Fernando Di Pierro (first on the left, front) and some of the Alliance team

Our GMA members did a great job in Rio de Janeiro, these last four days at the International Masters & Seniors and the Rio Open International.

At the IMS:

Felipe Costa was gold at the master black belt.

Saulo Ribeiro (UNIJJ) was the black belt heavyweight master champion.

Fernando Di Pierro (Alliance Ecuador) came second at the super-heavyweight master division.

Gustavo Dantas (GD Jiu-Jitsu) won the senior 1 black belt featherweight.

Saulo in action

Roberto “Gordo” Correa (Gordo Evolve MMA) conquered the seinor 1 black belt heavyweight.

Stephen Hall (Pesadelo BJJ) was third at the ultra-heavyweight senior 1 black belt.

Wellington “Megaton” Dias (Team Megaton) won the black belt senior 2 featherweight.

Alexandre “Soca” Carneiro (Soca BJJ) was third at the black belt senior 1 lightweight division.

At the Rio Open:

Stephen Hall (Pesadelo BJJ) was third at the ultra-heavyweight black belt division.

Renan Borges (BTT Boston) came third at the black belt lightweight division.

Mackenzie Dern (Team Megaton) won the featherweight and the absolute purplebelt division.

Francisco Iturralde (Alliance Ecuador) was middleweight purple belt champion.

On top of that, many GMA member schools had students competing and doing great at the Wonderful City (Cidade Maravilhosa).

GRACIEMAG.com congratulates them all.

For the complete results, go to ibjjf.org.

Adriano in action. Photo: Carlos Ozório

Barbosa Jiu-Jitsu representative Adriano Silva is another of the stalwart competitors signed up to compete at the Tijuca Tennis Club this coming weekend, when the International Masters and Seniors takes place. The winner of the last two installments of the event, Adriano, who still fights on even terms in the adult division, says he doesn’t notice much difference in the level of the matches between the two.

“To tell you the truth, the masters division is as tough as the adult one. I’ve competed at the International Masters for two years now and won it twice. Both times I had to do five matches to become champion, and all of them were tough,” he tells GRACIEMAG.com.

“The thing that gets you is the difference in duration, which is nearly half as long. But the quality is similar. All the matches are tough. These days the group over 30 is in tip-top shape and everyone fights on even terms. I’m not the only one competing as a master and an adult, there’s a bunch of guys who do it and who will be at the International. To put it otherwise, the championship is just as tough as the rest of them,” he adds.

Adriano at 2009 International next to this year's absentee Tiago Alves. Photo: Carlos Ozório

The big letdown for the team is the absence of Tiago Alves, who would accompany Adriano in the middleweight division.

“Last year I closed out the division with Tiaguinho, but, unfortunately, this year he won’t be able to make it because he’s finishing a tattoo. I’m going to represent the academy by myself in the division.”

Even so, the fighter guarantees Barbosa Jiu-Jitsu is going to be hard to contend with.

“We’re going into the International strong. Our academy has a lot of guys in the masters and seniors, a tough group, so we’ll have a lot of athletes in there,” he says in closing.

Jair Lourenço (in blue) taking athletes from Natal to International Open. Photo: Carlos Ozório

The International Masters and Seniors draws veterans from all around the world, and Brazil is no different. Leader of team Kimura, in the northeastern Brazilian city of Natal, Jair Lourenço is glad to be getting his first chance to compete in the competition.

“The International Masters is the equivalent of the World Championship for the veterans. This year will be my first chance to participate, and I’m all into it,” he says.

“This time I’m only taking nine athletes because I didn’t have time to get everyone registered in the CBJJ. Next year, though, I want the team to go in strong,” he adds.

Jair tends to compete in the senior division and wins medals in a number of competitions. In the International, he knows there will be a chance he’ll face some of Jiu-Jitsu’s big names.

“I think it’s great and I’m stoked I’ll get to see these guys up close. It would be a great honor for me to compete in the absolute against someone like Gordo, for example,” he says in finishing.

Photo: Carlos Ozório

After three years removed from competition, Roberto “Gordo” Correa is another of the big name black belts to stick his neck out at the coming International Masters and Senior championship. The leader of Gordo-Evolve Jiu-Jitsu team will compete as a senior, but also hints that he may show up in the adult division in coming championships.

“Three years ago I competed at the Brazilian Team Nationals as an adult and this will be the first time I compete in this age group. What I really like is competing against the kids, but I’m going to compete as a senior,” he tells GRACIEMAG.com.

Although it is only the first time for him among the veterans, Gordo knows it won’t be without hardships.

“The match duration is really short, but I don’t feel in good enough shape to compete in the adult division. I had surgery on my knee and was on ice for a year. Last year I was out of shape, but I love competing and I’m going for it this time,” says the black belt, who comments on how training went:

“I’m training with my students daily. I picked up the pace, but I didn’t do anything special. Of course I want to win, but if I just have some good matches that will be great,” he says in finishing.

At Gordo-Evolve, among students. Photo: Carlos Ozório

Marola guarantees NU's platoon of masters will be strong. Photo: Carlos Ozório

Nova União completed 15 years as a Jiu-Jitsu team in 2010 and, throughout this lifetime, it launched a slew of athletes that shone in IBJJF events. André Marola, one of the leaders of the team’s Jiu-Jitsu, guarantees we’ll see some of this history at the International Masters and Seniors, which begins this July 22 in Rio de Janeiro.

Besides Marola, another of the team’s competitors to hit the mats is Rafael Carino, who fought in the UFC in 1996.

“We’re taking a good crew to put on a good show. I’m in, Rafael Carino, Gustavo Dantas and maybe Robinho (Robson Moura) will be there too. Bruno Bastos is not just going in as a master, but as an adult in the Rio Open. A lot of folks will be there,” says Marola.

Rafael Carina has won all kinds of things in Jiu-Jitsu, even in the UFC. Photo: Carlos Ozório

According to the fighter and trainer, the International is a competition apart for athletes over 30 years old.

“It’s where we find glamour, where the old guard gets together, swaps ideas and competes. It’s a major festivity for all of us,” he says.

“The adults wait the whole year for the Worlds, we do the same for the International. It’s our chance to show the younger guys what we do,” he adds.

Soca moves to back mount at International Masters 2009. Photo: Carlos Ozório

The last time he spoke with GRACIEMAG.com, Alexandre Carneiro, better known as Soca, was still unsure whether he’d be participating in the International Masters and Seniors competition to start July 22 in Rio de Janeiro. Nothing like peer-pressure and the encouragement of reporters couldn’t handle.

“I’m just checking in to let you know I signed up for the International and, without a doubt, GRACIEMAG.com took part in influencing my decision through the interview it did with me on the championship,” says the teacher at Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Long Island.

“I also made up my mind to go in because of the chance to spend some time with my daughter and family, as well as my friends. Gordo (Roberto Correa) called me up and confirmed he’s in it too. I also found out some more of my friends will be there, like Draculino and Soneca, who will be there on the day,” adds the fighter who represents Evolve-Gordo team.

Judging by Soca’s remarks, the International will once again be a big party, packed with stars from the old guard. What about you, reader? Which of the old school war horses would you like to see in action in the Tijuca Tennis Club?

Soca at 2009 International. Photo: Carlos Ozório

A fighter who shone as a featherweight, Alexandre “Soca” Carneiro keeps up with the news surrounding the International Masters and Seniors, which kicks off July 22 in Rio de Janeiro. The fighter remarks on the competitions value.

“I feel it’s really important for Jiu-Jitsu, after all, this new generation of champions today comes from our current Masters and Seniors,” he says.

The black belt currently teaches class at his academy, Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in Long Island, New York. Although cutting it close, Soca may appear at the Tijuca Tennis Club with some of his students.

“Nothing’s in stone yet, because I put off getting organized due to a project that ended up not happening. I’m going to try and organize things to compete. If I do, I’ll probably take some students,” he says.

In 2009, Soca put in an appearance. Not having competed in years, he ended up losing in the final, in a close match, but had some great bouts before then. Check out Soca in action:

Master Soca’s Fight @ Rio International 2009 from Soca Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on Vimeo.

Saulo in a photo by Kid Peligro

GRACIEMAG.com confirmed Saulo Ribeiro’s participation at the International Masters and Seniors tournament set for this July 22 in Rio de Janeiro. Saulo, one of the greatest gentle art competitors of all times, heads into the event at the Tijuca Tennis Club with a solid team. His intention, aside from winning his weight group and the absolute, is to take the team trophy with him back to Gracie Humaita, as the team was beat by Gracie Barra at the last installment of the event.

How are preparations for this event going?

Training’s been going marvelously. We have a very well-structured team in the United States now after these 10 years Xande (Ribeiro) and I have been working here. We hand-picked a number of athletes to get this title back for us. We’re taking our first team.

Saulo at University of Jiu-Jitsu with Royler and Xande. Photo: Kid Peligro

Are you really going to compete?

I’m going to compete at weight and open weight. I’m taking a student of mine and we want to shut out the division.

What’s the main difference in competing in the masters division?

I’ve competed at several masters events here in the United States and I don’t feel too much is different. The difference is that we do more Jiu-Jitsu. There’s none of that self-affirmation business. Jiu-Jitsu is becoming ugly because of that; folks forget to fight. As we get older we value different things. These days you see Jiu-Jitsu of those who want to win and not those who want to fight. The masters division is keeping that tradition alive.

Saulo wore his gi top against Jeff Monson and bid farewell to the adult division at the ADCC. Photo: Carlos Ozório

So you’re going to full-on compete?

I’m going balls to the wall. If we’re standing, I’m going for the takedown. If I’m on top, I’m going for the pass. If I’m on bottom, I’m going for the submission. We’re heading in there to pull out all the stops and show what we’ve been doing here in the United States. I’ll arrive in Brazil next week. We’re going to do some first-rate preparations with Rolker Gracie and all of us will be sharp. I haven’t competed in Tijuca since the Roger match. It will be really exciting to be back there.

Gabriel will try for another win at the International. Photo: Carlos Ozório

Gabriel Willcox is a marked man at gentle art tournaments the world over. He’s a regular visitor to the winners’ stands and among his main titles he boasts wins at the Brazilian Nationals and the Brazilian Team Nationals. Nevertheless, there’s one title that garnered the black belt the most kudos: the International Masters and Seniors.

“It’s funny. Ever since blue belt I’ve made it onto the winners’ stand at several important tournaments, but the International was the one most talked about,” he says.

In 2006, representing Carlson Gracie Team, the featherweight won at weight and open weight, overcoming the much heavier Jorge Patino Macaco in the open class semifinal.

“That match got me the most attention, I was even featured in GRACIEMAG. Everyone thought I’d lose because of the weight difference. But I fought really well and beat Macaco, who’s a great fighter. I think if was the first time a featherweight won both his weight group and the absolute as a black belt in the event. I remember how Barbosinha repeated the feat a year later, but in the senior division. It’s proof of how in Jiu-Jitsu technique can overcome strength,” he asserts.

This year Willcox is following the lead of a lot of other masters. He’s going to compete at both the International and the Rio Open, the adult event held simultaneously.

“I’m not going to miss the chance to compete against the guys in the adult tournament. I think I can still muster up the strength to fight with the kids for a few years yet!” he says in finishing.

Want to compete at the International and Rio Open? Find out more here.

Royler celebrates winning International. Photo: Carlos Ozório

Gracie Humaitá has dominated the International Masters and Seniors in recent years, but, at last year’s installment, it was overcome by Gracie Barra. Team leader Royler Gracie guarantees the team is in good stead to make it back to the top of the winners’s podium.

“The team has gone through a revamping with Rolker in Brazil and with a good crew here in the United States. We’re going in strong and the team has what it takes to make it. Last year we ended up losing, but, this time, we’re better organized. That’s the idea right now,” Royler tells GRACIEMAG.com, going on to leak the names of some of those to be in the front lines.

Saulo against Gabriel Gonzaga. Photo: Gustavo Aragão

“Saulo (Ribeiro) will compete in the absolute division, as will Rodrigo from Canada, who’s a strong candidate to win. Wellington Megaton is another who’s been doing well and we have a ton of guys to score points. We have a great team and we’re all going in together,” says the black belt, who reveals what he’s been up to lately.

“We have a number of associate academies outside Brazil and this one in San Diego run by Regis Lebre and Johnny Farias. Aside from that, I’m doing a lot of seminars, traveling the whole world. Recently I was in Canada and I’m going to Australia the second week of August. It’s been great,” he says in closing.

To find out more about the International Masters and Senior and the Rio Open, to kick off July 22, click here.

Jefferson Moura in action. Photo: Carlos Ozório

Team Gracie Barra in Rio de Janeiro, under the command of Professor Jefferson Moura, is working at full steam to prepare for the two competitions to kick off July 22, the International Masters and the Rio Open.

And the teacher at GB headquarters won’t be watching from the sidelines. There’ll be a double dose of Jeff at the Tijuca Tennis Club.

“I’m going to compete at both the International Masters and the Rio Open. We’ll see if I have the gas it takes to take on the gang competing,” the black belt told GRACIEMAG.com.

And the team  heads into the events with a first-rate group.

“We’re training really hard, training hard every day. We’re taking everyone: Kleber Buiú, Paulo Samoa, Felipe Cranivata, Zaganelli and some other burly guys,” he says in closing.

Telles at Internacional 2009. Photo: Carlos Ozório

One of the main standouts from the 2009 International Masters and Seniors tournament was Eduardo Telles. The black belt leader of Nine Nine academy won both his weight group and the absolute. This year, we’ll see Telles and his famous turtle guard in action at the Tijuca Tennis Club.

“I’m going to participate and we’re taking a really big team. We’re getting all the old guys ready! We’re going in full blast!” he warns.

Last year, besides the International, Telles also tried his luck at the Rio Open championship, which takes place at the same time, but meant for the adult divisions.

“I think I’m only going to focus on the master this time. Last year I tried both, but it was rough. You end up getting really tired,” he says.

There are those who might think competing as a master would be easier than as an adult. However, there are complicating factors.

“It’s different. The hard part in the master division is match duration, as it is really short (6 min, four less than in the adult). I still plan on competing as an adult, but this masters championship is really great. It’s cool and we compete alongside a number of legends. I hope it stays that way and the event gets bigger and bigger,” he says in finishing.

To sign up or for further information, click here.
Check out two positions Telles will likely use at the Tijuca Tennis Club: