28.11.2007 Feitosa and the No-Gi World ChampionshipBlack belt comments on hopes for competition
HIGH LEVEL: In the first-ever no-gi Jiu-Jitsu championship, The Pan-American Championship, veteran Márcio Feitosa faced up-and-coming star Lucas Leite at one of the black belt finals. Months later, Lucas became middleweight world champion.
Marcio Feitosa is a sure-thing in the maiden event of the No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu World Championship. The black beltwill not be stepping onto the mat, however, but orienting and cheering his students during the event that will take place this December 15th in the California State University Dominguez Hills gymnasium, in Carson City. In search of an explanation for his withdrawal, since Marcinho was a standout at the No-Gi Pan-American this year, GRACIEMAG.com contacted the beast.
It’s worth noting that sign-ups for the No-Gi JJ World Championship are held until December 8th. Those to sign up by tomorrow, Thursday, will pay a promotional fee of US$ 80, starting Friday sign-ups will cost US$ 100.
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Why did you opt not to fight in the No-Gi World Championship?
Feitosa: I won’t fight, but I’ll be there as a teacher and fan. I’m concentrating a lot on perfecting myself as a teacher. I’m dedicating myself, I want to one day be a Master and good leader within Gracie Barra. I want to be able to achieve with my students at least half what my teacher (Carlos Gracie Jr) did for me. So I decided I won’t be able to make it to all the championships on the calendar, I’m choosing some and participating.
What are your hopes in regards to the championship?
The Confederation managed, in 2007, to make important headway for Jiu-Jitsu. First by carrying out the first official no-gi championship in the history of the CBJJ / IBJJF; later carrying out a high-level tournament in the 2007 World Championship, with a record number of athletes, a gymnasium worthy of an International Show and impeccable organization. I’m certain the first No-Gi World Championship will be well-done and will be a big step forward for the growth and professionalization of our sport.
Are the folks up there in California in competition mood? Will Gracie Barra go at full force?
Around here nobody’s talking about anything else! Not just the Jiu-Jitsu gang, but the whole grappling community has its eye on this competition. I believe in the upcoming editions we’ll have representatives from other styles competing. Gracie Barra will always be at full force! I’ve never seen a bunch of young guys like the arena so much. The gang is coming from all around to train here in the gym.
You participated in the No-Gi JJ Pan American, what were your impressions?
I thought the championship was awesome. They had super-cool uniforms, the program went according to schedule and the coolest to me was seeing the no-gi championship with Jiu-Jitsu rules. Each no-gi championship organizer tries to invent a new rule, it never works out well.
What do you think differentiates the No-Gi World Championship for other grappling competitions?
The difference is that the rules of the other styles limit you a lot. Only in a true Jiu-Jitsu championship can you develop your game and flow on the ground. Not to mention that you get in the ring knowing you are keeping alive and representing the story of the respected warriors that gave their blood and sweat for Jiu-Jitsu to be where it is today. That is priceless!
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