The Valente brothers received the prestigious Key to the City of North Miami Beach from Mayor George Vallejo on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 during a City Council Meeting at City Hall. In addition to the classic BJJ that the Valente brothers teach in their academies, they also teach the official hand-to-hand combat system of the United States Military and law enforcement agencies around the country. Mayor Vallejo, who is also a purple belt under the Valente brothers, recognized Professors and Owners Pedro, Gui and Joaquim Valente, for their outstanding work with the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Florida National Guard, several local departments and military and law enforcement organizations around the world.

Prior to the formal presentation at City Hall, Mayor Vallejo also commended Valente Brothers during the School’s coveted belt ceremony on December 10th, where over 400 attendees gathered at the flagship school in North Miami Beach to support their peers as select students were promoted to receive new belts. Royce Gracie was also present at the ceremony. Royce had flown-in some of his students in from Brazil to officially be promoted by the Valente Brothers. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu students from all over the world including Mexico, Israel, England, Canada, and Kuwait, attended the belt ceremony, further conveying the notoriety and respect that the Valente Brothers have earned in the martial arts community.

Valente Brothers is the official representation of Grandmaster Helio Gracie in Florida. Professors Pedro, Gui and Joaquim Valente started training under the Grandmaster at the age of two, and were his loyal disciples and protégés until he passed away in January 2009. Valente Brothers Jiu-Jitsu is fully committed to preserving Hélio
Gracie’s vision, teaching method, and ideals.

You can find more information on the Valente brothers at their website: www.valentebrothers.com