Dominyka Obelenyte

In a sea of Brazilians, a little more than a handful of American black belts have written their names in world championship history. The competition was always very hard, but they have strived to be among the best. Here’s a brief reminder of how they got to the top.

BJ Penn

The Prodigy’s story at the Worlds started really in 1998, when a certain Jay Penn finished second in the blue belt featherweight division. As a matter of fact, that year, the spotlight was directed to BJ’s brother, Reagan, who won six matches and conquered the lightweight division of the blue belt. Two years later, already a black belt and now part of Nova União, BJ made history when he became the first American to win an adult male black belt division at the Worlds. in the final, he beat Edson Diniz 5-0 with a sweep and a guard pass. It would take five years for another American to repeat Penn’s accomplishment.

Robert Drysdale

Born in Provo, Utah, in 1981, Drysdale moved to his mother’s home country of Brazil when he was just six years old. It is true that Drysdale did all his training in Brazil since he was 17, but that does not erase the fact that he is a natural born American. In 2005, he became the second man born in the USA to win a gold medal at the adult black belt division of the Worlds. he won the heavyweight division after a final against Fernando Marques. Drysdale went on to have one of the most accomplished careers in history.

Rafael Lovato Jr.

Lovato became the third American man to win a black belt division at the Worlds when he beat Luiz Theodoro in the ultra-heavyweight final in 2007. A black belt under the Ribeiro brothers, Lovato is also a No-Gi world champion, among several other accolades. He is also the only male American to hold a gold medal in the black belt division of the Worlds after the championship moved to California.

Lana Stefanac

The first non-Brazilian athlete to win a gold medal in the adult black belt open class division of the Worlds was brown belt Lana Stefanac. In 2009, at 33 years old, she won both the heavyweight division and the absolute. On her way to the groundbreaking open class gold, she beat Gabi Garcia in the semifinal and then Kyra Gracie in the final. It would take another six years for a non-Brazilian to repeat Lana’s accomplishment.

Hillary Williams

Hillary went all in in her Jiu-Jitsu journey. Just to learn the techniques and become one of the best competitors of her generation was not enough. She decided to learn the language most Jiu-Jitsu practitioners speak, so she self taught herself to speak Portuguese. Then, she travelled to Brazil and trained at a bunch of different academies and competed in different events. She learned the rules so well, she became one of the first female referees in the IBJJF roster. In 2010, still a brown belt, she rose to the occasion and won the middleweight division at the Worlds, after a tought battle against Caroline De Lazzer. Soon after she got her black belt and then withdrew from competitions to go after a Medical Degree, which she got in 2015.

Keenan Cornelius

Keenan first made the headlines in 2013, when he won double gold at the Jiu-Jitsu grand slam (European, Pan, Brazilian Nationals and Worlds), conquering his weight division and the open class in all four events as a purple belt. Known for his highly inventive style, Cornelius kept rising to the status of superstar within the Jiu-Jitsu community with solid results all throughout the brown belt division, even after a tumultuous move from Team lloyd Irvin to Atos JJ. As a black belt, Keenan is still looking for his first gold medal at the Worlds, but he already has the title of first non-Brazilian ever to place in the open class podium, with a third place in 2014. Still young, at 24, who can say what he can achieve.

Mackenzie Dern

At first, she was the daughter of the famous Wellignton Megaton, the only black belt to compete in all editions of the Worlds. With time, her results shifted that title and today Megaton is widely know as the father of female superstar, Mackenzie Dern. A world champions in all belts since 2007, as a juvenile blue belt, Mackenzie won her first gold as a black belt in 2015 after choking Michelle Nicolini. It was exactly the year her father celebrated his 20th appearance at the Worlds. She still after the open class gold medal, a really tough mountain to climb as a featherweight, but there’s no doubt she will continue trying.

Dominyka Obelenyte

Ok, she was technically born in Lithuania, but came to America when she was only 6. Dominyka did all her training in the USA, so we’ll consider her an American talent in BJJ. Just like Mackenzie, she made her first podium appearance at the Worlds as a juvenile. As a matter of fact, they were in the same lightweight division in 2008, as blue belts, and mackenzie won that final. Then, in 2010, she won the blue belt lightweight divison and hasn’t stopped since. In 2011, she finished second in the middleweight and won the purple belt open class. Two years later, she was the brown belt medium-heavy champion. In 2014 she won the heavyweight division still as a brown belt and finished second to Monique Elias in the open class. The big moment came in 2015, at 19, Dominyka had an outstanding campaign to win double gold in the heavyweight and have her revenge against Monique in the open class.

Will Americans write another chapter of their story at the 2016 Worlds?

Don’t forget to register for the 2016 Worlds until May 24.

Click here to sign up now.

Saulo Ribeiro finishing with an armlock during the 2013 Worlds Masters

The 2014 World Jiu-Jitsu Masters Championship takes place at the Long Beach Walter Pyramid, on November 1-2.

The registration period closes next October 23 so you have to hurry to be a part of the most important event of the calendar for athletes over 30 years old.

Last year, Saulo Ribeiro was one of the stand outs of the event.

The six-time world champion in the adult division, put on the gi once again to show people why he is a living legend.

Watch one of his fights and see how he imposes his game to reach the armlock finish with easy.

Don’t forget to register here for the 2014 Worlds Masters

The 2014 World Master Championship is still a bit far away, scheduled November 1 -2.

Even so, we have put a list together of ten competitors that we would like to see displaying their technique at the Long Beach Walter Pyramid.

We tried to list names of athletes that are not competing in MMA and also skipped those who have competed recently in other IBJJF events.

Besides being great champions, the members of the list have in common the fact that they are all still active, teaching classes, seminars and camps worldwide.

Here we go.

Marcio Feitosa – Three-time world champion as a black belt (1997, 2001, 2002), Feitosa is the field general for the Gracie Barra team. A devoted pupil of Master Carlos Gracie Jr, he is currently teaching at the headquarters school, in Irvine, California. Known for a highly technical game, Marcinho had his last appearance in the Worlds in 2006, when he was defeated in the final by Rubens Cobrinha, then a rising star in the featherweight division. Feitosa is now 38 years old and would compete in the Master 2 division.

Lana Stefanac – The main name of the 2009 Worlds in the female division, Lana Stefanac became famous when she defeated Kyra Gracie in the open class final still as a brown belt. Now a black belt and owner of Trinity BJJ, in Oakland, CA, Lana has been away from the IBJJF circuit for some time. She also ventured in MMA and has a 6-0 record, with her last fight in 2008. Lana is now 39 years old and would compete in the Master 2 division.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72yBo_9JJxQ

Robert Drysdale – World champion in 2005, Drysdale is one of three USA-born athletes to have ever reached the top of the podium of the event as a black belt (BJ Penn and Rafael Lovato Jr being the other two). A black belt under Leo Vieira, Drysdale is also a ADCC open class champion (2007) and is now venturing into MMA, having recently signed with the UFC. He owns Drysdale BJJ and teaches in Las Vegas, Nevada. He is 33 years old and would compete in the Master 1 division.

Bianca Andrade – Four-time world champion (2005, 2008, 2009, 2010), Bianca is one of the most important names in female Jiu-Jitsu history. From Alagoas, in the northeast of Brazil, she was also a professional bodyboarder before putting on the gi. Famous for her armbars and energetic celebrations, Bianca now teaches at Gracie Barra Maceió, in Brazil, with her husband and also black belt Diojone Farias. She is now 41 years old and would compete in the Master 3 division.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQIpVdC9C5E

Fernando Pontes “Margarida” –  The only one in our list with a adult black belt open class title in the curriculum (2001), Margarida is always a sight to be seen. Considered one of the most talented fighters in the early 2000’s. He had memorable battles with so many great competitors that it’s almost unfair to name just one, but Saulo Ribeiro and Fabio Gurgel come to mind. Margarida is now 34 years old and would compete in the Master 1 division.

Fabio Gurgel – The General is a four-time world champion (1996, 1997, 2000, 2001). Co-founder and co-leader of the nine-time teams world champion Alliance, Gurgel competed for the last time in a IBJJF event in 2010, when he conquered the heavyweight division of the European Championship. An expert in guard passing, Gurgel is known for going head to head with much younger black belts at training. He is now 44 years old and would compete in the Master 3 division.

Leonardo Vieira – Two-time ADCC champion (2003, 2005) and world champion (1999), Leozinho is another of those guys who helped build the history of competition in Jiu-Jitsu. Owner of an exciting game, the founder and leader of Checkmat is known as a skilled strategist and highly technical athlete. In one of his last appearances, Leozinho rose again to the occasion and managed to finish second in the -77kg division of the 2011 ADCC. Leozinho is now 38 years old and would be competing in the Master 2 division.

Vinicius Magalhães – Draculino is a three-time Pan champion (1995, 1996, 1998), but his most important accomplishments came as a Professor, forming new talents. One of the three breeding grounds for the Gracie Barra team (alongside Rio and Recife), his school in Belo Horizonte (or one of his affiliates) revealed such talents as Romulo Barral, Felipe Preguiça, Pablo Silva, Samuel Braga, Cristiano “Titi” Lazarini, among many others. Draculino, now leader of Gracie Barra Texas, is 43 years old and would compete in the Master 3 division.

Roberto “Gordo”Correa – World champion in 1996, Roberto Correa is a black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. He is well known as the first developer of the half-guard and its techniques to attack and defend after a knee injury. Responsible for the developing of many great black belts such as Nino Schembri and Celso Venícius, Correa is for sure one of the most highly regarded Jiu-jitsu Professors in the game. He is 43 years old and would compete in the Masters 3 division.

Royler Gracie – The Gracie on the list, Royler is the leader of Gracie Humaita and for sure one of the protagonists in the history of the gentle art. Four-time world champion (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999) and still the lightest athlete to ever reach the black belt open class podium in a world championship, the son of Helio Gracie is known for being the light guy with a heavy pressure. Currently teaching in San Diego, California, Royler is 48 years old and would compete in the Master 4 division.

What about you, dear reader? Which athlete would you like to see back on the mats at the 2014 Worlds Master?

The 120 females of the 2nd Bay Area Inspire All-Female Open Mat. Photo: Erin Herle

On Saturday, March 1 the 2nd Inspire Bay Area All-Female Open Mat brought an outstanding number of females together. The leader of such a powerful movement is brown belt Kristina Barlaan of GMA Institute of Martial Arts.

Since returning to her hometown in the Bay Area, she has strengthened the community in a saturated area of women in Jiu-Jitsu with two open mat events so far. The first Inspire was held in September and the capacity was reached at 100. The second event, less than six months later, brought regulars and new faces alike to a cap of 120 participants.

One of the drills had each person jump guard on their partner. Photo: Erin Herle

The Inspire open mats work as a catalyst for females to gain new grounds both as a community and individuals. The hours spent together create lasting bonds and a network for advice, experience and news. Structure for the events include an inspiring speech from Kristina, who teaches, competes and lends a helping hand wherever, a warm-up, techniques to practice, a raffle of many prizes and time to roll with one another.

Women traveled from all ends of Northern California as well as Southern California and Texas. The youngest participant was 13 and the oldest was 68 and 62 academies were represented.

A sneaky choke set-up was taught by Kristina Barlaan with the help of black belt Stephanie Moon. Photo: Erin Herle

To start, each participant was encouraged to pair up with someone they don’t know and the higher ranks sought out the lesser experienced. Kristina situated the group with drills: jumping guard, toreando to knee-on-belly, kimura set-ups, and an ab workout that resembles a synchronized swimming routine. For technique, Kristina showed various ways to set up a choke from closed guard with the help of local black belt Stephanie Moon.

The raffle had prizes from various companies looking to support females in the Jiu-Jitsu community. Photo: Erin Herle

The raffle offered prizes from gis to DVDs to journals to clothing and supplements. Multiple companies and brands gave support to the event and patches were given to all. Black belt Lana Stefanac took over the duties of name drawing and stuck around for the girls to pick her brain during the time set for rolling. The open mat set rounds for all the belts to train with one another and the training lasted for well over an hour.

By the end of the day new friendships were established and the community of females expanded its network.

You can check out photos of the event in a full gallery here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/graciemag/sets/72157642175025124/

Catch the next event by following Inspire on facebook: www.facebook.com/InspireBJJ

The sign at the front of GMA Institute of Martial Arts says it all. Photo: Erin Herle

The first edition of Inspire All Female Open Mats in the Bay Area gave Jiu-Jitsu women an opportunity to come together and build bonds within the community. Kristina Barlaan brought the event back home with her to Northern California where she now trains at GMA Institute of Martial Arts in San Jose, CA and put together more than just a training session. In her own words, “Inspire is about uplifting others by just simply being who we are.”

Caio Terra was not present on Saturday, September 14 and neither were the other black belt instructors, Samir Chantre and Osvaldo Queixinho. As the sign on the door read, “Ladies on the mat; No men allowed.”

The women flooded into the large academy for the start time at 1 p.m. and changed into their gis which sported patches from different academies and various colors of belts. Four black belts were present along with white belts, yellow, green and orange belts, plenty of blues and purple and browns. One woman borrowed a gi and had her very first Jiu-Jitsu experience which she loved as evident by the huge smile on her face throughout the afternoon.

100 females on the mat. Photo: Erin Herle

The warm-up started off the event and then partners were chosen for drills and technique. Everyone was encouraged to choose a partner from a different academy and different belt level. Kristina explained what she likes to use as the “adopt-a-white-belt” program that helps both new and experienced to learn and grow together. Lana Stefanac took over to teach two variations of her favorite choke from closed guard and the training took a break for a speech.

While the open mat allows for females to train together, the “Inspire” portion of the name comes from Kristina’s own personal story. The speech she gave was a story that she hadn’t shared with many people but felt that needed to be heard as a lesson to always be who you are. From a toxic relationship to personal tragedy, her touching testimony gave insight into a tough and driven female who learned to be confident, independent and strong. Jiu-Jitsu gave her the opportunity, much like many of those on the mat listening to her open up, to become all of those things and more.

Enough supportive companies meant prizes for all to choose from. Photo: Erin Herle

Give-aways and prizes were plenty and each who attended received a gift of their choice among the shirts, supplements, lip balms, stickers, patches, DVDs, bags, hoodies and more splayed out on the mat. A fundraiser for the Susan G Komen 3-day in Arizona raised $200 for the Girls Gone Miles group.

An hour of rolling ensued before the day was over. Kristina’s parents held down the fort in front of the academy for handmade, fresh Brazilian pastries called pastel that were for sale. By the end of the day there were connections made, friendships created, techniques learned and plenty of future plans for more female Jiu-Jitsu get-togethers.

The message of the day was well-received. Vonique Stricklen said, “Thank you Kristina Barlaan for the amazing event you put on today. I definitely felt the Jiu-Jitsu vibe today it shook me.”

To learn about the next Inspire event, like the facebook page and stay informed!

Check out the photos below:

[flickr set=72157635550269445]

The Deluxe Book Jiu-Jitsu Worlds–A Tale in Photos is out; pass by GRACIEMAG booth at the 2013 Worlds to get your copy

When I decided to pull up my sleeves to produce the book “Jiu-Jitsu Worlds–A Tale in Photos,” I faced the classic challenge of choosing how to define the editing criteria.

Who should be in the book, and how much space should they be given? It’s impossible to be absolutely objective, but regarding history and the athletes that made that history in the course of these 17 installments that contain the scope of my research, I strived for Utopian justice.

Obviously other cognoscenti may disagree and argue, but my cut was based on data I have gathered during all these years, which helped me organize the athletes into the following groups:

Absolutely amazing

This is the very select group of 10 fighters who have won the most important title in our sport – the black-belt open. They are:

1. Roger Gracie (2007, 2009 and 2010)
2. Xande Ribeiro (2006, 2008)
3. Márcio Pé de Pano (2002, 2003)
4. Ronaldo Jacaré (2004, 2005)
5. Amaury Bitetti (1996, 1997)
6. Rodrigo Comprido (1999, 2000)
7. Zé Mario Sperry (1998)
8. Fernando Margarida (2001)
9. Rodolfo Vieira (2011)
10. Marcus Buchecha (2012)

The Outliers:

Restricted to those with four or more black-belt titles in their weight class. In my opinion, they belong in this order:

1. Saulo Ribeiro (5 titles, 10 podiums)
2. Marcelo Garcia (5 titles, 8 podiums)
3. Robson Moura (5 titles, 6 podiums)
4. Bruno Malfacine (5 titles, 6 podiums)
5. Fabio Gurgel (4 titles, 8 podiums)
6. Roberto Roleta (4 titles, 7 podiums)
7. Rubens Cobrinha (4 titles, 7 podiums)
8. Royler Gracie (4 titles)

Standouts:

At least three titles in their weight class at black belt. I used the number of podiums
as a tiebreaker.

1. Romulo Barral (3 titles, 9 podiums)
2. Márcio Feitosa (3 titles, 8 podiums)
3. Fredson Paixão (3 titles, 5 podiums)
4. Bráulio Estima (3 titles, 6 podiums)
5. Celso Venicius (3 titles, 5 podiums)
6. Vitor Shaolin (3 titles, 4 podiums)
7. Rafael Mendes (3 titles, 4 podiums)
8. Guilherme Mendes (3 titles)

The notable:

These fighters have two titles, or one title plus several medals*

1. Mario Reis (2 titles, 10 podiums)
2. Leonardo Leite (2 titles, 6 podiums)
3. André Galvão (2 titles, 5 podiums)
4. Fernando Tererê (2 titles, 4 podiums)
5. Fabrício Werdum (2 titles)
6. Caio Terra (1 title, 5 podiums)
7. Leo Vieira (1 title, 5 podiums)
8. Rafael Lovato, Jr. (1 title, 6 podiums)
9. BJ Penn (1 title)
10. Murilo Bustamante (1 title, 4 podiums)
11. Ricardo Libório (1 title, 2 podiums)

*In fact, there are several other athletes with one or two titles at black belt which were not included on this final set, because of the limited space available; so for this last group I opted for a more subjective criterion, looking for champions with an important history in the pre-Worlds period. BJ Penn was included for the feat of being the first non-Brazilian champion at black belt. Rafael Lovato Jr. would go on to match his achievement and even add five other medals to it.

Naturally, the history of the BJJ Worlds is not limited to the black belt, but including other belts would make the editing criteria massively complex, and I would be hardpressed to be totally fair trying to select a few among the thousands of participants over 17 years.

Disagree with this selection? Feel free to join the conversation below:

Caio Terra troca pegadas com Laércio Fernandes, na final até 64kg da IBJJ Pro League. Foto: Erin Herle/GracieMag.com

A um dia do início do Pan, o atual campeão dos galos Caio Terra não quer saber de reduzir o ritmo de treinos.

O faixa-preta está treinando forte em sua academia em San Jose, próximo do ginásio em Irvine, e conta com uma tropa de elite nos dojôs.

“A preparação está perfeita, nós já tínhamos mais de dez faixas-pretas treinando direto (o Samir, Queixinho, Carlos Melo, Flavio Meier, Leopoldo Serão, Tyson Camp, Nathan Mendelsohn, Jeff, Lana Stefanac, Alexis Davis etc). Na reta final, ainda chegaram Leandro Lo, Rafael Formiga, Marcus Antelante, Ben Baxter, Luiza Monteiro e vários outros”, contou Caio ao GracieMag.com.

“Nossos treinos estão intensos, manhã, tarde e noite. Mais de cem pessoas vieram para o nosso camp, sendo 25 faixas-pretas. Isso mostra como o Jiu-Jitsu é um esporte especial, mais de cem pessoas de diferentes filiações, todas treinando fortes juntas, e de forma cautelosa para não machucar o parceiro. Isso comprova o quanto a comunidade do Jiu-Jitsu está unida”, completou Caio, que está confiante na sua preparação.

“Não vi ainda a checagem e as chaves, mas não acredito que nenhuma categoria esteja fácil. O que sei é que o treino aqui está bem mais puxado do que será o campeonato (risos)”.

Caio não tem o menor receio de divulgar sua estratégia para manter o título do Pan 2013.

“Minha grande qualidade talvez seja tentar sempre consertar meus erros. Tento errar o máximo no treino para errar o mínimo no futuro. E na hora da luta tento repetir o que fiz no treino, o que por vezes pode me custar a vitória. Talvez isso seja um defeito. Mas o que vale sempre é meu último desempenho, e ainda terei muitos outros campeonatos”, conclui a fera.

Para ver as chaves do Pan 2013, clique aqui.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZM_r-LhABw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZM_r-LhABw

She dominated the female division, taking home the gold at the heavyweight division and the absolute.

The final match against Kyra Gracie is still remembered by fans.

She was absent in 2010, but has confirmed her presence in 2011.

And for another run for the gold, Lana will have a GMA help.

Renato Tavares, leader of ATT Vero Bech, in Florida, will be sponsoring the American athlete.

They both talked about it on Facebook.

“Thank you Renato for sponsoring me for the 2011 Worlds. I will wear your patches and I will not disappoint you!” wrote Lana.

“No problem Lana. I’m sure you go to win. I have a good camp here, starting May 16th to 17th. You are welcome to train with us,” replyed Tavares.

For more info, go to renatotavaresbjj.com.

She dominated the female division, taking home the gold at the heavyweight division and the absolute.

The final match against Kyra Gracie is still remembered by fans.

She was absent in 2010, but has confirmed her presence in 2011.

Kyra vs Lana, in 2009

And for another run for the gold, Lana will have a GMA help.

Renato Tavares, leader of ATT Vero Bech, in Florida, will be sponsoring the American athlete.

They both talked about it on Facebook.

“Thank you Renato for sponsoring me for the 2011 Worlds. I will wear your patches and I will not disappoint you!” wrote Lana.

“No problem Lana. I’m sure you go to win. I have a good camp here, starting May 16th to 17th. You are welcome to train with us,” replyed Tavares.

After reading the article on GRACIEMAG, Renato got in touch with the newsroom:

“I want to clarify that and I will not begin to sponsor athletes. But when I saw that an athlete as Lana did not have a sponsor who could give two kimonos, I was impressed. I spoke to one of my students who owns the brand of Kimonos Ground Control to send her two kimonos and pay for her registration. I can’t stand athletes of international level without sponsorship.”

For more info, go to renatotavaresbjj.com.

Gabi in photo by Luca Atalla

Gabrielle Garcia had a perfect year in 2010, winning – alongside teammate Luanna Alzuguir – her weight and the open weight divisions at the Pan and World Championship. Furthermore, the Alliance black belt stood out at other big events, like the World Pro in Abu Dhabi. On her way to the European Open, Gabi remarks on the work she is doing to continue her evolution and, if possible, to continue being her adversaries’ target.

Check out what she had to tell GRACIEMAG.com:

When do you start competing in 2011?

I’ll compete at the European Open, that’s pretty much a done deal. Luanna (Alzuguir) and I will be going for another double in the absolute. The goal is to win everything and have a sequel of 2010. It doesn’t even have to be better. If we just repeat last year, that will be really good. We’ll also try for weight and absolute at the Worlds, and I’m really focused on the World Pro. I want to get the title in Abu Dhabi for the second time.

What will it take to keep up the level?

A champion isn’t made over night, there’s a series of factors. These days the level is really high and we always have to look to add something more. After last year, I’ve become a target. I know they’re putting together strategies to beat me. I have a lot of things that need to evolve technically.

What are you looking to improve at?

I’ve trimmed down a lot, I lost 20 kg (44 lbs) to be better at playing guard and to me more agile. I always played the top game, but now I’m looking to play more guard and have a faster game. We have to always look to add new things to keep evolving, and I know that now I’m the target I have to train more every day. I get to the gym in the morning and I don’t stop all day. Things are changing and I’m getting technically and physically prepared to deal with all that pressure.

Gabrielle in photo by Carlos Ozório

At the World Pro – one of your goals – there will also be No-Gi matches. Are you prepared for that? Will you also try to compete at the ADCC this year?

I didn’t qualify for the last ADCC. After that I trained with Marcelinho (Garcia) in New York and we put a lot of emphasis on No-Gi training. Now I’m training a lot in the gi for Europe, but when I get back, I’ll work a lot without the gi for the ADCC trials. I’m missing that title in my career, so I want it a lot. I want to have great matches, as I know there will be a lot of top competitors in my category.

Who are your main opponents?

There are a lot of good girls with good games coming up. The girls’ division has been putting on a show. I really like Lana Stefanac, all our matches are tough. There’s Luzia Fernandes and other girls coming up. I have my eye on all of them, from the lightest to the heaviest.

To participate at the European Open, click here.