The venue is that same as the prestigious European Open. Photo: Raphael Nogueira

The 2013 IBJJF Lisboa Open on July 7 is the first of its kind. Not the first IBJJF tournament to take place in Portugal as the European Open claimed that spot, it is the perfect summer tournament for all who live in Europe.

Whether you take the train, car, bus or plane, Lisbon, Portugal is a great spot for a Jiu-Jitsu vacation. While in town, visit Gracie Barra Portugal where many training sessions have welcomed visitors from white to black. Venture into the city center for shopping at Bairro Alto or the nightlife at Chiado.

Registration for the tournament ends midnight PST on Saturday, June 29. Secure your travel plans and get into the mix to earn your next IBJJF gold medal and first place title.

Caio Terra will be present along with local names at every belt who are sure to give great matches. Young or not young the divisions are available for each age category as well as all rankings.

The location of the event is Complexo Municipal Esportivo do Casal Vistoso which is near the local metro and various hotels such as these listed by the IBJJF.

To register please go to: www.ibjjf.org

Kiko (center) at GB Portugal

Another day, another GMA birthday.

This Thursday we celebrate the birthday of Gracie Barra Portugal’s leader, Kiko Alves da Silva.

The black belt is also the president of the Portuguese Jiu-Jitsu Federation (FPJJB).

Over the years, he has done an amazing job in promoting the gentle art in Portugal and in Europe.

Since 2004, he works together with the IBJJF to organize a flawless European Open Championship.

Congrats to Kiko!

“Foi o maior feito de um país do Oriente Médio na história dos Europeus. Levamos um time grande este ano e conseguimos resultados fantásticos, como as nove medalhas individuais e o terceiro lugar na disputa de seleções na faixa-azul”, vibrou Mirza.

O dirigiente agradeceu pela preparação do time na reta final na Gracie Barra Portugal, em Lisboa, com o professor Kiko Alves da Silva.

“Foi ótimo para a equipe, nos deu uma grande dose de confiança para brilhar no campeonato”, disse.

O time jordaniano, com sede na capital Amam, participou da disputa de países, na categoria faixa-azul. Pela presença de equipes da França, Bélgica e Brasil, o terceiro lugar foi muito comemorado.

Mirza aproveitou o contato com GRACIEMAG.com para bater o martelo na segunda edição do luxuoso Capital Challenge, marcado para o fim de 2010. Ele ainda anunciou o primeiro grande show de MMA na Jordânia, com um card internacional forte, mesclado aos talentos locais estreantes no ringue.