Mario Sperry talks about the early days of Carlson’s academy and shares several epic stories including fighting Wallid Ismail on a bathroom floor, surfing brawls and his old rivalry with Royler Gracie. He also talks about the Pride days and his new school. Click “read more” for show notes!

SHOW NOTES:

• Origins
• Surfing
• Confidence
• Learning Judo with Jiu-Jitsu
• Finding Carlson Gracie’s academy
• Fighting Wallid Ismail on the bathroom floor
• Luta Livre vs Jiu-Jitsu in the 90’s
• “The best martial art”
• His rivalry with Royler Gracie
• Carlson’s position with the rest of the family
• Steroid use in Brazil during the 80’s and 90’s
• The Pummel
• His intro to Vale Tudo
• Brazil’s Vale Tudo scene in the 80’s and 90’s
• PRIDE FC
• Why he doesn’t watch MMA in public anymore
• The Brazilian Top Team vs Chute Boxe rivalry in Pride
• The Team Carlson split / The formation of Brazilian Top Team
• Pride’s Yakuza roots
• His final MMA fight
• His new academy in Miami
• Learning English
• His favorite thing about teaching
• How he would like to be remembered