Alliance team members and instructors. {courtesy}
By Ryan Quinn
Special to Coral Springs Talk
Alliance Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the world’s most prominent global Jiu-Jitsu brands, and Coral Springs has been privileged to have their presence in the city since 2019.
Holding two black belts (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo) Professor Nei Seda is of the team’s most technical instructors offers a wide variety of programs for everyone in the community from women’s self-defense, children’s classes, to law enforcement training. Being fortunate enough to call this my home academy, I can testify to the superb culture and training that this academy offers.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a relatively new martial art, just under 100 years old. Stemming from Judo, its main philosophy is to give a smaller person an advantage in a fight. It uses close-quarter fighting and leverages an opponent’s weight against them to set up chokes and appendage manipulation. It grew massively popular with the rise of the UFC and is one of the most commonly studied martial arts today.
Patrick Simpson, student at Alliance wins a gold medal at Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world tournament this summer. {courtesy}
Alliance Coral Springs BJJ is a family-run business. Professor Seda is the head instructor, while his children, Maria and Joao, teach a very proficient kid’s program at the academy. His wife, Dani, directs the management.
Along with the dozens of members, I can attest to how well they incorporate their strong family values into the team, creating a wonderful culture to train in and be a part of. Nei spoke about his awareness of this and his belief in its impact on Alliance Coral Springs.
“Working with family, like anything in life, comes with its own set of pros and cons. The deep trust and love we share make navigating tough situations easier, knowing we can always rely on the unwavering support of our kids and our partners. Working as a family also helps me build the fellowship culture. However, it also requires a constant effort to practice patience and understanding, ensuring that differing opinions or minor disagreements, often rooted in pride or stubbornness, don’t escalate into unnecessary conflicts.”
This foundation led to the gym’s strong identity of building that family atmosphere and camaraderie. No matter your level of experience, reason for training, or personal background, the goal remains to build one another up for each other’s personal goals while maintaining that positive energy the team has to offer.
Professor Nei with his Mini Troopers after class. {courtesy}
As someone who came from a more competitive martial arts background, I have met some of the most amazing people at Alliance who have not only helped me in training but have also influenced my life for the better. One of these students is a prime example of what the facility offers. Dr. Amir Littman, an Anesthesiologist, holds the rank of Purple Belt at the academy and credits this program to his physical and mental well-being.
“I can think of no better way than Jiu-Jitsu to train both mind and body. Not only is it an excellent way to make yourself physically stronger, faster, more mobile, agile, and flexible, but mentally it feels like playing 3-dimensional speed chess.
At Alliance Coral Springs, Professor Nei has built an incredible training environment with not only his unsurpassed level of skill and knowledge of Jiu Jitsu but true caring and investment in the development of each and every student.”
Security in a student’s training is essential to the academy. The academy women’s self-defense program is a prominent class that the Alliance offers. It not only offers jiu-jitsu competition techniques but also components that are utilized in real-life situations a woman may find herself in and the ability to protect herself.
Tanya Coker holds the rank of Purple Belt under Nei Seda and attends class with the dozens of women registered weekly. She has seen significant results from her training.
“Training self-defense and BJJ several times a week has given me the confidence and knowledge I need to defend myself. BJJ has taught me to use my body as leverage and as a way to control situations that I would normally be afraid of. It provides women the ability to control their attackers of any size and get away from them.
As a mother, I think all women should practice some sort of self-defense. Especially to protect your children and build confidence to control the situation.”
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s unique form of combativeness allows a person to stay safe in confrontation and immobilize an adversary rather than inflict harm. This is why Alliance takes great pride in its training for local law enforcement and those who serve throughout South Florida.
“Jiu-Jitsu is a great base for law enforcement. It provides confidence knowing that I will likely be able to take care of myself in a close distance fight,” says Officer Augusto Carvahlo, a black belt who trains and teaches regularly at Alliance.
Seda Family Maria, Joao, Dani, and Nei own and operate Alliance Coral Springs BJJ. {courtesy}
Alliance BJJ Coral Springs has something for everyone in the community to take with them. It’s personally becoming a favorite pastime I share with my 4-year-old son, who attends the kids’ classes. Professor Nei has a talent for helping his students reach their goals and a passion for working with them side by side while achieving them. Newcomers can expect to build indestructible self-confidence, create lifelong friendships, and get in better shape.
The AcadeAcademyocated at 4674 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs, and all are welcome.
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