After moving to Alexandria, VA, founder Jeremy Lafreniere was encouraged by his coaches to form a club for practicing Jiu-Jitsu. After much deliberation Capital was founded at Cora Kelly Magnet School in 2001 where Jeremy was a 4th grade teacher. Each evening the school's art room was turned a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training center. Jeremy would set up by pushing chairs and tables aside - crayons spilling onto the floor - and connecting old mats trucked in from the gymnasium.
Once mats were down, Jeremy taught a few of his friends the self-defense, grappling, throwing, and striking techniques he had learned from the Gracie family. Jeremy broke from the practices of traditional martial arts schools, which charge for belt tests and other perks, and instead focused on creating an atmosphere where people would, "experience peace of mind, become good friends, and feel safe.".
Before long Jeremy's club became an official chapter of the original Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Association, and Royce Gracie began making regular visits.
Once mats were down, Jeremy taught a few of his friends the self-defense, grappling, throwing, and striking techniques he had learned from the Gracie family. Jeremy broke from the practices of traditional martial arts schools, which charge for belt tests and other perks, and instead focused on creating an atmosphere where people would, "experience peace of mind, become good friends, and feel safe.".
Before long Jeremy's club became an official chapter of the original Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Training Association, and Royce Gracie began making regular visits.
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