Roberto Traven blue belt student competing at the IBJJF Atlanta Winter Open. Photo: IBJJF

Roberto Traven BJJ has reached for the 3^rd time in a row (2013, 2014, 2015) the 1st place at the 2015 IBJJF Atlanta Winter Open held last January 31^st.

This year besides wining the Atlanta Winter Open, Roberto Traven’s team is also looking forward to compete at the first IBJJF Atlanta Summer Open in August. “This is our third consecutive win, and this year besides the Atlanta Winter Open that we just won, the team is looking forward to compete at the Atlanta Summer Open in August. So, if God helps we can win two championships in the same year.” Said the team leader

About the milestone achievement, GRACIEMAG contacted the Black Belt professor and team leader Roberto Traven.

GRACIEMAG: Your team won at the Atlanta Winter Open for the third year in a row. What is the secret of success?

Actually, there is no secret. What we do is working hard in our training camp, which includes Sundays. I believe that being united makes a difference, because everyone here is respects and help each other without measuring efforts and with no ego. We do not have a star; the star is represented by the team itself and everyone who belongs to it.

There were any standouts in the team?

About individual results, I would like to highlight my athlete Julian Synan who won the adult brown lightweight division. The reason I think he stood out was that he had an outstanding performance, displayed great technique and a lot of guts. He has been getting better after each tournament. However, the whole team should be congratulated for all of them once again represented Roberto Traven BJJ very well.

To check out the IBJJF Atlanta Winter Open final results and Facebook album click here.

Michael Serg with his team. Photo: Personal archive

Within one year as a black belt, Michael Sergi of GMA Serg BJJ has made strides in his Jiu-Jitsu career. At the 2015 IBJJF Atlanta Winter Open on Jan. 31 he earned his first gold medal and title at the rank of black belt.

This was his third tournament competing as a black belt and three’s a charm. Michael came out on top in the black belt master 2 heavyweight division against Royce Gracie black belt Jon Pyler and UFC veteran Rory Singer.

In his final, he was able to secure the win by a guard pass within the last 30 seconds of the match!

Michael, left, with Marcio Cruz, center, Rafael de Lima, right. Photo: Personal archive

The Marcio Cruz student attributes his success to his students and professor but admits there is always more to go: “I’m happy with winning gold, but I’m not satisfied. I have much to improve. I’m thankful for great students that push me in training and to Marcio for supporting me.”

Learn more about Michael Sergi and Serg BJJ in Savannah, Georgia at www.sergbjj.com