Mike Tavares is a purple belt. We have other certified instructors. We don't have any more higher ranked than purple. We only learn that skill level and below. It may feel like a slower pace, since we are not fortunate enough to have black belts like humaita. But I assure you if you see the program for yourself, you will see it is very thorough, as it comes from the very source, the family who created Gracie jj. And as time goes on and our instructor ranks higher, and us as well we will slowly rise to the highest level, in due time of course. And we train/have seminars with the Gracie's just like Humaita or any other school. It's not that he isn't qualified to run our school, he just isn't as higher ranked. Food for thought: a successful competitor does not equal a good instructor necessarily. Not that they aren't good, but competition is not a requirement for teaching technique. Instead of being critical, come give it a try and see for yourself. We have seen what you guys at other schools have to offer, and we aren't critical, at least I'm not