I just found out that SSG Lacerda passed away May 29, 2010.
SSG Lacerda was a Gracie Barra Black Belt who taught in Orlando before joining the Army. I met him at the Fight house at Benning. He had just got done with Basic/OSUT and was getting ready to go to Ranger School. I asked him why he joined and he told me he wanted to serve this country and he wanted to be High Speed and server as a Ranger. He did just that. Not only did he serve honorable but he freely paid forward the skills he brought with him. (I still use the modified Omoplata he taught me) He was a credit to not only Brazil and Gracie Barra but also to the USA and the 75th Ranger Regiment. He will be missed.
Rest in Peace.
My regrets. Rest in peace soldier.
Pedro was up for a seminar last December, which happened to be my first BJJ seminar ever. It was (an embarrassingly from my point of view for our gym) low turnout, which somewhat translated it into being a semi-private lesson for us. It was my first introduction to De La Riva guard, which to this day I love playing even though I suck at it. I still remember most of what he taught us and I keep trying. I knew him for all of 3 to 4 hours, but he still left quite an impression on me with his kindness, attitude, encouragement, and near superhuman patience with this crappy white belt that I am.
R.I.P. Pedro. And Thank You.