawaiian State Championship & getting to train with the likes of grappling greats like: Daniel Moraes, Fredson Alves, and Relson Gracie himself. He’s also trained with other well respected Hawaiian grappling athletes while working as a Navy deep sea diver. This training led him to work closely with the man that would eventually change Steve’s life forever…Relson Gracie.

Ron & Steve Hordinski

After the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in 2000, Steve went back to Hawaii & began working with Relson Gracie on maximizing his guard & developing a total game. He worked tirelessly on improving his technique and ultimately Relson Gracie saw the passion that Steve had for their family’s legendary system. His intense focus on living & embracing the lifestyle of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu brought Relson to Steve in a hotel room one day. His words etched a place in Steve’s heart & soul. Relson told Steve, “My Jiu-Jitsu was given to me by my father like an umbilical connection. I see the same love you have for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu & because of this…I will do the same for you, that my father (Helio) did for me.”

Steve hopes that the philosophy that he brings to his gym, will inspire many people to share the lessons he learned from Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. The pillars of the Gracie philosophy incorporate traits such as: respect, honor, courage, discipline, support and family. These traits still stand today with an even greater presence than ever before in both Steve’s & the Gracie’s way of conducting life. This journey has virtually become a religious experience for Steve & his view of building a positive lifestyle through a family of old & new Gracie Jiu-Jitsu students drives this quiet, humble man.

He looks to be involved in helping people understand that training in this system is more than just an exercise. It is the foundation for a disciplined lifestyle that has brought so much positive change in the world of martial arts. Steve looks to grow his new academy by developing a strong community involvement with: self defense, rape-prevention, grappling, weight control, MMA and most importantly…kids classes. His approach is simple. He strives to make everyone feel comfortable & learn everything from beginner to high level technical Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. If you live in the south Denver areas, Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy is one place NOT to miss.

To contact Steve, or the new academy…you can go to: www.RelsonGracieAcademy.com for their schedule, or you can call the academy direct at: 303-932-1202. You can also contact him through www.FightJobs.com and finally you can directly email Steve for all the details at: SteveHordinski@RelsonGracieAcademy.com .

As always, thanks for the feedback guys & let me know how I can help if you have any questions.