Augusto Tanquinho Mendes of Soul Fighters shows us a way to move past the half guard and into a submission. The 2013 featherweight world champion turned MMA fighter has his basics down and well put together.

Check out how to pass the half guard and obtain an ezekiel choke on the far side:

Don’t miss Tanquinho in action tomorrow, Oct.18 at the 2014 World Jiu-Jitsu Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center as he is set to face Gianni Grippo in a gi superfight.

Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes, despite transferring to the realm of MMA, still wants to get back on the mats. He will be matched against New Yorker Gianni Grippo, a young black belt under Marcelo Garcia.

Tanquinho became the world featherweight champion in 2013 versus Rafa Mendes. Photo: Ivan Trindade

Tanquinho has just begun his camp for both the superfight and the MMA fight he has planned for November as part of Legacy. But the hard work he has before him is nothing new. “It’s going to be 8 weeks of hard training. I’m doing S&C, BJJ, wrestling, kickboxing and MMA training, nothing different than what I was doing when I won the worlds in 2013,” explains the champ.

On the other side of the country, Gianni’s approach differs. Having his focus solely on Jiu-Jitsu, his plans for the preparation won’t change from his normal routine: “I’m really not doing anything different in preparation for this particular match over any event I’ve done for the entire year. The big importance for me is to not make this into anything bigger than it already is, so whether it’s a small local tournament or a match with Tanquinho at the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo, the same, hard, consistent training never changes.”

Gianni at the NY Open. Photo: Erin Herle

For both athletes, there’s no point in fretting over the other’s game. Each will plan their own strategies based on their own abilities. We know Tanquinho as a well-rounded athlete, able to handle the stand-up portion of the match as well as the berimbolos. He plans to make sure he is in shape and ready for no surprises. Gianni knows that Tanquinho will come out giving 100% so he knows he must be ready.

The excitement of the match is expected for both spectator and athlete alike. While the match can go any way, Gianni plans that it will be one to watch and that he will give everything he has.

Tanquinho’s expectations are firm: “I’m expecting a good match, Gianni is a talented kid! I’m training to win, doesn’t matter how! I left the BJJ scene as a world champion and I’ll show everyone that I still am the number one feather weight of the world.”

Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes (Soul Fighters) is one of those champions who study and seek alternatives for each position, analyzing the details and creating alternatives. The study shows to be effective as his various IBJJF medals can prove it – especially the 2013 world title between feathers.

Possessor of good passes and a surly guard, the “carioca” black belt with a MMA fight scheduled in August, lists five tips today, solely for the GRACIEMAG reader to supercharge your game on top. Engage and good training!

1. Eye in the spaces

“Be aware of all available spaces, as sometimes it can be the only place for you to balance,” Tanquinho notes.

2. Well prepared Legs

“Work your legs and hips so you can have these areas always very strong and a sturdy body – this helps you to avoid imbalances and even helps its positioning to pass the guard,” teaches black belt.

3. Strong grips in the right places

“Always keep strong grips in the pants or on your opponent’s collar. A good passer does not lose that grip, and this way is able to efficiently proceed to pass the guard, until he has just enough control, “he recalls.

4.  Underhook it

“Look to make the underhook when passing the guard to be tight and put more pressure, so you can distribute your weight on top of your opponent. At the time of using the underhook, make a grip on the shoulder or back of your opponent’s kimono and, very importantly, try to keep your shoulder stuck in your opponent’s body, “says Tanquinho.

5. Dealing with the half guard

“When you get to half guard, fight for the underhook and work with your head on the floor to the opposite side. Try to be tight between the underhook and your head. Work with the foot of the leg that is loose in the half guard of your opponent to pass. Keep the pressure and the weight of your upper body to avoid opening spaces, “explains the champ.

And you, dear reader and contributor to GRACIEMAG? What lesson in passing the guard has changed your game?

UFC 155-pound champ Benson Henderson (top) at the 2013 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship Tournament. Photo: Erik Fontanez

UFC lightweight champion Ben Henderson is another Jiu-Jitsu black belt confirmed in the 2013 ADCC, the charming no-gi tournament scheduled for October 19 and 20 in the Chinese capital, Beijing.

The invitation was made by the organization, and Bendo accepted at once. The Arizona star, who often trains with world champion Augusto Tanquinho, will perform in the 77kg division.

Before the ADCC, Ben Henderson will face Anthony Pettis on August 31 to defend his belt.

Will Bendo pull both of these challenges off this semester?

Black belt couple teaching in Florida July 27/28.

Mackenzie Dern and Augusto Tanquinho Mendes are the most widely known Jiu-Jitsu couple around but it’s not just because they’re both black belts who compete a lot or because they can live in both the U.S. and Brazil. They are some of the most accomplished individuals in the sport.

Mackenzie has been training since she was a toddler as her father Wellington Megaton Dias has brought her up to live the lifestyle. Her accomplishments in competition have been tremendous up the ranks winning world titles at every rank making her transition to black belt competition this year a smooth one.

Augusto Tanquinho Mendes from Soul Fighters team accomplished his most recent world title in June as a black belt featherweight beating two legends in the process. A black belt since 2004, his resume and experiences have given him the knowledge to pass on to others.

The seminar will be held on July 27-28 in Miami, FL at the Fight Sports Academy located at 2220 Northeast 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. Tanquinho will be responsible for Saturday while Mackenzie will show her techniques on Sunday both days running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Reserve your spot now to pay a discounted $100 or pay the $120 fee at the door. Call 786-290-6875

Tanquinho became the world featherweight champion in 2013 versus Rafa Mendes. They might clash in different outfits now. Photo: Ivan Trindade

After a World Championship filled with the usual high dose of exciting moments, the attention of many black belt stars (and many fans) now turns to another charming competition, the ADCC.

Held for the first time in Beijing, the no-gi affair is set to take place at the end of October, and the lineup is getting more and more crammed with your favorite athletes.

Soon after the Mundials, some gold medalists had the pleasure of being invited to take part in the tournament created by sheik Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan back in 1998. Augusto Tanquinho and Michelle Nicolini were among them. Nicolini, who lost the Brazilian qualifier to Michelle Tavares, was asked to fight in the under-60kg category. World medium heavyweight champion after having subbed all of her three matches, Nicolini will be returning to her original weight class in Beijing. She is a current ADCC runner-up, having lost the final to Kyra Gracie in 2011.

Tanquinho, who won the featherweight division of this year’s World Championships, spoke to GRACIEMAG about his invitation. He will be competing in the under-66kg division and knows that people will be expecting to see a rematch against Rafael Mendes, the current king of the division, as well as a possible fight with current runner-up Rubens Cobrinha. It bears pointing
out that these three have eight world black belt titles among them, so obviously none can be ruled out.

“My plan for now is to continue my MMA preparation, but, since I have no upcoming engagements, my immediate goal is to become ADCC champion this year in China. I’m happy I got invited. I’m fighting in the under-66kg division and hope to shuffle things up all over again!” said Tanquinho.

There’s great expectation surrounding the October event. Besides Tanquinho, Rafa and Cobrinha, another competitor sure to be in the lightest male ADCC division is brown belt João Miyao, who won the Brazilian qualifier held in Rio. He’ll probably be joined by brown belt Marcio André, who got a gold medal in the Walter Pyramid and finished second at the qualifier with a point-free final versus João Miyao.

Who do you think is going to win the under-66kg division of the ADCC? Share your thoughts with us below.

The tournament on August 24 in Tucson, Arizona is one to not miss. Registration begins July 15 and the division range from kids to adults to masters and seniors.

The black belts should pay special attention as there will be two absoute divisions, 180 lb and up and 180 lb and below. Each winner will receive $1500 in cash. For the lower belts, Koral Kimonos will be awarding gis to the absolute winners of each division.

Located at Rincon High School in Tucson, AZ, many names are already planning to make the trip including: Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes, Clark Gracie, Ryan Beauregard, Magid Hage, Brandon Magana, Steve Rosenberg and Roberto Tussa Alencar.

When you register starting July 15 pay the discounted rate of $60 for kids and $70 for juveniles and up.

For more information head to www.AZBJJL.com

Caio Terra and other black belts in San Jose, CA. Photo: Facebook

Caio Terra’s San Jose gym, Institute of Martial Arts, is booming with hard-working athletes readying for the 2013 World Championship May 30 – June 2. With only days to go, check out how Caio Terra and his team of 15 black belts are getting their strategies together in episode 2 and 3:

Caio Terra and his training camp in San Jose, CA for the 2013 World Championship in Long Beach, California. /Photo: Caio Terra Facebook

Caio Terra is leading his camp at his academy Institute of Martial Arts in San Jose, CA with a strong dedication. The team of over fifteen black belts including some world champions are working hard to do their best at the 2013 World Championship next week, May 29 – June 2.

See this episode released by the group to see how the training has begun:

The pre-sale of the 2013 Worlds pay-per-view is already available. Get yours at ibjjftv.com

Augusto Tanquinho in a match against Isaque Paiva at Pans 2013. Photo: Ivan Trindade/ GRACIEMAG

For Augusto “Tanquinho” Mendes, this Jiu-Jitsu World Championship won’t be like the others. First, because this IBJJF Championship to be held in Long Beach from May 29 to June 2, will be his first Worlds after surgery in which he needed to put four screws in his neck, due to an injury during a training session in 2011.

And also, because it may be the last Worlds for this beast. “After this Worlds, I’ll only focus on MMA, whether I win or lose in Long Beach,” he announces.

Tanquinho will need to have a perfect day to get to the top of the featherweight division, which this year already confirmed an army consisting of Rafael Mendes, Rubens Cobrinha, Mario Reis, Theodoro Canal and the eternal Wellington Megaton, Tanquinho’s father-in-law.

The Soul Fighter’s professor, however, has a secret weapon that other competitors do not have: the assistance of the explosive UFC champion Ben Henderson. Tanquinho chatted with GRACIEMAG, check it out:

GRACIEMAG: How’s your head 15 days from the start of the World Championship?

AUGUSTO TANQUINHO: As strong as it can be. I fought several competitions after the surgery and I feel I’m doing well for someone who one year and half ago placed a titanium plate and four screws in the neck. All I had been through pre and post-surgery and in training was thinking about fighting this Worlds. So I used the prior events to correct errors and improve my pace, and I’ll get to this Worlds in the best shape of my life. I am very focused and training hard to become the champion. I believe 100% that my strongest aspect in Long Beach will be my mind.

You took third at Pan Ams in April. What have you changed to win the Worlds?

I haven’t changed much. The level is very high today and during Pans I lost against (Rubens) Cobrinha by advantages–he was better that day. The same way that I was better than him in Abu Dhabi. So I followed the plans, I kept training and let the mind be strong. There is no mystery: who makes less mistakes will be the champion in Long Beach.

Are you focusing on any technical details to shine at the Pyramid?

I’m always improving technical details; I pay much attention to all opponents. I try to train to be a complete fighter. If I need to play on top, I do it, if I need to pull guard, I do it, if I need to fight standing up, I also do it. And when training to be complete in Jiu-Jitsu, there are always details to correct.

How’s your camp for the tournament?

I’m doing physical training with Jerret Aki, from MMALab, and training Jiu-Jitsu thoroughly with Megaton Dias, Mackenzie (Dern, girlfriend) and their gang. I’m also training MMA and no-gi at the gym with Ben Henderson, Efrain Escudero and several others. I’m training to get there as a highly skilled athlete. Fans can expect a much focused Tanquinho, with my guard and passing sharp. My plan is that this will be my last Worlds for now, then I’ll take a break and devote myself exclusively to MMA – whether winning it or not. So I really want the title and I’m going for it, always fighting smart and finishing the fights when I’m able to do so.

How do you plan to surprise Rafa Mendes, the triple world champion who has dominated the feather division?

Rafael is a great athlete, he is the champion. I see him as a perfectionist in Jiu-Jitsu. But surely he also has flaws and should be training to correct them. I don’t know if we will face each other at the Worlds. I have to go through a lot of people and so does he. If the time comes to face each other again, I’ll be ready for him. The category is very difficult, no fight will be easy. The World Championship in the black belt, in all categories, is very tough. It’s in God’s hands (laughs)!

Tanquinho, what lesson can you teach our readers so they can have a good Jiu-Jitsu base?

Jiu-Jitsu is training, as simple as that. Train hard and it will help. Second, train like you intend to fight, so try not to accept sweeps and takedowns easily. If you are used to accepting these positions in training, you end up accepting them in a fight. Third but not least: work out the legs, strong legs are an important aspect for a good base.

Mackenzie Dern in the absolute against Talita Nogueira at the 2013 Pan American Championship, her first Pan Ams black belt win. Photo: Erin Herle

Getting on with our 18 reasons to follow the 2013 World Championships, there are two athletes that have been doing considerably well in their new rank. To see if they can get to the top of the Worlds podium as they have done in the past at lower belts woud be a sight to see, and motivating at the very least!

Reason #11: See how young black belts Mackenzie Dern and Joao Gabriel Rocha compete where it counts.

Whether or not you have won major titles at the lower ranks, competing at black belt has a level of competition that does not compare. There is nowhere to go once you are a black belt and the competence levels in that realm vary greatly.

Mackenzie Dern, 20

This American/Brazilian has been training her whole life. Mackenzie’s father, the bold Wellington ‘Megaton’ Dias, raised her on the mats from age three and today she is a black belt at the age of 20. Winning the world championship at every belt from 2007 to 2012, this will be her first at the black belt level.

Her first time competing and winning at black belt was at the Copa Podio Heavyweight GP where she fought in a couples duel with her boyfriend Augusto Tanquino Mendes. Then she went on to win her division at the 2013 IBJJF European Open. She placed second at the Pan American Championship and the Abu Dhabi World Pro. Well on her way to becoming the best at black belt, it will be interesting to see how she fares in her first World Championship at this rank and if she will continue her undefeated run.

Joao Gabriel Rocha, 22

Joao Gabriel Rocha is the newest black belt sensation out of team Soul Fighters. He, too, began training Jiu-Jitsu as a toddler and now at 22, Joao has accomplished a trip to the podium at every World Championship so far at each belt. He sealed the Mundials gold two times in 2012 as a brown belt after also winning Pan Ams and Brazilian Nationals that same year.

He received his black belt directly after competing in the Copa Podio Heavyweight GP and winning two matches against black belts. His first big accomplishment with the new belt came in April this year as he defeated the No. 2 black belt in the world, Leonardo Nogueira, in the final of the Brazilian Nationals. His presence in the super-heavy division at the 2013 World Championship will definitely be a threat.

How do you think these two young, dedicated and decorated world champions will fare at their first Mundials?

To register for yourself, go to www.ibjjf.org and sign up now!

Official Caio Terra 2013 Mundial Camp flyers

Caio Terra, currently ranked No. 5 in the IBJJF black belt rankings, is inviting anyone and everyone to attend his 2013 Mundial Camp from May 13 – 28. His GMA academy, Institute of Martial Arts, is located in San Jose, CA.

The 16-day preparation camp will host 30 black belts and give full access to classes, training, open mats and inclusion into the Caio Terra Team. Caio’s teaching abilities can easily be confirmed by any of his many seminar attendees all over the world. As he just returned from a long seminar tour in Asia, he is ready to focus on the 2013 World Championship come May 29 – June 2.

We asked Caio about some information regarding his camp and what it’s all about:

GRACIEMAG: Who is expected to be in attendance? Which black belts?

CAIO TERRA: About 30 black belts. Everyone from Soul Fighters team (Augusto Tanquinho Mendes, Rafael Formiga Barbosa, Diogo Moreno, Joao Gabriel Rocha, Leandro Tatu Escobar, etc.) My team Samir Chantre, Osvaldo Queixinho, Flavio Meier. Also, Mackenzie Dern and others.

Will you be teaching new moves? Focusing on strategy? Covering any of the mental aspect?

Of course. Competition moves, competition drills, competition training and all supervised by Itallo Villardo who is currently the best physical trainer for martial arts. He does many seminars world wide about physical preparation in Jiu-Jitsu and MMA. I flew him form Brazil to prepare everyone and help people lose weight and more, whatever their goal may be. We will also do motivational speeches and help with the mindset.

Who do you think best gains from this type of training session?

Everyone gains. We had about 100 people join the Pan Ams camp and only half actually competed. I think it’s very good to know how professional athletes train. It’s an absolutely amazing experience. Most people love it and want to come back.

What do you think is the purpose of holding a camp less than a month out from a competition?

I believe that training for a week at the camp makes someone improve more than training at a gym for three months. Not just because of the fact that you will experience a lot [of] different styles and games but also the mental part. While training in the camp, the focus is mainly Jiu-Jitsu. Everyone improves physically, technically and mentally very quick.

Is there anything else you would like to mention?

We will be making episodes and posting on YouTube the videos of our training and preparation.

For more information regarding the camp and reserving your spot, please email: Nick@CTBJJA.com or call 541-602-0359.