Carlos “Esquisito”at CheckMat’s Amazonas headquarters (publicity photo)

A native of the Brazilian State of Amazonas, Carlos “Esquisito” Holanda is yet another champion signed up for the European Open 2013, a Jiu-Jitsu championship that will gather the likes of Romulo Barral, Rodrigo Cavaca, Augusto Tanquinho, Igor Silva, Fernando Tererê and others at the end of January.

“Training in Manaus is as grueling as always,” says Holanda. “The guys here don’t care if you’re a black belt or not. The blue and purple belt’s bring it on. And my master Pina does a great job of matching up the spars. I’ve got to thank him for it.”

Esquisito, who has been in England training for the IBJJF event, would rather not see what his light featherweight competition is like.

“I’d rather not look at the list of opponents, because then I’d start watching them on Youtube. I’m not the one who comes up with the strategy, that’s never worked. So it’ll be in God’s hands in Portugal,” says the black belt, who besides the European Open wants to fight in Abu Dhabi as well.

“I’m about to turn 34 and I really like competing. I’ve been in the finals of all the biggest IBJJF tournaments, and now my focus is on getting a berth at Abu Dhabi. I don’t have that medal yet, and I’m going after it. What I want is to be in the mix. I’ll really value anywhere I can make it to on the podium,” he says in closing.

Haven’t yet secured your spot at the European Open? Sign up here.

And to see who all is in the lineup, click here.

The anaconda choke is one of the most classic of modern MMA weapons, as Rodrigo Caporal proved in 2012 at the event Ruff. (Photo courtesy of Ruff)

A representative of the Brasília chapter of team Gracie Humaitá, Raul Gomes is one of the talented athletes who will be doing battle for gold at the IBJJF European Open from January 24 to 27. To join him in the effort, click here.

Today the bantamweight black belt is teaching us a variation on the anaconda choke that can be done either standing or on all fours, with or without the gi. The trick is to get your second arm up and around the opponent’s armpit and grab your own wrist.

Take a look at Raul’s move and let us know how it goes: does it work with your game?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjOBtv512QE