President of GD Jiu-Jitsu Events Gustavo Dantas and Kristina Barlaan, head of Inspire: All Femal Open Mats, spearhead the female Jiu-Jitsu movement in Arizona. Photo: John Cooper.

Arizona Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Kids Cup is set to take place this April 21, 2012, at Mesa, Arizona’s Westwood High School in Mesa, with only divisions for kids aged four to 15 on offer. Last year the event was sold out, so the promoters urge anyone interested to make haste, as registration will be closed after the first 300 competitors have signed up.
Now GD Jiu-Jitsu Events and the Arizona State Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (AZSBJJF) are proud to announce the inaugural Copa Bela: All Female Jiu-Jitsu Tournament, Arizona’s very first women-only Jiu-Jitsu competition! The maiden event will take place immediately following the Kids Cup on April 21, 2012 at the same Mesa, Arizona venue. On offer: female juvenile (16-17) and adult (18+) divisions only.
One major draw for the Copa Bela premiere is the $1,000 up for grabs to the winner of the brown/black open weight division.
Bolstered by Inspire: All Female Open Mats, open-mat meetings for girls organized by Gustavo Dantas purple belt Kristina Barlaan, the female Jiu-Jitsu community in Arizona has seen major growth over the past year. The 1st Copa Bela is meant to be more than simply a competition, but also a celebration of female Jiu-Jitsu around the nation.
For further information about the 4th AZ Kids Cup and 1st Copa Bela or to register, please visit www.gdjjevents.com.