Last May 3rd was a special day for Jiu-Jitsu lovers in South Africa. GMA member Dave Levey, head instructor of Levey BJJ, in Port Elisabeth, organized the Carlson Gracie JJ Cup. Levey is a representative of the Carlson Gracie team under Prof. Marcus Soares, a 7th degree black baelt under the late Grand Master Gracie. Soares was the honorary guest at the event and helped to coordinate the smooth running of it.
The Carlson Gracie Africa Cup consisted of 2 divisions, namely Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission Wrestling. The event had 36 competitors from 6 teams from around South Africa, namely Carlson Gracie SA (Team Marcus Soares), Gracie Barra CT, Tapout Academy, Franswa Strydom’s kickboxing academy, PE submission fighting academy, and Hun fight club.
Team Carlson Gracie Africa (1st). Marcus Soares and Levey in the middle(red shirts)
An international participant Benito Segura (Team Marcus Soares) also travelled to South Africa to fight in the event. Tournament organisers would like to thank the sponsors of the event, namely – Bright Sparx signs, ISM, Ground Fightwear, Hi-Five fight store, My Spare Key and Green Gear for their service, monetary and product sponsorship without which the event would not have been possible. Levey wants to make the event every year from now on. As a closure to the event, Professor Marcus Soares performed 2 seminars – one in Port Elizabeth and another in Cape Town. For more info, go to daveleveybjj.co.za.
