More than 40 students participated in a special benefit seminar at Nexus Martial Arts & Fitness on Wednesday, February 8. The fundraiser raised approximately $1,000 to aid the family of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and Pan American Champion, Pablo Popovitch.

During the landslides in Brazil early last month, Popovitch’s family home was destroyed, his mother was killed, and his father was hospitalized in serious condition without health insurance. A donation website was set up to help with the rapidly increasing medical bills. Upon hearing about the tragic story, Nexus owner and Chief Instructor Stephen Whittier wanted to do something that would have more of an impact than an individual donation, so he contacted his good friend and fellow Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, John Connors, and together they arranged a benefit seminar.

“I first asked John to come down to Nexus and we agreed to offer a seminar for our students at a really great price to raise money for Pablo and his dad,” said Whittier. “It really was a win for everyone… my students had a great time taking a class from John, who is a great instructor, and we were able to pass on a really nice donation.”

The spirit of the event was not lost on the students, who ranged in age from 8-years-old to late 40’s. As one participant, Tiffiney Barlow said: ”Awesome seminar with John Connors. Thanks Nexus! It's great to see people who have compassion for others. No one really knew [Pablo] personally but everyone who was there felt compelled to help with what they could!”

Whittier, who has traveled broadly across the country teaching seminars, is next slated to visit Connors’ school and work with his students as well. “John did such a great job sharing his knowledge and technique with our people, I am really excited to be able to return the favor,” said Whittier.