II

"You can’t give yourself a nickname. A nickname has to be organic. It has to come from people who know you, who are in an objective position to assess your character and abilities; otherwise it’s just narcissistic."

I want to explain the meaning of the username. Eminent Brazilian Jiu-jitsu practitioners possess nicknames that have been given to them, which describe either their personality or their physical attributes that make them stand out e.g. Pé de Pano, Napão, Jacare and Cachorro Louco. I do not liken myself to Marcio Cruz, Gabriel Gonzaga, Ronaldo de Souza or Wanderlei Silva.

It is perhaps more wishful thinking on my part that, in my development as a grappler, that I will develop a style that suits the name Sucuri. Why Sucuri? It is said that 'Sucuri' in many areas in South America, including Brazil, refer to the common Anaconda as Sucuri.

The anaconda is a constrictor snake, rather than a venomous snake. Anaconda usually utilize a swift bite to hold their prey (or victim), followed by a coiling of a loop or two around the main body of the victim. Once these loops are in position, the snake will steadily constrict with incredible strength to suffocate the captive victim. It is the combination of sheer strength and unrelenting power that quickly replaces any breathing room. With each exhalation of air by the victim, the lung slack is removed for any follow-up inhalations; the victim breathes themself into vulnerability.