Win an Isami Gi in the Tournament Review Tuesday Contest!

June 30, 2009

isami gi

Who doesn’t want a new gi? Most of us probably don’t need a new gi but I think most jiu-jitsu people are always eager to have another one in our arsenal! Well here’s your chance to get one shipped to your doorstep!

Yes, it’s time for another contest here on TheFightWorksPodcast.com! Unlike Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques, which have seemingly infinite layers of details, winning this brand new Isami gi is really a pretty simple process:

Write a review of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament for us to publish in our Tournament Review Tuesdays column and you’ll be entered into the contest!
Multiple entries are allowed! Compete and send us five TRT columns and you’ll have five opportunities to win!
Yes, if you’ve already written a TRT piece in 2009, those count as entries.
We will draw a winner at random from the entries in December and soon after you will have this new Isami gi on your doorstep.

So what are you waiting for? Find a jiu-jitsu tournament on iCompete.org, and let us know how it went!

Many, many thanks to ChokeSports.com for their generous contribution of the Isami gi!

Written by Caleb · Filed Under Site News, TRT | 1 Comment

Tournament Review Tuesday: British BJJ Open

June 23, 2009

british jiu-jitsu
World champion Braulio Estima referees a womens blue belt absolute match.

by Seymour Yang

The cancellation of the annual Gracie Invitational in the UK this year led many to call for a big replacement event. Up stepped world champion Braulio Estima and his Gracie Barra team in Birmingham to stage the British BJJ Open. With over 620 competitors spread out over 8 mats, this event did not disappoint in terms of size and scale.

Fresh from his gold medal win at the 2009 Mundials, Braulio Estima hosted the tournament with his characteristic smile and geniality. Everyone here was made to feel welcome. Anticipation was high in the preceding few weeks and days as the numbers of entries were adding up and rumours were speculating as to who would be fighting.

The venue chosen was the Cockmoors Wood Leisure Centre in Birmingham, UK, which is only about 2.5 hours drive from London. One slightly odd arrangement was the placement of blue belts right at the end of the day, after all the white, purple, brown and black belts had finished. As a side note, it was amusing to see the reactions of a small aikido class being held in a glass fronted room surrounded by swarms of BJJ competitors waiting to enter the main hall. A case of old skool being given rude and loud awakening by the nu skool.

The crowd had plenty of great fights to see. All eyes especially were on the hot young British talents on display today. 19 year old Stephen Martin, wearing a brand spanking new purple belt (awarded after his Bronze medal win at the Mundials) fought brilliantly to make the purple lightweight final, only to lose on points to Oli Geddes.

Another brand new purple belt was Omar Rashid who wasted no time in despatching his opponents to claim the purple belt mens featherweight division. And the blue belts too had some very technical and exciting matches especially those involving Daniel Agard, just 17 years old and a blue under Felipe Souza. Daniel fought with flair and mastery way beyond his years to reach his final, finally running out of gas. We’ll see a lot more of him in the future.

For such a big event, the whole tournament ran incredibly smoothly and pretty much on schedule. A minor gripe could be made perhaps regarding the incomprehensible PA louspeaker and the overall lack of space. But there was a general air of excitment and the buzz was good among competitors and spectators alike. Everyone got a free t-shirt and fightgear was awarded to all gold medal winners.

The UK proudly boasts two current black belt world champions (Roger Gracie and Braulio Estima) who base their academies here. The success of today shows that the UK can comfortably host a big competition that draws an international cast of participants. Perhaps one day soon, the UK could host the IBJJF European Championships? My congratulations to Braulio, Steve Fan and all the crew for organising a brilliant tournament.

british jiu-jitsu
Christine McDonagh (bottom) attemts a triangle choke on Dominique Vitry in a womens blue belt match.

Seymour Yang trains at the Mill Hill Roger Gracie Academy (http://www.millhillju-jitsuclub.com) and writes the Meekatsu BJJ blog. He won Bronze at the BJJ Open.

This is an installment in our Tournament Review Tuesdays column, where FightWorks Podcast listeners submit reports about Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling competitions that happened the weekend prior. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of The FightWorks Podcast.

- Caleb

UPDATE June 23 at 12:13PM Pacific: we received the following from Braulio Estima…

In the blue belt Chris Bowe was the highlight with his new blue belt awarded 2 weeks after the event he won his weight super heavy and absolute submitting 6 of his 8 opponents

Black belt high light was the final between Alexandre Izidro vs Marcus Nardine.

In black belt open weight Thiago Monstro brought back 100 pounds plus a brand new Keiko Raca gi.

At the brown belt Luciano Cristovan won gold on the absolute.

The high light at the brown was another brand new belt awarded guy, Yuri Simoes who won the world at the purple belt weight and absolute and fought for the first time at the brown belt and won gold beating Luciano in the final of the middle weight division.

The girls division was the biggest ever in the UK. The high light was the Abu Dhabi veteran the Irish Caiohme McGill.

Written by Caleb · Filed Under BJJ, Competition, TRT | 2 Comments

Tournament Results Tuesday: BJJ British Open

June 23, 2009

As part of our ongoing effort to bring you the details of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling news from all parts, here are the partial results of the BJJ British Open which took place June 21st in the United Kingdom.

If you are a tourney organizer, we encourage you to send us the results of your Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling events too. If you are a competitor, feel free to send us a write up of your competition experience as well! Details are here.

BLACK OVER 80KG
RICHARD MARTIN CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION GOLD
ARLANS SIQUEIRA SILVER
EDDIE KONE ROYLER GRACIE ACADEMY BRONZE

BLACK UNDER 80KG
ALEXANDRE IZIDRO ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA GOLD
MARCUS NARDINE NARDINE BJJ GLASGOW SILVER
HENRIQUE SANTA GB JOINT BRONZE
LEOPOLDO PIRES GB MARIO REIS JOINT BRONZE

BROWN ABSOLUTE
LUCIANO CRISTOVAN RGA GOLD
ANDY COSTELLO ITALO FERREIRA SILVER
MICHAEL RUSSEL BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL JOINT BRONZE
DIMITRI OLIVEIRA RGA JOINT BRONZE

BROWN FEATHER ADULT
TOM BARLOW GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
SIMON MCGOVERN GB STOKE LAGARTO SILVER

BROWN LIGHT ADULT
MICHAEL RUSSEL BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL GOLD
DARREN YEOMANN ITALO FERREIRA SILVER
DIMITRI OLIVEIRA RGA BRONZE

BROWN LIGHT SENIOR
LUIZ RIBEIRO CHECKMAT GOLD
EAMONN MADI BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL SILVER

BROWN MEDIUM HEAVY ADULT
YURI SIMOES RGA GOLD
LUCIANO CRISTOVAN RGA SILVER
ANDY ROBERTS RGA ANDY ROBERTS BRONZE

BROWN SUPER HEAVY MASTER
GNAT PRZEMO DRYSDALE JJ GOLD
ANDY COSTELLO ITALO FERREIRA SILVER
JACKSON FORTUNATO BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL BRONZE

PURPLE FEATHER ADULT
OMAR RASHID RICK YOUNG ACADEMY GOLD
CHANAKA WEERASINGH ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA SILVER
WESLEY TREVELLYAN GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
MARLON MORAES ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA JOINT BRONZE

PURPLE FEATHER ADULT FEMALE
CAOIMHE SUITOR GRACIE REVOLUTION GOLD
JENN WEBB BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL SILVER

PURPLE HEAVY ADULT
PIOTR KAPRAL GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
RORY PALMER ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA SILVER
LEE ANTHONY HOWES GB NEWCASTLE BRONZE

PURPLE HEAVY MASTER
TOM WILSON GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
MATTHEW NORRIS GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER
ED BROWN BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL JOINT BRONZE
STEVEN BRAND BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL JOINT BRONZE

PURPLE LIGHT ADULT
OLI GEDDES RGA GOLD
STEPHEN MARTIN GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER
MAX LIMA RGA VIE ACADEMY JOINT BRONZE
SIMON DAVIES ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA JOINT BRONZE

PURPLE LIGHT ADULT FEMALE
AISLING DALY SBG IRELAND GOLD
ESTHER TANG ECBJJ SILVER
KATIE RODD CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION BRONZE

PURPLE LIGHT MASTERS
DANIEL ECBJJ GOLD
NATHAN ROBERTS GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER
STEVEN WAN GB STOKE LAGARTO JOINT BRONZE
DAVID LEE ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA JOINT BRONZE

PURPLE MALE ABSOLUTE
DOMINIC DEBIA ? GOLD
RYAN SOOSANAZAD GB MARIO REES SILVER
WILLEN PETERS GRACIE BARRA nl JOINT BRONZE
ANTONIO HENRIQUE RGA JOINT BRONZE

PURPLE MEDIUM ADULT
RORY QUARRIER BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL GOLD
ROBERT TAYLOR GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER
NISAR SHAIKH CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION BRONZE

PURPLE MEDIUM HEAVY ADULT
RYAN SOOSANAZAD GB MARIO REES GOLD
WILLEM PETERS GRACIE BARRA nl SILVER
ROB VESTNEY ECBJJ JOINT BRONZE
STUART GWILT GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE

PURPLE MEDIUM HEAVY MASTER/SENIOR
DAVID IVERSON GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
KAROL STASIAK PRETORIAN SILVER
TOM KING SBG BRONZE

PURPLE MIDDLE MASTER
SCOTT PICKERING TEAM SUKATA WARRINGTON GOLD
WAQAR AHMED CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION SILVER
ADAM SANDERSON BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL JOINT BRONZE
AUSTIN GARDENER CHECKMAT JOINT BRONZE

PURPLE SUPER FEATHER ADULT
LUKE COLE GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
MANJIT BHAMBRA ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA SILVER

PURPLE SUPER HEAVY ADULT
RAFAEL NERY CHECKMAT GOLD
MISIEK ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA SILVER

PURPLE SUPER SUPER HEAVY ADULT
JAMES BLAND GB NEWCASTLE GOLD
ANTONIO HENRIQUE RGA SILVER
GREGG RODGERS GB LAGARTO BRONZE

MURALI PANCHALINGHAM CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION GOLD

BLUE FEATHER ADULT
LUCASZ GRATIKOWSKI GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
JAMES DUNAWAY ROYCE GRACIE BJJ SILVER
DANIEL KEY JOINT BRONZE
JAMES GALLAGER JOINT BRONZE

BLUE FEATHER ADULT FEMALE
JULIE MORGAN CHECKMAT GOLD
PIPPA GRANGER ECBJJ SILVER
CHRISTINE MCDONAGH GB BRAULIO ESTIMA BRONZE

BLUE FEATHER MASTER/SENIOR
WESLEY EPHSON LEAO DOURADO UK GOLD
WILHAM SANTOS RGA VIE ACADEMY SILVER
GEOFFREY SAUTNER ?? JOINT BRONZE
RODGER MIDDLETON RGA2 JOINT BRONZE

BLUE HEAVY ADULT
CHRIS REAGAN GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
VASILE PANFIL RGA SILVER
JACK MCDONALDS CHECKMAT JOINT BRONZE
SHAUN PARRY GB SWANSEA JOINT BRONZE

BLUE HEAVY MASTER SENIOR
PAUL WHYMAN COMBAT BASE N/E GOLD
KEITH TAYLOR ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA SILVER
DAVE SMITH CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION JOINT BRONZE
JASON BIRTH RGA JOINT BRONZE

BLUE LIGHT ADULT
MARK CURRY SBG GOLD
DANIEL AGARD BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL SILVER
JAMES EASLY GB LAGARTO JOINT BRONZE
ADAM ABBAS MARC WALDER BJJ JOINT BRONZE

BLUE LIGHT FEMALE
SHEENA DAVIS RGA GOLD
SABINE BATTNER KENPOKAN HANNOVER SILVER
PAULA CAROLINA REMES CHECKMAT JOINT BRONZE
EMMA BAKER GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE

BLUE LIGHT MASTER
KARIM SHAH CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION GOLD
CHRISTOPHER NOLAN CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION SILVER
MARIUSZ BARYLA GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
GRAEME KIDD SBG MANCHESTER JOINT BRONZE

BLUE LIGHT SENIOR
RITHY PRIKER ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA GOLD
CHRIS RAWLINS GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER
HUGH MALONE GRACIE BARRA NI JOINT BRONZE
JAMES DONNELLY SBG IRELAND JOINT BRONZE

BLUE MEDIUM HEAVY ADULT
LUKE COSTELLO GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
CLIVE STAUNTON STRAIGHT BLAST GYM IRELAND SILVER
DAWID GRANACKI RICK YOUNG SCOTLAND JOINT BRONZE
POVILAITIS MODESTAS VORAS BJJ JOINT BRONZE

BLUE MEDIUM HEAVY FEMALE
HELIN PAARA SBG MANCHESTER GOLD
OLGA LYASHEVSKA CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION SILVER

BLUE MEDIUM HEAVY MASTER
SAHID KHAMLICHI GRACIE BARRA MK GOLD
ARTUR SZWED CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION SILVER
BEN HEWITT GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
MATTHEW COX GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE

BLUE MEDIUM HEAVY SENIOR
CORNELL VLIJTER RGA GOLD
RICHARD ALLEN CHECKMAT SILVER

BLUE MIDDLE ADULT
DELROY MCDOWELL ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA GOLD
MARCIN ROZENBAUM LEAO DOURADO SILVER
CRAIG TETLEY GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
BRYAN THOMSON RICK YOUNGS BLACKBELT ACADEMY JOINT BRONZE

BLUE MIDDLE FEMALE
LEONI MUNSLOW ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA GOLD
SARAH MERRANER CHECKMAT SILVER
LARA WILSON GB STOKE LAGARTO JOINT BRONZE
LISA JAMES RGA VIE ACADEMY JOINT BRONZE

BLUE MIDDLE/MASTER
DONATIS UKTVERTIS RGA GOLD
GAVIN LEWIS GRACIE BARRA SILVER
ZAGHAM YOUNES BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL JOINT BRONZE
SCOTT MCKAIL RICK YOUNG ACADEMY JOINT BRONZE

BLUE MIDDLE/SENIOR
PHIL TUCKER ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA GOLD
RICHARD SHORE GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER
ROBERT CASALI ACADEMY 247 JOINT BRONZE
MATTHEW CHECKMAT JOINT BRONZE

BLUE SUPER FEATHER ADULT
AARON AU YEUNG GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
PATRICK HOLOHAN SBG IRELAND SILVER
MATTHEW DUNAWAY ROYCE GRACIE BJJ JOINT BRONZE
MAN YUEN TSANG UNIVERSITY LIMERICK BJJ JOINT BRONZE

BLUE SUPER FEATHER MASTER
ISAAC PEREZ ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA GOLD
HENRIQUE VALLASENOR CHECKMAT SILVER
VISHAL PATEL GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
SEYMOUR YANG RGA (MILL HILL) JOINT BRONZE

BLUE SUPER HEAVY ADULT
CHRIS BOWE GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
CHRIS KONIECZNY COMBAT ACADEMY HEREFORD SILVER
VALENTINO PETRESCU GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
RICHARD DAVIS PEDRO BESSA JOINT BRONZE

BLUE SUPER HEAVY MASTER/ SENIOR
JASON BELL CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION GOLD
WAYNE FAGAN CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION SILVER
JASON LEADBETTER GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
LEO RODLEY RGA JOINT BRONZE

BLUE SUPER SUPER HEAVY ADULT
TOMASZ WISNIEWSKI TRUE SPIRIT LEEDS/ OKINININISKI POLAND GOLD
LUKE TAYLOR ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA SILVER
MICHAEL WEST GB LAGARTO BRONZE

BLUE WOMEN ABSOLUTE
HELINE PAAVA ? GOLD
OLGA LASHEVSKA ? SILVER
LISA JAMES ? JOINT BRONZE
JULIE MORGAN ? JOINT BRONZE

WHITE ABSOLUTE
JOE ? GOLD
STEVEN PAGE ? JOINT BRONZE
DEMIEN ? JOINT BRONZE
MARCO ? SILVER

WHITE FEATHER ADULT
ANDY LE PAGE GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
SCOTT MCCONNELL GB PLYMOUTH JOINT BRONZE
RICHARD CLARKE RGA JOINT BRONZE
PHIL PATRICK RGA SILVER

WHITE FEATHER MASTER
STUART BOARDMAN BOLTON CATCH BJJ BRONZE
VICTOR FRONTCZAK ECBJJ GOLD
LEO MARCANTONIO BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL SILVER

WHITE FEATHER SENIOR
ERNIE PERRY GB BRAULIO ESTIMA BRONZE
TOBY NORWAYS RGA ANDY ROBERTS GOLD
ALEX TWEEDIE GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER

WHITE HEAVY ADULT
MARCO TOSTA MARIO REIS GOLD
MAX DENNING ? JOINT BRONZE
AMIR MEMARIAN CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION JOINT BRONZE
DEAN BRADBURY SILVER

WHITE HEAVY MASTER
MERV HARRIES GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
SACHA MACKENZIE CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION JOINT BRONZE
THADD WRONEK ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA JOINT BRONZE
PETER KUAPIR ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA SILVER

WHITE HEAVY MASTER/SENIOR
JOHN BYLETT BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL GOLD
ANDREW CHOONG CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION JOINT BRONZE
STEPHEN GARSIDE GB STOKE LAGARTO JOINT BRONZE
DENVAR WILSON BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL SILVER

WHITE HEAVY SENIOR
WILLIAM LAI BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL GOLD
PAUL STANFORD RGA JOINT BRONZE
MATTHEW BROWN TEAM LAGARTO JOINT BRONZE
PHIL FLOLET CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION SILVER

WHITE LIGHT ADULT
SUSHI AVAZKHNI ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA GOLD
SAM CHAPMAN BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL JOINT BRONZE
RAPHAEL KITAUCHI RGA JOINT BRONZE
ALEX BROERS ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA SILVER

WHITE LIGHT ADULT FEMALE
EMMA LEAVY CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION GOLD
RACHAEL PASSFIELD RGA JOINT BRONZE
RAQUEL MCMILLAN ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA JOINT BRONZE
LAUREN REED GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER

WHITE LIGHT MASTER
MUHAMED ITOUMAINE ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA GOLD
BEN KERSLAKE GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
STEVEN CORTIE RGA JOINT BRONZE
BEN GILBERT ANAJ DOS SANTOS SILVER

WHITE LIGHT SENIOR
MATTHEW SMITH KENPOKAN GOLD
DARREN GREEN GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
STEVEN FAGE ISHIN RYU JU JITSU JOINT BRONZE
RIYAZ ISMAIL RGA SILVER

WHITE MEDIUM ADULT
VINCE SKILCORN CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION GOLD
TOM BOSWELL CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION JOINT BRONZE
CHARLIE MACDONALD SUKATA JOINT BRONZE
BEN ROONIE GRACIE BARRA SILVER

WHITE MEDIUM ADULT FEMALE
TRACY LIMB GB LAGARTO GOLD
DHARMA STEVENS GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER

WHITE MEDIUM HEAVY ADULT
STUART TYRIE GB SWANSEA GOLD
MOHAMM SAMAD GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
IOANNIS KARACHRISTOS GB GREECE JOINT BRONZE
YUSUF CHECKMAT SILVER

WHITE MEDIUM HEAVY MASTER
JOSEPH SMILES AYLESBURY GOLD
ADRIAN TWEED GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
DALE HESKETH GB LAGARTO JOINT BRONZE
DAVIE OAKES MARC WALDER BJJ SILVER

WHITE MEDIUM HEAVY SENIOR
ROBERT TESNER GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
JONATHAN BROSTER BUSHIDO MMA JOINT BRONZE
STEPHEN SCAIFE RGA JOINT BRONZE
TREFOR COSTER KAMON SILVER

WHITE MEDIUM MASTER
MICHAEL HADAM ? GOLD
ANDRE SACRAMENTO EDUARDO CARRIELO BJJ JOINT BRONZE
MARTIN ASAME GRACI BARRA ? JOINT BRONZE
DAVID OKAI CHECKMAT SILVER

WHITE MEDIUM SENIOR
JOHNNY MOUNTNEY ?? GOLD
RICK MOOR BOLTON CATCH BJJ JOINT BRONZE
IAN FINCH GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
DAVID O’NEIL CHECKMAT SILVER

WHITE ROOSTER ADULT FEMALE
LEILA SMITH ECBJJ GOLD
CHUN YEE CHENG RGA SILVER

WHITE ROOSTER ADULT MALE
LEE CHAMPION MASTER ST JAMES BB ACADEMY BRONZE
SEAN MCDONAGH GB DERBY GOLD
MARK BOOT GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER

WHITE SUPER FEATHER ADULT
DAVID PRESCOTT GB TEAM LEGARTO GOLD
SIMON HARMER RGA JOINT BRONZE
BRENDON MAY ZE MARCELLO/ PEDRO BESSA JOINT BRONZE
PAUL JUGANATH RGA SILVER

WHITE SUPER FEATHER ADULT FEMALE
CAMILA PARKER CHECKMAT JOINT BRONZE
KEELIN MCGORY RGA JOINT BRONZE
SOPHIE COOK CANTON MA SILVER

MEGAN MCGREGOR ROYCE GRACIE BJJ GOLD

WHITE SUPER FEATHER MASTER
MARK TAYLOR BOLTON CATCH BJJ GOLD
ROY DAVIES GB BIRMINGHAM JOIN BRONZE
MATTHEW DELAUNEY GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
REZA DAUHOO CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION SILVER

WHITE SUPER HEAVY ADULT
STEPHEN CHRISTE NOVA FORCA GOLD
JOHN PSYLLAS ABERDEEBN MA JOINT BRONZE
ADAM KIELY JOINT BRONZE
DANIEL BUCKLEY GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER

WHITE SUPER SUPER HEAVY ADULT
MOHAMED LLIAS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL GOLD
CHRIS CAMERON BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL JOIN BRONZE
ROBERT STEEL GB BRAULIO ESTIMA JOINT BRONZE
PIOTR WOLEK CARLSON GRACIE REVOLUTION SILVER

WHITE SUPER SUPER HEAVY MASTER
ALEKSANDER GUSTYN RGA GOLD
MATTHEW JACKSON RGA JOINT BRONZE
SAMUEL SANGIORGI RGA JOINT BRONZE
PHIL CLEGG GB BRAULIO ESTIMA SILVER

WHITE SUPER SUPER HEAVY SENIOR
PETER DUTTON GB BRAULIO ESTIMA BRONZE
DARRYL SHAW GB BRAULIO ESTIMA GOLD
MARK STERLING BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU SCHOOL SILVER

Team results
based on 9pts = gold; 3 pts = silver; 1 pt bronze

1st GB Braulio Estima = 173 pts
2nd Ze Marcello/ Pedro Bessa = 102 pts
3rd RGA = 89
4th Carlson Gracie = 85

Written by Caleb · Filed Under Competition, TRT | 3 Comments

Tournament Results Tuesday: 2009 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship

June 9, 2009

(Click photo to enlarge.) Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles takes on Wellington “Megaton” Dias at the 2009 BJJ Mundial. Photo courtesy Jay from Grappling With Life for The FightWorks Podcast.

As part of our ongoing effort to bring you the details of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling news from all parts, here are the results of the 2009 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championship which took place June 4 -7 in Long Beach, California.

BLACK BELT ADULT

ROOSTER

FIRST bruno malfacine Alliance

SECOND caio terra Brasa

THIRD bernardo pitel Nova União

THIRD felipe costa Brasa

LIGHT FEATHER

FIRST guilherme mendes Atos

THIRD carlos vieira Check Mat Bjj

THIRD daniel beleza academy of combative

FEATHER

FIRST rubens charles Alliance

SECOND bruno frazatto Atos

THIRD rafael mendes Atos

THIRD mario reis Gracie Barra

LIGHT

FIRST michael langhi Alliance

SECOND gilbert burns Atos

THIRD philipe della monica Gracie Barra

THIRD rafael barbosa Soul Fighters

MIDDLE

FIRST marcelo garcia Alliance

SECOND sergio moraes Alliance

THIRD lucas leite Check Mat Bjj

THIRD alan do nascimento Check Mat Bjj

MEDIUM HEAVY

FIRST romulo barral Gracie Barra

SECOND tarsis humphreys Alliance

THIRD otavio de souza Gracie Barra

THIRD victor estima Gracie Barra

HEAVY

FIRST braulio estima Gracie Barra

SECOND alexandre de souza Gracie Florianópolis

THIRD alexandre ceconi Rillion Gracie

THIRD rafael lovato Gracie Humaita

SUPER HEAVY

FIRST roger gracie Gracie Barra

SECOND ricardo gonzalez Nova União

THIRD thiago gaia Nova União

THIRD bernardo faria Alliance

ULTRA HEAVY

FIRST gabriel vella Alliance

SECOND rodrigo cavaca Check Mat Bjj

THIRD marcio corleta Winner

THIRD andre de freitas Cesar Gracie

OPEN CLASS

FIRST roger gracie Gracie Barra

SECOND romulo barral Gracie Barra

THIRD claudio calanzas Atos

THIRD gabriel vella Alliance

BROWN/BLACK FEMALE

LIGHT FEATHER

FIRST leticia ribeiro Gracie Humaita

SECOND michelle nicolini Drysdale JJ

THIRD claudia martinez kvenbo C quence jiu jitsu

THIRD nyjah easton Lloyd Irvin

FEATHER

FIRST bianca barreto Gracie Barra

SECOND shioda sayaka AACC

THIRD jennifer petrina Gracie Humaita

THIRD fabiana borges Gracie Barra

LIGHT

FIRST luanna alzuguir Alliance

SECOND kyra gracie Renzo Gracie

THIRD juliana borges American Top Team

THIRD ana carolina vidal Gracie Humaita

MIDDLE

FIRST hannette staack Andre Negao

SECOND monica vanessa silva Sandro Bala e Julio Pudim

THIRD shanti abelha Check Mat Bjj

THIRD ana maria soares Check Mat Bjj

MEDIUM HEAVY

FIRST penny thomas Gracie Humaita

SECOND valerie worthington Carlson Gracie Team

THIRD caroline de lazzer Sul JJ

THIRD fernanda mazzeli Agnaldo Goes

HEAVY

FIRST lana stefanac trinity bjj

SECOND luciana dias Gracie Humaita

THIRD diana de souza de menezes Bon Sai

THIRD emily wetzel Carlson Gracie Team

OPEN CLASS

FIRST lana stefanac trinity bjj

SECOND kyra gracie Renzo Gracie

THIRD gabrielle garcia Alliance

THIRD penny thomas Gracie Humaita

For results from the white, blue and purple belt divisions, see the IBJJF’s website.

Written by Caleb · Filed Under Competition, TRT | Leave a Comment

Tournament Results Tuesday: 2009 NAGA Midwest Championship

June 9, 2009

As part of our ongoing effort to bring you the details of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling news from all parts, here are the partial results of the 2009 NAGA Midwest Championship which took place May 30th and 31st in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Mens GI Black Belt Light Weight
1st Place Carlos Lemos Jr. Gracie Barra
2nd Place Henry Matamoros Matamoros

Mens GI Brown & Black Middle Weight
1st Place Jonatas Novaes Flo Brasa
2nd Place Isreal Reyes Carlson Gracie
3rd Place Brent Fitzgerald Revolution

Mens GI Brown & Black Belt Super Heavy Weight
1st Place Jeff Serafin McVicker
2nd Place David Johnson David Johnson

Mens NO-GI Absolute
1st Place Ezra Lenon ATT
2nd Place Andy Acker Twisted Fitness
3rd Place Jeff Serafin McVicker

Mens NO-GI Advanced Fly Weight
1st Place Omar Choudhury Matamoros
2nd Place Brearin Land Brasa

Mens NO-GI Advanced
1st Place Anthony Christodoulon Flo Brasa
2nd Place Billy Rutherford Warrior Concepts

Mens NO-GI Advanced Feather Weight
1st Place Ben Pitchford Tom’s Open Mat
2nd Place Justin Hamilton Wrecking Ball
3rd Place Charles Hiersche KCBJJ

Mens NO-GI Advanced Light Weight
1st Place Carlos Lemos Gracie Barra
2nd Place Jeff Curran Curran
3rd Place John Hinsenkamp Matamoros

Mens NO-GI Advanced Welter Weight
1st Place Jonthan Novaes Flo Brasa
2nd Place Andy Acker Twisted Fitness
3rd Place Alexander Chu-Kung New Breed

Mens NO-GI Advanced Middle Weight
1st Place Daniel Wanderley Carlson Gracie
2nd Place Brian daley Uflacker Academy
3rd Place Mike Vaugh Blast

Mens NO-GI Advanced Light Heavy Weight
1st Place Ezra Lenon ATT
2nd Place Brian Sworsky The Academy
3rd Place Michael Reilly Force JJ

Mens NO-GI Advanced Cruiser Weight
1st Place Dan Opsahl MMAA/Sauer
2nd Place John Gallegos Champion JJ

Mens NO-GI Advanced Heavy Weight
1st Place David Klerzkowski Matamoros
2nd Place Matthew Thor Kristufek Dino Costeas
3rd Place Jim Gray Rage Pit

Mens NO-GI Advanced Super Heavy Weight
1st Place Mike Marrello Curran
2nd Place Bruce Hoyer Flo Brasa

Mens NO-GI Directors Advanced Light Weight
1st Place Clint Crabtree URBJJ
2nd Place Marshall Belmer Torres

Mens NO-GI Directors Advanced Heavy Weight
1st Place Anthony Porcelli Des Mornes MMA
2nd Place Jerry Katchka Ordered Chaos
3rd Place Rick Matthews None

Masters NO-GI Advanced Light Weight
1st Place Henry Matamoros Matamoros
2nd Place Alex Embry
3rd Place Matt Hlinak Dino Costeas

Masters NO-GI Advanced Cruiser Weight
1st Place Seth Foreman Ordered Chaos
2nd Place Leo Perez Champion JJ
3rd Place Anthony Carlson Vaghi

Masters NO-GI Advanced Super Heavy Weight
1st Place Anthony Duncan Curran
2nd Place Peter Backer Xtreme Couture
3rd Place Eddie Davis Davis Judo

Womens NO-GI Advanced Light Heavy Weight
1st Place Fallon Fox Champion JJ
2nd Place Jennifer Smith Minnesota Top Team
3rd Place Helen Henderson Flo Brasa

Full results of this event, including white belt, blue belt, purple belt, and non-advanced no-gi competitors can be found on NAGA’s website.

Written by Caleb · Filed Under Competition, TRT | Leave a Comment

Tournament Review Tuesday: NAGA Midwest Championships

June 2, 2009

NAGA grappling tournament
Action on the mats at the 2009 NAGA Midwest Championship.

by Ben “The Dutch Assassin” Lindhout

A group comprised of myself and 7 other teammates made the 4.5 hour journey from Grand Rapids, MI to Milwaukee, WI for the NAGA Midwest Championship on Saturday 5/30/09. The last couple years this event has been held in suburban Chicago, but this time was brought back to brew city.

Because of the large amount of competitors coming from the Chicagoland area, the NAGA brass decided to have Friday night weigh ins and two separate sites. You could choose to weigh in at the venue, located at a sports complex in suburban Milwaukee, or you could weigh in early at the New Breed Academy BJJ school located just outside Chicago. Since our group would go through Chicago on the way to Milwaukee, we decided to do the Friday night weigh in’s at New Breed. Weigh in’s were from 5-8pm and there was a line of people already when we got there at 4:30pm. This was convenient, but we had one teammate whose weight information did not transfer over to the venue the next morning, and he had to weigh in again right before the event started on Saturday.

The next morning, we got to the venue around 11am. The rules meeting was just finishing up, and they started the kids and teens divisions right away. Most of the big midwest schools were representing, and there were a handful of grappling celebrities; including Carlson Gracie Jr., Miguel Torres, Jeff Curran (who competed), Hillary Williams (who was a referee), and a host of black belt coaches. The sports complex was very large, and easily accommodated the 14 mat setup that NAGA brought for this event. There was limited bleacher seating, but since most people crowd up around the mats anyway, it didn’t really matter. I talked to Kip Kollar, NAGA president, who said that is typical. He said that in their last Dallas event, they had arena seating for thousands, but very few people sit down as they prefer to watch their teammates and family members up close. They were using their new electronic timer and scoring systems at each ring which were very nice, and clearly showed the time, the score, as well as advantages.

The turnout was pretty good for the event, and I would estimate there were maybe about 500 competitors. It seemed just a little less then when they held the event closer to Chicago, and far less then the 1400 grapplers who participated at the NAGA-run Arnold Classic event in Columbus, OH. I saw many good displays of sportsmanship, and only a couple of injuries. Both the injuries I saw were by kneebar in advanced divisions. The quality of the referees varied greatly by mat, but I did see the head of officials, Joe Cuff, review a video when a coach disputed a call that the ref made.

The tournament ended up being well run, and we started getting ready to leave around 6:30pm when all of our divisions were done. There were still a few groups out on the mat, but I can’t imagine it went on too long after that. The venue was great, and had staff working there which meant the trash actually was taken out, and the bathrooms were refreshed throughout the day. This is a welcome change from most of the other large tournaments I have been to. You can’t please all the people, all of the time; but I felt this was the best NAGA event I have ever attended. There was some great grappling being displayed, the venue was big and clean, and it went smoothly getting done on time. I hope they continue improving and taking feedback from the competitors to make future events even better.

Ben trains at Grand Rapids BJJ in Michigan and blogs at Dutch Assassin BJJ. This is an installment in our Tournament Review Tuesdays column, where FightWorks Podcast listeners submit reports about Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling competitions that happened the weekend prior. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of The FightWorks Podcast.

Don’t forget - we’re getting together for coffee on Sunday morning at the World Championship!
- Caleb

Written by Caleb · Filed Under Competition, TRT | Leave a Comment

Tournament Results Tuesday: 9th Annual Copa de España

May 19, 2009

As part of our ongoing effort to bring you the details of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling news from all parts, here are the results of the 9th Annual Copa de España, which took place May 9 & 10 in Barcelona, Spain.

WOMENS RESULTS

Womens Lightweight White and Blue Belts

1 – Ana Caria (Gracie Barcelona/Lisboa)

2 - Kaitlin Carlucci (Marcelo Monteiro)

3 – Maria Franch (Gracie Barcelona)

Womens Middleweight White and Blue Belts

1 – Morena Cuba (Aranha)

2 – Ana Caria (Gracie Barcelona/Lisboa)

3 – Katia Rosado (Power Team)

4 – Julia Klammsteiner (Gracie Barcelona/Bolzano)

MENS RESULTS

Mens White Belt Super Lightweight

1 – Luis Adrian Raich (Aranha)

2 – Fernando Roca (Anaconda)

3 – Nacho Valverde (GB Sevilla)

4 – Adrian Rodriguez (Progreso Vigo)

Mens White Belt Lightweight

1 – Cesar Puget (Fabricio Werdum)

2 – Toni Mendoza (Aranha)

3 – Joan Pau Soto (Gracie Barcelona/Mataro)

4 – Diogo Silva (Kito-Ryu BJJ)

Mens White Belt Middleweight

1 – Damian Raich (Aranha)

2 – Manuel Hesse (Fabricio Werdum)

3 – Sixto Fernandez (Fabricio Werdum)

4 – Alex Martinez (Gracie Barcelona)

Mens White Belt Middle Heavyweight

1 – Alfonso Valencia (Aranha)

2 – Pere Fabrega (Kito-Ryu BJJ)

3 – Jose Carlos Alves (Barcelo)

4 – Xavier Sierra (Cronos Gym)

Mens White Belt Heavyweight

1 – Luis Carlos Esquivel (Cronos Gym)

2 – Alexander Perez (GB Pitbull)

3 – Francisco Arroyo (New Team)

4 – Jaime Villaverde (Gracie Barcelona)

Mens White Belt Absolute

1 – Guillaume Tuffon (Aranha)

2 – Jozsef Szuc (Check Mat)

3 – Sixto Fernandez (Fabricio Werdum)

4 – Gil Falgueras (Anaconda)

Mens Blue Belt Super Lightweight

1 – Cristian Espejel (GB Reus)

2 – Mani Gilavandan (Fabricio Werdum)

3 – Pedro Moreno (Gracie Barcelona)

4 – Raul Perez (Haubert Team)

Mens Blue Belt Lightweight

1 – Sergio Cabrera (Barquilla)

2 – David Aranda (Aranha)

3 – Hector Antequera (Check Mat)

4 – David Palay (Gracie Barcelona)

Mens Blue Belt Middleweight

1 – Abner Lloveras (Haubert Team)

2 - Jose Espejo (Gracie Barcelona/Mataro)

3 – Vidal Herrero (Check Mat)

4 – Toni Bavcevic (Gracie Barcelona)

Mens Blue Belt Middle Heavyweight

1 – Cesar Dubon (Check Mat)

2 – Alexander Moldolvan (Check Mat)

3 – Miguel Angel Ruiz (Gracie Barcelona/Mataro)

4 – Abel Rocha (Haubert Team)

Mens Blue Belt Heavyweight

1 – Aleksa Sopalovic (Condor JJ)

2 – Oscar Marrero (Gil Catarino)

Mens Blue Belt Absolute

1 – Aleksa Sopalovic (Condor JJ)

2 – Leandro Frois (GB Maceio)

3 – Cesar Dubon (Check Mat)

4 – Miguel Angel Ruiz (Gracie Barcelona/Mataro)

Mens Purple Belt Lightweight

1 – Rafael Fuentes (Gil Catarino)

2 – Joao Futscher (Gracie Barcelona/Lisboa)

3 – Roman Navarro (Haubert Team)

4 – George Birkadze (Gracie Barcelona)

Mens Purple Belt Middleweight

1 – Diego Cabrera (Barquilla)

2 – Jose Miguel Madueno (Anaconda)

3 – Mikel Cortes (Condor JJ)

4 – Guillermo Arbe (Haubert Team)

Mens Purple Belt Heavyweight

1 – Victor Martinez (GB Reus)

2 – David Perez (Gracie Barcelona/Terrassa)

3 – Leandro Horacio Galati (GB Marbella)

4 – Nacho Cantera (GB Sevilla)

Mens Purple Belt Absolute

1 – Mikel Cortes (Condor JJ)

2 – Victor Hernandez (GB Reus)

3 – Leandro Horacio Galati (GB Marbella)

4 – Joao Futscher (Gracie Barcelona/Lisboa)

Mens Brown Belt Middleweight

1 - Helio Perdigao (Gracie Barcelona)

2 – Joao Santos (Gracie Barcelona/Lisboa)

3 – Gabriel Jarauta (Haubert Team)

4 – Alessandro Federico (Gracie Barcelona/Bolzano)

Mens Brown Belt Heavy

1 – Javier Martinez (Gracie Barcelona)

2 – Wellington Araujo (Haubert Team)

3 – Luis Felipe (Fabricio Werdum)

4 – Jose Miguel Tamayo (Condor JJ)

Mens Brown Belt Absolute

1 – Vladimiro Afonso (Power Team)

2 – Gustavo da Fonseca (Check Mat)

3 – Helio Perdigao (Gracie Barcelona)

4 – Javier Martinez (Gracie Barcelona)

Men’s Black Belt Absolute

1 – Matias Ribeiro (Fabricio Werdum)

2 – Ricardo Alvarenga (Kito-Ryu BJJ)

3 – Leonardo Pelucio (GB Reus)

4 – Isaac Almeida (Check Mat)

Team Results:

1 – GRACIE BARCELONA = 85 ₧.

2 – ARANHA = 62

3 – FABRICIO WERDUM = 41

4 – CHECK MAT = 38

5 – CONDOR JJ = 34

6 – GB REUS = 29

7 – HAUBERT TEAM = 25

8 – BARQUILLA = 20

9 – GIL CATARINO = 16

10 – ANACONDA = 13

- POWER TEAM = 13

- KITO-RYU BJJ = 13

13 – CRONOS GYM = 11

14 – GB MARBELLA = 6

- GB PITBULL = 6

- GB MACEIO = 6

- MARCELO MONTEIRO = 6

18 – GB SEVILLA = 4

19 – NEW TEAM = 3

- BARCELO = 3

21 – PROGRESO VIGO = 1

Scoring

First place = 10 points

Second place = 6

Third place = 3

Fourth place = 1

Written by Caleb · Filed Under Competition, TRT | Leave a Comment

Tournament Review Tuesday: Brasileiros

May 19, 2009

The Brasileiros - An Outsider’s View

by Jeremy Arel in Rio de Janeiro

Tournaments are a way for competitive athletes to test their skills, polish their technique and build a name for themselves. Every competition has its own feel, its own way of drawing spectators in and a unique ability to build bonds between teammates.

The Brasileiros is no exception to this rule. There were fighters from all over the world in attendance and the level of competition was high. This past weekend hosted the brown belt and black belt weight divisions as well as the absolute division. Every weight class had something to offer to an outsider like myself.

Like many Americans I do not know up and coming names in BJJ but I was continually wowed by the technical mastery show cased during the matches. There were a few matches where people stayed standing in a deadlock fighting for takedowns and hand grips but the majority of the matches were medium to high paced with many positional transitions.

In the United States I have attended many tournaments along the east coast (both as a spectator and a competitor) and the intensity level here in Brazil is leaps and bounds beyond anything at home. Typically as a competition wears on the fans become more lethargic, slow down and go home but here as the day progressed the fans became more energetic, excited…and in the case of the finals somewhat frenzied.

What I am trying to say is training and competing in Brazil is serious business. These schools (Alliance, Gracie Barra, Checkmate, Gordo BJJ, and many more) are competing for something more than valuable than money. They compete for pride, bragging rights and the integrity of the sport. They, in essence, keep it real.

If you have not had the opportunity to attend a tournament in Brazil and you are a BJJ practitioner I would suggest making it a priority. There is an almost electric atmosphere that no amount of words can express or convey…it can only be experienced.

Jeremy trains at Charles Hanebrink’s Martial Arts Traning Center in North Carolina. Thanks to Dennis Asche of ConnectionRio for putting us in touch with Jeremy.

This is an installment in our Tournament Review Tuesdays column, where FightWorks Podcast listeners submit reports about Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling competitions that happened the weekend prior. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of The FightWorks Podcast.

- Caleb

Written by Caleb · Filed Under Competition, TRT | 1 Comment

Tournament Results Tuesday: Copa Nova BJJ & Submission Grappling Tournament

May 12, 2009

As part of our ongoing effort to bring you the details of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and submission grappling news from all parts, here are the results of last weekend’s Copa Nova, held in Northern Virginia.

Academy Adult Results:
Lloyd Irvin Academy 201
Yamasaki 117
Pedro Sauer 53
De la Riva 42
Royce Gracie 30
Brasa 27
Balance 21
Rage Fight Club 21
Vanguard 19
Leo Dalla 16
Relson Gracie 10
USA Jiu Jitsu 10
BJJ Revolution 9
Culpepper MMA 8
Hagerstown BJJ 5
Combat Sports Center 4
Baltimore BJJ 3
Raleigh Instititue of Martial Arts 3
Clinch Academy 1
Jiu Jitsu Now 1

Academy Children and Teen Results
World Class Martial Arts 50
Royce Gracie 41
Yamasaki 37
de la Riva 29
Rage Fight Club 22
Pedro Sauer 21
Siena School 3
Capitol Combat 3
Balance 3
Trident Academy 2

Men’s Divisions

Advanced No-Gi
up to 134.9
1 Luis Pantoja Yamasaki
2 David Zwanetz LIMAA
3 Shane Arechiga Yamasaki

135-164.9 lbs
1 Jeremiah West Rage Fight Club
2 Miguel Matta Yamasaki
3 David Jacobs Yamasaki

165-179.9 lbs.
1 Arthur Walcott-Ceesay LIMAA
2 DeAlozio Jackson LIMAA
3 Rafael Garcia Royce Gracie

180-194.9 lbs.
1 Shimon Kafka Balance
2 Fred Thomsen LIMAA
3 Louis Armezzani de la Riva

195 and up
1 Willie Leonard LIMAA
2 Johnny Curtis Pedro Saure

Absolute
1 Willie Leonard LIMAA
2 DeAlozaio Jackson LIMAA
3 Arthur Walcott LIMAA

Mens Intermediate No-Gi
up to 134.9 lbs.
1 CJ Melton LIMAA
2 Ryan Corsillo LIMAA
3 Brian Chang Pedro Sauer

135-149.9 lbs.
1 David Tepper Yamasaki
2 Patrick Trinidad Pedro Sauer
3 Robert Williams LIMAA

150-164.9 lbs.
1 Lawrence Waters Yamasaki
2 Keith Cebula LIMAA
3 Firaas Hakim Royce Gracie

165-179.9 lbs.
1 Bradon Reinhardt Vanguard
2 Tancred Dickens Yamasaki
3 Joseph Keefe Pedro Sauer

180-194.9 lbs.
1 Junior Nascimento Yamasaki
2 Bryan Lane Yamasaki
3 Chad Malone

195 and up
1 Charles Cherry LIMAA
2 Kenneth Brown LIMAA
3 Kristopher Bishop Rage Fight Club

Absolute
1 Bryan Lane Yamasaki
2 Jason Edwards Pedro Sauer
3 Daniel Chacon LIMAA

Mens Beginner No Gi
up to 134.9 lbs.
1 Brandon Wheeler Hagerstown BJJ
2 Armand Alacbay Yamasaki
3 Corey Bissett LIMAA

135-149.9 lbs.
1 Michael Caporaletti Culpepper MMA
2 Cristian Garcia Relson Gracie
3 Eric Marciano USA Jiu Jitsu

150-164.9 lbs.
1 Emilio Garcia Leo Dalla
2 Chris Chi Yamasaki
3 Mark Egan Royce Gracie

165-179.9 lbs.
1 Matthew Van Valkenburgh Pedro Sauer
2 Tyler Johnson Royce Gracie
3 Matthew Wilson Vanguard

180-194.9 lbs
1 Dan Rose LIMAA
2 Phillip Phan USA Jiu Jitsu
3 David Freeman LIMAA

195 and up
1 David Hawa de la Riva
2 Konstantinos Pantazis Yamasaki
3 Richard McVarish Royce Gracie

Mens Beginner No Gi Absolute
1 Emilio Garcia Leo Dalla
2 James Neville de la Riva
3 Tyler Johnson Royce Gracie

Mens Brown Belt
Absolute
1 Lee Synkowski Balance
2 Luis Pantoja Yamasaki

Mens Purple
150-164.9 lbs
1 Adrian Rumingan Yamasaki
2 Tim Koren Brasa
3 Scott Christensen Pedro Sauer

165-194.9 lbs.
1 Greg Souders LIMAA
2 Anthony Martin
3 Jason Doucette Vanguard

Purple Absolute
1 Greg Souders LIMAA
2 Ron Stallings LIMAA
3 Anthony Martin

Mens Blue
up to 134.9 lbs.
1 Joshua Pike de la Riva
2 Kenny Savercool Brasa
3 David Zwanetz LIMAA

135-149.9 lbs
1 Jeremiah West Rage Fight Club
2 Francisco Quesada Royce Gracie
3 Thomas Echols Brasa

150-164.9 lbs
1 Keith Cebula LIMAA
2 Leonard Maggio LIMAA
3 Jordan Tabor LIMAA

165-179.9 lbs.
1 DeAlozio Jackson LIMAA
2 Rafael Garcia Royce Gracie
3 Zachary Jones Royce Gracie

180-194.9 lbs.
1 Brad Pearson LIMAA
2 Louis Armezzani de la Riva
3 Carroll Lewis Jiu Jitsu Now

195 and up
1 Willie Leonard LIMAA
2 Kenneth Brown LIMAA
3 David Harker Clinch Academy

Mens Blue Absolute
1 Willie Leonard LIMAA
2 Cesar Paredes Pedro Sauer
3 Leonard Maggio LIMAA

Mens White
up to 134.9 lbs.
1 Ryan Corsillo LIMAA
2 Jose Ortez Leo Dalla
3 Jay Rollins BJJ Revolution

135-149.9 lbs
1 Jared Smith LIMAA
2 Michael Caporaletti Culpeper MMA
3 Robert Williams LIMAA

150-164.9 lbs
1 Jonathan Hughes de la Riva
2 Eric Anderson Baltimore BJJ
3 Adam Levy Relson Gracie

165-179.9 lbs.
1 Alvin Walker Royce Gracie
2 Neil Clark Pedro Sauer
3 Jonathan Scheider Yamasaki

180-194.9 lbs.
1 Chad Malone
2 Dan Rose LIMAA
3 Philip Phan USA Jiu Jitsu

195 and up
1 Eddie Mason de la Riva
2 James Neville de la Riva
3 Nima Khalilian Yamasaki

Mens White Absolute
1 Jason Edwards Pedro Sauer
2 David Hawa de la Riva
3 James Neville de la Riva

Womens Divisions

Women
No Gi
Advanced
up to 134.9 lbs.
1 Jeanette Flannery Brasa
2 Elyse Goldberg LIMAA

135-149.9 lbs.
1 Sijara Eubanks LIMAA
2 Cynthia O’Rourke LIMAA
3 Kelsey Cousino LIMAA

Womens No Gi Advanced Absolute
1 Cynthia O’Rourke LIMAA
2 Kelsey Causino LIMAA
3 Sijara Eubanks LIMAA

Womens No Gi Intermediate
135 and up
1 Aisha Thomas LIMAA
2 Rachel Demara LIMAA
3 Nikki Claudio LIMAA

Womens No Gi Int Absolute
1 Rachel Demara LIMAA
2 Kristen Debruycker Pedro Sauer
3 Aisha Thomas LIMAA

Womens No Gi Beginner
120-134.9
1 Eva Tarnay Yamasaki
2 Kate Nolan Pedro Sauer
3 Teresa Russin LIMAA

135-149.9 lbs.
1 Maggie Ghamry Yamasaki
2 Hollie Kapos Brasa

Gi
Purple Absolute (Exhibition)
1 Cynthia O’Rourke LIMAA
2 Elyse Goldberg LIMAA
3 Jen Flannery Brasa

Womens Blue
120-134.9 lbs.
1 Jen Flannery Brasa
2 Shannon Pedroni Relson Gracie

150 and up
1 Sijara Eubanks LIMAA
2 Rachel Demara LIMAA
3 Kristen Debruycker Pedro Sauer

Womens Blue Absolute
1 Sijara Eubanks LIMAA
2 Rachel Demara LIMAA

Womens White
120-134.9 lbs.
1 Kate Nolan Pedro Sauer
2 Teresa Russin LIMAA
3 Cathy Tran-Zwanetz LIMAA

135-149.9 lbs.
1 Maggie Ghamry Yamasaki
2 Elizabeth Herman Yamasaki
3 Hollie Kapos Brasa

Womens White Absolute
1 Aisha Thomas LIMAA
2 Nikki Claudio LIMAA
3 Kelsey Cousino LIMAA

Mens 30+
No Gi
Advanced
up to 159.9 lbs
1 Scott Miller Yamasaki
2 Israel Parra Royce Gracie

160-199.9 lbs
1 Shimon Kafka Balance
2 Miguel Vazquez Relson Gracie

200 and up
1 Jakov Speranda Yamasaki
2 Johnny Curtis Pedro Sauer

Mens 30+ No gi Intermediate
up to 159.9 lbs
1 Lawrence Gillett Rage Fight Club
2 Wilotha Davis III Raleigh Instititue of Martial Arts

160-179.9 lbs.
1 Don Dees USA Jiu Jitsu
2 Adrian Hanley Brasa
3 Steven Gonzalez Pedro Sauer

180-199.9 lbs.
1 Kristopher Bishop Rage Fight Club
2 Cesar Paredes Pedro Sauer
3 Alex Martin Combat Sports Center

Mens 30+ No Gi Beginner
up to 159.9 lbs.
1 Jason Deutsch Vanguard
2 John Manning LIMAA

160-179.9 lbs
1 Sinan Narin Yamasaki
2 Danny McCrea Balance
3 Francisco Nunez Royce Gracie

200 lbs and up
1 Richard MacVarish Royce Gracie
2 Nathaniel Tyler LIMAA
3 Patrick Lacy Vanguard

Mens 30+Gi
Purple
up to 159.9
1 Scott Miller Yamasaki
2 Eldad Moraru Yamasaki

160-179.9 lbs
1 Jacon Doucette Vangaurd
2 Yegor Kuznetsov Yamasaki

200 and up
1 Mike Atkin LIMAA
2 Jakov Speranda Yamasaki

Mens 30+Blue
up to 179.9 lbs
1 Ali Barzinji de la Riva
2 Jay Donelson Leo Dalla
3 Steve Gonzalez Pedro Sauer

180-199.9 lbs
1 Cesar Paredes Pedro Sauer
2 Shimon Kafka Balance
3 Paul Jarosh Vanguard

200 and up
1 Michael Barratt Yamasaki
2 Justin Kornfeld BJJ Revolution
3 Ben Nall Royce Gracie

Mens 30+White
up to 159.9 lbs
1 Philippe Ty BJJ Revolution
2 Mark Pham Yamasaki
3 John Manning LIMAA

160-179.9 lbs.
1 Danny McCrea Balance
2 Adrian Hanley Brasa
3 Sinan Narin Yamasaki

180-199. lbs.
1 Octavian Margineau Yamasaki
2 Alex Martin Combat Sports Center
3 Casey Nichols Yamasaki

200 lbs. and up
1 Nathaniel Tyler LIMAA
2 David Hawa de la Riva
3 Alfonso Washington LIMAA

Teen
No Gi
Advanced
115-129.9 lbs
1 Shane Arechiga Yamasaki
2 Austin Miller Yamasaki
3 Justin White World Class Martial Arts

130-169.9 lbs.
1 Gabriel Bane World Class Martial Arts
2 Dean Szollory Siena School

Beginner
up to 114.9 lbs
1 Jacob Turpin Pedro Sauer
2 Matthew Allison Royce Gracie
3 Tristen Foley Trident Academy

130-149.9 lbs.
1 Don Tran Royce Gracie
2 Ben Davis Royce Gracie
3 Edwin Narusberg Pedro Sauer

Teen Gi
Advanced
115-129.9 lbs
1 Shane Arechiga Yamasaki
2 Gabriel Pike de la Riva
3 Jared Joyner World Class Martial Arts

Beginner
Up to 114.9 lbs.
1 Jacob Turpin Pedro Sauer
2 Matthew Allison Royce Gracie
3 Tristen Foley Trident Academy

130-149.9 lbs.
1 Don Tran Royce Gracie
2 Ben Davis Royce Gracie

Children
No Gi
Advanced
up to 59.9 lbs.
1 Hannah Grace Forsyth World Class Martial Arts
2 Lutfi Lasida Royce Gracie
3 Paul Jacobs Yamasaki

60-69.9 lbs.
1 Rebecca Forsyth World Class Martial Arts
2 Rael Griffin Capitol Combat
3 Jamir Johnson Yamasaki

70-79.9 lbs.
1 Rachel Jacobs Yamasaki
2 Nicholas Row World Class Martial Arts
3 Abby Ayala Rage Fight Club

80-94.9 lbs.
1 Desmond Torres de la Riva
2 Sydney Allen World Class Martial Arts

95-109.9 lbs
1 Christian Gillett Rage Fight Club
2 Savannah Weatherford World Class Martial Arts
3 Kyle Siquiera de la Riva

125 lbs and up
1 John Rivera Pedro Sauer
2 Marcelus Wilkinson World Class Martial Arts
3 Mustafa Tobah Royce Gracie

Children No Gi
Beginner
60-79.9 lbs.
1 Laszlo Nemes Royce Gracie
2 Taylor Prejean Rage Fight Club

80-94.9 lbs.
1 Nicholas Rios de la Riva
2 Patrick Hailey Rage Fight Club
3 Zachary Pardue Synergy

Children Gi
Advanced
50-59.9 lbs.
1 Hannah Grace Forsyth World Class Martial Arts
2 Lutfi Lasida Royce Gracie
3 Mateo Nunez Yamasaki

60-69.9 lbs.
1 Jamir Johnson Yamasaki
2 Daniel Row World Class Martial Arts
3 Rebecca Forsyth World Class Martial Arts

70-79.9 lbs.
1 Nicholas Row World Class Martial Arts
2 Rachel Jacobs Yamasaki

80-94.9 lbs.
1 Desmond Torres de la Riva
2 Rex Beck Balance
3 Sydney Allen World Class Martial Arts

95-109.9 lbs.
1 Christian Gillett Rage Fight Club
2 Savannah Weatherford World Class Martial Arts
3 Kyle Siquiera de la Riva

125 lbs. and up
1 John Rivera Pedro Sauer
2 Marcelus Wilkinson World Class Martial Arts
3 Mustafa Tobah Royce Gracie

Childrens Gi
Beginner
50-59.9 lbs.
1 Mateo Nunez Yamasaki
2 David Miller Yamasaki
3 Andy Villamar Royce Gracie

70-79.9 lbs.
1 Laszlo Nemes Capital Jiu Jitsu
2 Keegan Daley Rage Fight Club
3 Taylor Prejean Rage Fight Club

80-94.9 lbs.
1 Nicholas Rios de la Riva
2 Zachary Pardue Synergy MMA
3 Patrick Hailey Rage Fight Club

Written by Caleb · Filed Under Competition, TRT | Leave a Comment

Tournament Review Tuesday: Essex BJJ Open 2009

May 5, 2009

tournament essex open BJJ jiu-jitsu
A takedown in the brown belt absolute division at the 2009 Essex BJJ Open.

from Seymour Yang

One of the great things happening right now in the UK BJJ scene is watching how the sport is flourishing so well. The Essex BJJ Open event (3rd May 2009) was a typical example of today’s well run, well turned out event.

In 2002, British black belt Marc Walder and Royce Gracie held one of the very first BJJ tournaments in the UK at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre, Essex. The 2009 Essex Open, run by Marc Walder and Dave Coles, was at the same venue and it is notable that many of the competitors from that event in 2002 were also there today, as coaches and senior ranking grades.

The Essex BJJ Open 2009 attracted roughly 300 competitors. The early signs that this was going to be an extremely well run event were there with an ultra efficient website that allowed all those registering to see who else had signed up within minutes.

The general atmosphere of the venue was intimate enough with the crowd close enough to see all the action in detail. There were full divisions in the mens white belt adults and masters, as there were in the blue adults and masters. The absolutes in those two categories were popular as ever, and it was good to see a fair number of purple and brown belts fighting. A black belt superfight would have been a nice addition to the schedule but it was not to be.

With so many categories and four mats in constant action, it was a busy event. But there were a few standout matches of the day. The white belt super feathers (under 64 kg) attracted immediate interest with two extremely talented young guys, both juveniles, but fighting in the adult division – 16 year-old Ahmed Amin and 15 year-old Tyrone Elliot. Both destroyed their opponents in the opening rounds and were destined to meet in the final. The 16 year-old won in the end, but both displayed such superb skills, the futures of both look to be stellar.

Arguably the match that everyone wanted to see happen in the mens blue belt light (under 76 kg) division was the 2008 World Juniors No-gi grappling champion, Daniel Strauss, versus the 2008 Mundials junior blue belt champion, Stephen Martin. The meteoric rise of these two young men has earned them numerous trophies and plaudits, but surprisingly, they have never met each other in competition…until today. After both had comprehensively beaten their opponents in the opening rounds, the final that everyone had been waiting for was actually happening. As befitting two very technical players, the match was fairly even until Strauss broke the deadlock and gained the back. With a collar choke from the back looming, time ran out, but the winner was clear.

BJJ comps are dominated by young men and women seeking medals. But one gentleman stood out amongst the rest – 69 year old Peter Griffiths – fighting his very first competition in the blue belt Masters light feather (under 64 kg) division. Seemingly undaunted by the challenge, Peter started his match off well with a wonderful judo foot sweep. The good run wasn’t to last however as his unforgiving opponent (the author!) ended it swiftly with an armbar. But Peter proved that age is no barrier in this game and he rose to a standing ovation from the admiring audience.

The day ended with Marc Walder making an emotional speech thanking all those who competed and helped organise the event. Within minutes, all the results were compiled and the prestigious team trophy (The Mestre Mauricio Gomes Cup) was awarded to the vociferous Carlson Gracie BJJ Team.

Seymour is a blue belt at Mill Hill Roger Gracie Academy, UK and writes the blog: meerkat69.blogspot.com

This is an installment in our Tournament Review Tuesdays column, where FightWorks Podcast listeners submit reports about Brazilian jiu-jitsu and grappling competitions that happened the weekend prior. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of The FightWorks Podcast.

- Caleb

Written by Caleb · Filed Under BJJ, Competition, TRT | Leave a Comment