In a tight and technical dispute, “Barata” (Abi-Rihan) managed to score three advantage points with his attempts at passing “Pimpolho’s” (Nova União) elastic guard, yielding him R$200, a gift pack, trophy and gi, as well as R$ 50 to blow at popular night club Six.

Pimpolho (left) and Barata on the podium. Photo: Publicity

At brown belt, Leonardo Sagioro (BTT), who had four matches in the under 76kg division, stood out and took the prizes. Another who kept up his tradition of participating was Gustavo Granha (Carlson Gracie), winner for the third year in a row of the medium heavyweight master black belt division. Among the veterans, the return of Vinicius Cruz (Carlson Gracie) to the mat was well worth it. The fighter, who was world champion as a brown belt roosterweight, took first place in the middleweight black belt master category.

And the kids put on a show of their own, with one in particular promising to give much to talk about in the years to come. At only 14 years of age, Marcio André (Nova União) won five matches – four by finish – and took the adult light featherweight blue belt division.

“I’m really happy about this installment of Copa America. 630 athletes showed up, a good number of participants since we are already at the end of the year and between so many competitions. It was also the most organized installment, keeping to the timetable perfectly. We even wrapped up the event before we expected to. Copa has now become a reference on the calendar,” celebrates organizer Raphael Abi-Rihan.

Gustavo Granha celebrates. Photo: Publicity

Abu Dhabi champion Rodolfo Vieira. The heavyweight is one of the stars of the 3rd Copa America. Photo: Ivan Trindade

Anyone who thinks the 2009 Jiu-Jitsu season is over is sorely mistaken.

Brazilian national black belt champion Raphael Abi-Rihan is in the final stages of organizing the 3^rd Jiu-Jitsu Copa America, to take place as always at the end of December in Rio de Janeiro’s America FC gymnasium.

Again two supermatches will shake things up for the competition, the first between two of 2009’s gi-wearing revelations: Rodolfo Vieira (GFTeam) and Victor Bonfim (Gordo JJ). The second will be between Tiago “Barata” Ferreira (Abi-Rihan), a finalist in this year’s Rio Open, and Luis “Pimpolho” Fernado (Nova União).

“All the matches will be presented by MC Akira, with improvised rap characterizing the fighters,” says Abi-Rihan to GRACIEMAG.com. “Beyond the traditional fruit salad and juice for the athletes, this year the event offers the athletes free of charge a physiotherapy and holistic therapy booth with renowned professionals Bruno Mantovano and Cristiana Carvalho,” adds the professor.

For those wishing to participate

The 3^rd Jiu-Jitsu Copa America will be held at America Football Club, at 118 Rua Campos Sales, in the Tijuca neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro on December 12. The sign-up fee of R$ 40 includes the events T-shirt.

Sign-ups end on December 8 (Tuesday) and may be performed at Banco Real Bank.

BANCO REAL
Agência: 0271
Conta: 8722027

For further information contact Raphael Abi-Rihan:

Email: abirihanraphael@hotmail.com

Telephone: (21) 7892-9796  Nextel ID: 8*41599