(For nothing on Earth is perfect.)
Carlos Valente
"A Coral Belt in the Gracie tradition, he represents a lifetime devoted to mastery, discipline, and teaching at the highest level."
In the world of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, rank is earned over decades of discipline, teaching, and unwavering commitment.
A Coral Belt represents one of the highest distinctions in the art, typically awarded after decades as a black belt and reserved for those who have helped shape Jiu-Jitsu across generations. These are not simply instructors; they are guardians of the lineage.
Carlos Valente
Carlos Valente stands among those rare individuals. A Coral Belt in the Gracie tradition, he represents a lifetime devoted to mastery, discipline, and teaching at the highest level.
The Meeting
Roger Shorr, a black belt in Shorinji-Ryu KenYuKai Karate and a Yudansha, comes from a martial arts background grounded in discipline and personal development, though by his own acknowledgment nowhere near the extraordinary level attained by Master Carlos Valente.
Also present was the incredibly skilled and powerful João “Johnny” Faria, a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor and competitor who, at that time, was a fifth degree black belt. Johnny Faria said he couldn’t wait to read the book.
When the three met, it was a moment of mutual respect.
It was a meeting among:
- Master Carlos Valente, a master of physical and mental discipline refined over decades in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
- Johnny Faria, an exceptionally skilled and powerful fifth degree black belt in Jiu-Jitsu
- Roger Shorr, who has developed a philosophy of internal discipline where the greatest battles are fought and resolved within.
Roger Shorr’s book, The Near Perfect Body, introduces Exercise Jiu-Jitsu and Hunger Jiu-Jitsu as critical components of a system designed to make what was once difficult become natural, sustainable, and lasting.
During that meeting, Master Carlos Valente stated on video that he was going to endorse the book The Near Perfect Body.
In Jiu-Jitsu, respect is earned, not given. Words carry weight. For a Coral Belt of this stature to make such a statement opens the door to genuine engagement with Roger Shorr’s work.
Above Left:
Master Carlos Valente
Above Right:
Roger Shorr
Right:
Johnny Faria
Watch the Video
See the moment for yourself.
"For a Coral Belt of this stature to make such a statement opens the door to genuine engagement with Roger Shorr’s work."