Evolution MMA / Alliance Jiu Jitsu would like to congraTulate Mark Manalad on his Black belt!
Evolution MMA together with Team Alliance Jiu Jitsu would like to give a huge congratulations to Mark Manalad on receiving his well deserved black belt.
Mark has been training and rolling in the art of Jiu Jitsu for 18 years and has become one of one of our best students and family members!
Recieving his black belt from the best Jiu Jitsu instructors in the nation.
Taking the one on one camera roll with his Jiu Jitsu team, classmates and now students
How the new Jiu Jitsu Black Belt Started his journey and continues his Jiu Jitsu rise.
Over 18 years ago I stepped foot in a Naperville Judo school to sign up. The owner asked why I want to practice Judo. I told him I want to learn some form of martial art. He looked at me and said you probably like the Jiu Jitsu school in the back of the building and told me to go there. I was a little confused but followed his directions. That is where I met Jeff Neal and Brian Bishop and was introduced to Carlson Gracie Jiu Jitsu and fell in love with the art. I met Jason Sullins when he taught class at Overtime MMA and connected with him right away and he has been my coach ever since. He is the one who gave me the nickname The Mad Hatter! The art demands a lot of respect and will be a humbling experience every time you step on the mats. The biggest thing I’ve a gained during my journey are the great relationships with all of my brothers and sisters who love the art as much as I do. That is the one thing I am most thankful for. Thank you all for being part of my Jiu Jitsu journey and developing my game. Thank you Jason for promoting me to black belt. Having you as a coach and more importantly as a friend is truly a blessing. I want to thank my wife Jeanette and my daughter Mya for supporting my Jiu Jitsu lifestyle. I also want to send a special thank you to my coaches and teammates at Alliance Jiu Jitsu and Levels Jiu Jitsu.