On May 18th, 2007 ADCC through its spokesperson Guy Neivens announced that ADCC no longer had any association with FILA, furthermore Neivens stated that Highness Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Guy Neivens and Renzo Gracie had all resigned from positions with the FILA World Grappling Committee.
Apparently there has been some confusion about the clarity of that statement, and some emails and information from people associated with FILA stated that only Guy Neivens had resigned from the committee and that Sheik Tahnoon and Renzo were still a part of it. Further questions were asked because Renzo conducted a seminar in Europe at the same location and date with FILA’s seminar. ADCC once again, wants to clarify beyond any doubt, that Sheik Tahnoon and Renzo Gracie ARE NO LONGER associated in any way shape or form with FILA or the FILA World Grappling Committee. Renzo had agreed to the seminar prior to the development and he did not want to disappoint the people that had already signed up so he stood by his word and conducted the seminar as promised, but again he is no longer associated with FILA as well.
Below is the original post. Any questions on the subject should be directed to [email protected]
ADCC & FILA Part ways
A few months back an exploratory committee was formed to research the pursuit of a partnership between ADCC and FILA to further expand the reach of Submission Grappling throughout the World. The two World organizations, powerhouses in their own fields tried to join hands and reach common ground but apparently it was not possible. The ADCC Committee decided it was time to return to their vision: “We had several meetings and discussions but ideologically we were far apart and could not reach an agreement, especially when it came to rules and the direction of the sport. As a result of this Highness Sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Guy Neivens and Renzo Gracie have all resigned from positions with the FILA World Grappling Committee” stated ADCC Spokesman Guy Neivens.
“We have a strong organization with several Federations in Europe and expanding quickly in other parts of the World as well. We wish FILA the best, but at this time we are going our own way!” concluded Neivens.
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