We were very happy to host Pride veteran Murilo "Ninja" Rua at NEXUS for a month as part of his training camp for his upcoming mixed martial arts fight in Elite XC. He is not only a great athlete, but also a genuine, funny, and open-minded person.

During Ninja's trip we also got in a couple of workouts with our friend, UFC lightweight contender Kenny Florian, who came down to visit and and train at NEXUS, as well as several sessions at Sityodtong and John Connors' Mixed Martial Arts.

Here is what Ninja had to say about his experience:

"It was a real pleasure to develop new friendships and do a month-long training camp at Nexus Martial Arts. Coach Steve Whittier has helped me so much with my preparation for my next fight. He is a great coach in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and MMA, and I have learned the most training at Nexus of any gym I have trained at in the U.S.

Also thanks very much to my good friend Cesar Barros, who has always helped me so much, Big Tom, and the other students at Nexus. I hope I can come back soon with my brother to train. This is my new training home in the States, and my gym will be a home for you whenever you come to Brazil!"

-Murilo "Ninja" Rua