The Connection Rio BJJ brand was created in 2009 by founder and life long martial artist, 4th degree black belt Professor Dennis Asche during his 12 year stay living and training in the heart of BJJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During this time Professor Asche earned his brown and black belt ranks and opened the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu hostel in Rio where he trained with and taught thousands of athletes from around the world. However the creation of the branding goes back clear into Mr. Asche’s youth when he began training in the martial arts at the age of 7. Our story starts with a dream and vision of a martial artist who put all his time, faith and determination in succeeding in the best training possible with the Greatest martial artists, athletes and coaches in their respective sports. From leaving his hometown in 2001 with only $10 in his pocket hitchhiking from Central Oregon to Los Angeles to living in an academy sleeping on the mats and on the blood stained canvas of the ring to winning the biggest tournaments and earning a trip to Brazil; his perseverance paid off providing a life changing experience and opportunities for Mr. Asche’s career. Professor Asche has now come back full circle in opening Connection Rio BJJ stateside sharing his knowledge and proven methods to the students at CRA and we are carrying on his legacy with our two locations in Bend and Redmond! See below Connection Rio brand's history highlights!
It wasn’t until 2001 during Mr. Asche’ 2nd year fighting in Mixed Martial Arts that the importance of continued training in Southern California (where the best training in the martial arts were found during that era) became very clear to him. There were zero black belts in Oregon at this time. He packed a backpack with his training gear, a couple changes of clothes and put a $10 bill his dad gifted to him as he bid farewell in his pocket (all the money he had), before hitchhiking his way to North Hollywood, California to live and train at Muay Thai Academy USA (MTA - the first Muay Thai Academy in America).
The many competitions and grueling sessions in the academies payed off with Gold medal wins in the IBJJF US Nationals, IBJJF USA vs Brazil and grand prize of the first Gracie Open in 2003, landing Mr. Asche with a trip to Brazil and the opportunity to stay and train with Grand Master Helio Gracie at his home in Brazil for one week.
The finals match of the Gracie Open that changed the course and life of Professor Asche. Professor Asche had five no time limit submission only matches against the best in his division and rank. Pictured here is the magazine article featuring a shot of the finals match where Professor Asche won his respective division against Jeff Glover; winning the gold and the grand prize trip of staying and training at Grand Master Helio’s ranch.
Master John Machado is the man who showed Professor Asche the BJJ path, taking him under his wing breaking down what little jiu-jitsu he had, building him into a solid international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor. The jiu-jitsu scene in the greater Los Angeles area allowed for several competitions a month, sometimes every weekend and even more than one on the same weekend. Professor Asche held a 77 match winning streak under the guidance of Master John Machado with the abundance of those wins in Gi / No-Gi BJJ competitions and Muay Thai smokers . The more Mr. Asche trained and competed the deeper engrained it became and the more he wanted to “live” jiu-jitsu.
Picture here is Mr. Asche at GIG airport shortly after landing in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the first time.
In 2009, Dennis was awarded his Black Belt under his Professor Roberto Correa de Lima aka “Gordo” King of the Half Guard. Dennis was the first American to receive his brown and black belt ranks under Professor Gordo. In addition to receiving his black belt in 2009, Dennis began his journey of housing and teaching athletes from all walks of life around the world by opening the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Hostel in Rio de Janeiro.
In 2009, Professor Asche opened Connection Rio the first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Hostel, in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil.
Hawaiian Combat victory photo after winning a fight in Oahu, HI 2001.
Mr. Asche between, Master John Machado (left) and Master Carlos Gracie Jr. (right) in Los Angeles, California.
This photo of athletes training with GB72 Combat Team at Gracie Barra Matriz Academy in Rio de Janeiro. It was here that Mr. Asche severely broke his ankle while training Wrestling for Vale Tudo with partner Alexandre Soca during Darrell Gholar’s classes. Fellow athletes dragged Asche off the mat and tossed him a warm water bottle to put on his ankle as training resumed. (Asche, the only foreigner on this team, middle row 3rd from right).
Grand Master Helio Gracie’s home during Mr. Asche’s first week in Brazil.
Mr. Asche (left) commentating alongside fellow commentators during one of the 2014 Copa Podio Jiu-Jitsu events in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During his stay in Brazil, Professor Asche taught English, commentated for many MMA and BJJ sporting events and translated for the UFC and In The Guard.
On location for Kyra Gracie’s 3rd Degree Martial Arts show. Mr. Asche (inside right) next to Roberto Gordo coaching Mason Jones during his second challenge match against one of the Gracie Humaita instructors at Gracie Humaita in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. Left side of photo Kyra Gracie, Master Robson Gracie and Master Sylvio Behring.
Monday beach conditioning sand sprints with Cuban Olympic coach Alejio Morales in Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. (Right ‘Cafe' Dantas, middle Renato ‘Babalu’, Right Asche)
After a group session taught by Grand Master Helio Gracie on the green mats at his home in Itaipava, RJ - Brazil.
First tour for foreigners of the Complexo de Alemao and Quartel do BOPE Favela for Connection Rio BJJ hostel guests, guided by off duty BOPE soldiers. In this photo Mr. Asche (right side) translates for BOPE soldier the story of re-taking one of the most dangerous favelas in Rio de Janeiro by BOPE soldiers on their guided tour.
Post Hawaii Combat fight luau on Oahu, HI 2001. (In this crowd are Tito Ortiz, Chuck Lidell, Jason Von Flu, Chris Brennan, Pete Spratt, to name a few. Asche is middle row, second from right)
Surfing with Master Sylvio Behring in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One of the activities at Connection Rio BJJ Hostel. (Master Behring front center, Asche second from right, next to Bossa Boards founder Nicolai Rutkevich)
Black belt instructors workshop led by Master Sylvio Behring for professors teaching military and law enforcement at CT Batalhao de Policia de Choque, Rio de Janeiro - Brazil. (Asche back row, left side).
First training session during Mr. Asche’s first week in Brazil.
Television interview of Mr. Asche at Connection Rio BJJ Hostel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Demonstrating a modified Kimura attack in a series of attacks from 100 kilos for Jiu-Jitsu Style magazine 2013.
End of an evening training session at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu Rio de Janeiro - Brazil (Asche kneeling, second from left). Professor Asche was fortunate to teach both kids and adults at Gordo Jiu-Jitsu before returning state side. Teaching and training full time between Connection Rio BJJ Hostel and Gordo Jiu-Jitsu.
Next to Master Renzo Gracie after a workshop for black belts teaching military and law enforcement personnel.
