What did you learn from your recent victory at the IBJJF Phoenix Open? 

ANDRE FREIRE: The Phoenix Open has a very high competitive level, my victory in the event boosts confidence for bigger competitions, especially for the No-Gi Worlds, a competition in which I’ve been on the podium in the past, but now I want the highest place.

Who is your greatest idol in your career?
Ayrton Senna is a great idol, that reference of pursuing excellence in what he does, not giving up in the face of adversity, especially because he is not in my sport, being able to motivate those who have never even seen a racing car up close.
 
What are your goals for the future in the USA?

I have some important titles that I want to achieve, like World Masters, and also be able to teach Jiu-Jitsu as a lifestyle and the benefits of this art to as many people as I can.
 
What is the philosophy behind your school?
Promote the different aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, such as martial art, sport and self-defense. My desire is to positively achieve people’s different goals, respecting each person’s adversities and limitations.

Thamires Monteiro is a Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Lucas Leite

Women’s BJJ at Checkmat is thriving, and the person leading the charge of this renovation of new talents is Thamires Monteiro, 23. She dominated the light division at the Pan and No-Gi Worlds, as well as winning silver at the No-Gi Pan and at the Worlds, all from the IBJJF, in 2021.

The new champion pointed to her mindset as her biggest evolution during the latest BJJ season.

“I believe in the last few years I grew a lot both technically and physically, but in this year of 2021 for sure I evolved a lot mentally”, said Thami. “This greatly helped improve my performance in championships. Logically, I wanted to have won the Worlds too, but it was a great year. It’s gonna be better in the next season, now as a black-belt. I want to do well in the sport’s elite!”

Monteiro was recently promoted by Lucas Leite and Jackson Douglas, the latter her husband and fellow black-belt.

“It’s a mixture of feelings,” she said with a chuckle. “I feel very well and very anxious for the next year of competition! I’m still deciding, but I believe I will fight as a featherweight in the black belt—I believe it’s an excellent division for seeing my jiu-jitsu flow.”

Before finishing the interview, Thamires remembered her performance during her last season as a brown-belt: “All the matches in my brown belt period left some kind of mark on me, but the final of the No-Gi Worlds, without a doubt, was the most memorable! I was very focused and had an incredible flow! I was conscious of every movement I was making and was able to find the finish much more quickly than I expected.”

Yuri beat Murilo Santana in the absolute final. Léo Bandeira

In ten editions of the No-Gi Worlds, only one black-belt has won two adult absolute titles. Yuri Simões achieved this feat Nov. 6 in California when he defeated Murilo Santana. He also became a two-time champion in his weight class, ultra-heavyweight. In an interview with Graciemag.com, he talked about his triumph.

“It was awesome,” he said. “A sensation of joy and infinite gratitude. To be honest, it hasn’t sunk in yet. I have so much love for BJJ, and being able to make history in this art I love so much is just so exciting to me. Only those who truly know me know that it’s been a long, hard journey to get here. But it’s been worth it, and I confess I would do it all again if I had to.”

Yuri’s no-gi phase is a spectacular one. Besides the No-Gi Worlds, he was also champion of the ADCC, deemed the biggest grappling event in the world. Despite the good no-gi results, however, Yuri, who was a world BJJ champ at blue, purple and brown, believes his gi and no-gi games are about even.

“Maybe in terms of results my no-gi game may be better, despite me having won the gi worlds at every belt except black, where I placed third twice. But, in terms of skill, I really do believe that my technique, my style and the very essence of my jiu-jitsu are exactly the same at gi and no-gi. When it comes to competing, my goal doesn’t change — I always strive to fight forward, with the only focus being to give the best of my BJJ from start to finish.”

Simões is training MMA with Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Personal archive

Yuri assures us he will still pursue the world championship as a black-belt, but he also has plans for an MMA career. About a month ago he signed with AKA (American Kickboxing Academy) and he is already training alongside Daniel Cormier, Luke Rockhold and Cain Velasquez.

“Right now there’s nothing scheduled in terms of BJJ competition, except next year’s ADCC. But I started training MMA a few months ago, and I’m focused on my debut. I like testing my warrior’s spirit, and this is my next challenge. But I’m not in a hurry and, despite knowing that MMA is a completely different sport, my main commitment in this new journey is to represent BJJ as well as I can.”

Brown belt no-gi world champion. Photo: Personal Archive

Jason Yerrington is a black belt who lives and teaches in San Antonio, Texas and has Crohn’s disease. Many people find that Jiu-Jitsu, even with a disability, is a great enhancement of one’s life. Jason felt and still feels the same way. We wanted  to know what it’s like to live with such circumstances that interrupt one’s life and how it’s still possible to continue training.

In his case, it may mean knowing where the nearest bathroom is or having to wear an adult diaper. But the fact that he pursues his dreams regardless is inspiring and a learning experience for all of us.

Jason recently took second at the 2014 IBJJF Houston Open and he teaches regularly at his academy. We’ll let you learn more about the disease from him:

GRACIEMAG: What is Crohn’s Disease and how does it affect your daily life?

JASON YERRINGTON: Crohn’s Disease is an auto immune disease of the GI tract, which means that your body produces antibodies that start to work against you instead of for you. Crohn’s disease can manifest anywhere along the GI tract which basically is from the mouth all the way to the most southern region.

I first went to a doctor when I started to lose control of my bowels and was experiencing a lot of blood loss during the restroom breaks. I had to have a surgery called a colonoscopy. After the doctor came out and explained that I had an auto immune disorder known as Crohn’s. She then gave me a pamphlet of information regarding treatment options and also counseling options because she said the disease is incurable. The disease is incurable but mainly operates via outbreaks or at least for me thats what has happened. During the outbreaks I am for the most part chained to a restroom because I have to go an average of 27-32 trips a day.

For me there was a lot of blood loss because I had of 19 different places along my intestines that were legions or open scabs caused by the antibodies attacking my intestinal walls. I was extremely anemic and lost 36 pounds during my first outbreak mainly due to the fact that I couldn’t eat. Of course eating would cause a chain reaction that caused me to go to the bathroom more.

The most irritating thing of all was none of the doctors had an answer for any of the things that I was going through and they all contradicted each other. No one truly knows why someone gets Crohn’s or how to effectively treat the patient. Daily life was really how far away is the bathroom from whatever it is that you’re doing at that time. Driving to and from work became extremely hard and I had to resort to wearing diapers due to many unfortunate events.

Have you had Crohn’s throughout the entire time you’ve been training Jiu-Jitsu? 

All this being said I never stopped training in Jiu-Jitsu. I did take a six month break from competition during my first outbreak to try and get a handle on my new situation. I was an early purple belt when I was first diagnosed. Life off the mat was so much more complicated during the outbreaks but on the mat all that fades away. I’m not saying that I still didn’t know exactly how many steps it took to get to the restroom. In fact there were many days that it was extremely hard just to make it through class.

Jiu-Jitsu was my therapy. It is what kept me mentally sane; that and my wife. I trained and taught all throughout every one of my outbreaks. I have had three each which have lasted for a minimum of six months and none lasting longer than a year and a half. When I’m not having an outbreak I still go to the bathroom much more than a normal person but we’re talking about 6-8 times a day as opposed to 27-32 times a day. (I had to keep a journal of my restroom breaks cause the doctors wanted me to).

Ultimately I was able to bring everything under control when I finally said goodbye to conventional medicine and went to a PhD in mathematics whose name is Dr. Costi. He told me to go get some blood work and then based on the results he gave me some herbal supplements that weren’t for sale yet in the US and asked if I would like to be part of his study group. I said why not as I had already tried everything else the doctors. I had received contradicting advice from steroids to enemas to special inflammatory medicines and diet restrictions and nothing helped. My professor was about to send me to Brasil to see the doctors there but long story short: within four weeks of taking the herbal supplements (miracle pills) that Dr. Costi gave me I was able to get a hold of the outbreak and through diet (eating fresh, raw, and varied) and Jiu-Jitsu I have been able to keep it at bay for the most part. Dr. Costi has me do a two-week cycle of the herbal supplements (miracle pills) every six months. This is not a fool-proof thing. I still get outbreaks from time to time but they don’t last nearly as long and are much more manageable.

What’s it like to train with the condition?

Training while on Crohn’s is all about planning for the inevitable emergency. I never stopped training but sometimes due to the amount of blood-loss I had to step off the mat during super intense sessions. For the most part, though, that rarely happened. During my outbreaks I always have to wear an adult diaper, which is kind of embarrassing but it is the only way to ensure that I don’t make a mess.

Black belt no-gi world champion JT Torres is in Guam at GMA Purebred BJJ to teach for the week. He will host a kids seminar on Saturday, Dec. 14 as well.

The ADCC medalist from Atos leads a training schedule, which features two classes a day with Monday and Thursday including a no-gi class. All others are gi classes and there will be an open mat with JT on Friday, Dec. 13 as well.

For more information visit www.purebredbjjguam.net

Tom DeBlass, Garry Tonon, Jen Allan Russell, Ricardo Almeida. Photo: Tom DeBlass

On Saturday, September 14, Tom DeBlass had his first two black belt promotions at GMA Ocean County Jiu-Jitsu.

Garry Tonon and Jen Allan Russell were granted their black belts at a seminar by Ricardo Almeida. Around 100 people were in attendance for the big day and three generations of Jiu-Jitsu were sharing the mats.  Garry Tonon began training with Professor DeBlass six and a half years ago and since then won two No-Gi World titles, and will be competing in ADCC next month.

Jen started training with Professor Ricardo almost ten years ago then moved to the Jersey shore five years ago and continued her training with Almeida’s student, DeBlass. DeBlass is also a No-Gi World champion,  Pan Am champion,  and veteran in the ADCC, UFC, and Bellator.

Congratulations to the two new Professor’s at Ocean County Jiu-Jitsu!

For more information about OCBJJ visit www.oceancountybjj.com

Ricardo Almeida seminar at Ocean County Jiu-Jitsu. Photo: Tom DeBlass

Ricardo Almeida teaches a technique during seminar at OCBJJ. Photo: Tom DeBlass

JT Torres works a single leg takedown on Augusto Tanquinho in the lightweight final of the 2012 No-gi Worlds. Photo: Ivan Trindade

Already an ADCC veteran, the 23-year-old Puerto Rican American is hoping to gain another spot in the prestigious event but this time in Beijing, China.

Jonathan ‘JT’ Thomas earned his black belt at the age of 20 and now trains under world champion Andre Galvao at his Atos HQ in San Diego, CA. JT has earned medals in both gi and no-gi which he hopes will convince the ADCC committee that he deserves another chance at ADCC gold.

We asked JT about his experience and skill level according to the standards of the ADCC committee:

GRACIEMAG: ADCC invites those who they believe have enough skill to make it to the final. What division would you be asking to enter and based on who is in that division already, what makes you believe that you can go all the way?

JT TORRES: I truly believe I can win the 77 kg ADCC division because I have gained a lot of experience these last few years as a black belt fighting and training with some of the best in the world. Along with that experience I still have the youth and hunger for victory on my side!

Have you been in ADCC before? What were your results? What has changed since the last time you were there?

Yes I fought the ADCC in 2011. I fought Clark Gracie first round and I defeated him via points. Second round I fought one of my all-time heroes Leo Vieira and lost via points. I lost the match towards the end because of my lack of experience with the ADCC rules at the time. I pulled guard with five minutes remaining which gave me a negative point and that forced me to really leave my game plan and try to score or submit him at any means possible and I ended up giving up a takedown in a good scramble. I lost 3-0. Today I feel way more seasoned and experienced to compete in a tournament such as ADCC.

If they had an invite for you but in a weight class different than what you normally fight, would you still accept?

If ADCC invited me for a weight class different than my normal weight I would probably fight only because ADCC is such a great opportunity for grapplers to compete in.

What accomplishments in no-gi do you have that could prove your skill?

I am 2 time No-Gi World Championship black belt finalist and a black belt No-Gi Pan American Champion. I am also a brown belt No-Gi World and Pan Am Champion.

If you chose the qualifications for an ADCC invite, what do you think would be necessary for all participants?

If I had to choose the qualifications for an ADCC invite, I would make it necessary for all participants to have at least medaled in a major BJJ or no-gi tournament at the brown belt or black belt level.

The committee also looks into those who have backgrounds in other martial art disciplines. Are you working on or do you have experience in other fields like Judo, Wrestling, Sambo, etc?

I actually wrestled before I started training BJJ. When I was about 12 years old I started going to wrestling Mat Clubs throughout New York and New Jersey. Even when BJJ became my main focus in life, I would still make sure to wrestle about twice a week.

They also believe that having people from different nationalities allows for better development of the sport around the world. What other nationalities besides American do you represent?

Besides representing the United States, I also represent Puerto Rico, even though PR is also part of the States. Both my parents are born and raised in Puerto Rico, so my roots run deep in PR.

Would you like to see JT in the ADCC? Let us know.

Watch JT at the 2012 No-Gi World Championship:

JT Torres works a pass at the 2013 IBJJF Las Vegas Summer Open. Photo: Ivan Trindade

JT Torres recently won the black belt middleweight division at the IBJJF Las Vegas Summer Open this past weekend. After being on a seminar tour, he took to the mats in Sin City to get his competition fix. Traveling from his Atos academy in San Diego, CA under GMA member Andre Galvao, he proved his abilities with two matches ending in a gold medal.

JT spoke to GRACIEMAG about his matches and what he’s looking forward to in the near future:

GRACIEMAG: You’ve been on a tour of seminars around the states since June, so what was your motivation to finally compete again?

 JT TORRES: My motivation came back honestly shortly after arriving in San Diego. Before moving to San Diego it was a hectic and troubling time in my life, to the point where I could not focus on BJJ and considered calling it quits. Once I got over to the West Coast I was able to really let go of everything and clear my mind and refocus on my love for BJJ.

What were your matches like and how did you defeat both opponents? Was one tougher than the other?

My matches went really well. I was beating my first opponent before submitting him with a bow and arrow choke from the back. And then in my final match I was able to get the sweep and take the mount towards the end of the match and win 6-0. Both opponents were tough but I think Carlos Diego Ferreira was a little bit more experienced competition-wise.

Did you notice a difference between the middleweights and the usual lightweights that you go up against? Did you compete in the open weight?

The big difference I noticed was the speed. I feel that the lighter guys have the speed advantage. I did not compete in the open weight only because I am planning on competing a lot these upcoming weeks and did not want to risk injury fighting the bigger guys.

What is your focus these days? Will we see you participating in the no-gi season?

My focus these days are definitely no-gi. Professor Andre Galvao and my teammates Rafael Mendes and Keenan Cornelius are all fighting the upcoming ADCC, so I am in there everyday training with these guys in preparation for ADCC. Yes, you guys will definitely see me fighting in this year’s no-gi season! Hopefully ADCC as well If I can get an invitation for the 77 kg division!

Roberto Tussa Alencar at the 2012 No-Gi Worlds against Rafael Lovato Jr. Photo: Ivan Trindade

A new highlight with GMA member Roberto ‘Tussa’ Alencar of Gracie Barra New Mexico shows this GB superstar’s skills as shown on the competition mats. Champion of the 2013 Pan American black belt heavyweight division, his four No-Gi Worlds titles tells us that his best is yet to come.

Check out his moves on the mat and his school where he spends all of his time when not competing: www.gbnewmexico.com

GMA Gracie Barra London Bridge will be hosting champion Victor Estima for a gi seminar on Sunday, April 21 from 2-5 p.m.

Victor is a second degree black belt under Carlos Gracie, Jr. and has medaled at the most prestigious tournaments including a gold at the No-Gi Worlds and European Open. This seminar will be held at the Tokei Centre – 28 Magdalen St, London SE1 2EN, United Kingdom.

Xande Ribeiro fends off a submission attempt from Dean Lister at Metamoris Pro. Photo by Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG.

The stars of the 2012 Jiu-Jitsu season didn’t just make a splash in their gis. They made some major noise in No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu, a style unto itself, as well, leaving fans’ jaws agape for the poetry-like elegance of their work on the mat.

With the help of our readers who commented on Facebook and here on the website, and after some heated and at times comic debate, the GRACIEMAG.com team managed to compile five of the greatest gi-less bouts of the outgoing season.

What do you say, gentle reader, is one missing from the list? Share your own top-five with us in the comments field below.

1 . Xande Ribeiro vs. Dean Lister – Metamoris Pro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is6WFjGETLc

2 .  Augusto Tanquinho vs. Leandro Lo – No-Gi Worlds lightweight semifinal

3 . DJ Jackson vs. Clark Gracie – No-Gi Worlds middleweight final

4 . Rubens Cobrinha vs. Justin Rader – No-Gi Worlds featherweight final

5 . Kyra Gracie vs. Alexis Davis – World Jiu-Jitsu Expo 2012

Rachel Morrison receives gold medal at 2012 Master and Senior World Championship

The numerous achievements throughout the year are a testament to the high standard of Jiu-Jitsu in the competition circuit. At therecent IBJJF No Gi World Championships, 8 students competed and returned with 7 medals. Included in the recent victory is Frank Curreri who took gold in the masters back belt division, Kristian Woodmansee who took silver in the brown belt division and Alex Reyes, the owner of our affiliate school Cage Combat Academy in Victorville CA, performed outstandingly to represent the team to earn a bronze medal in his weight class and the gold in the absolute division!

The IBJJF Las Vegas Open, where the Las Vegas Headquarters and 4 nearby affiliate schools all participated, including Mix It Up in Pahrump, Fasi sport, Cage Combat Academy and House of Ryu was a huge success also with Drysdale JJ schools earning a medal in almost every division.

Alex Reyes 2012 No-Gi Worlds Purple Belt Absolute Champion

On a global level, Drysdale JJ Australia, Canada, Europe and USA have all made an appearance in all the major tournaments throughout the year with competitors traveling across the world to compete and represent. Some noteworthy achievements are: Rachel Morrison co-owner and instructor of Tennessee Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Tennessee, who earned the gold medal at the Master and Senior Worlds Championship in her weight division and bronze in the absolute division, and Sean Morrison of Musashi Martial Arts in Ontario, Canada who took double gold at this year’s IBJJF Toronto Open in his purple belt division.

Professor Robert Drysdale is dedicated to building the association and maintaining the highest standard of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In addition to the global competition circuit and the focus on competitors, Robert and his team at Drysdale JJ Headquarters are also focused on providing the best platform for all schools owners to become better instructors and therefore to have more successful businesses. The Drysdale JJ Association site includes a virtual learning center which has over 350 videos of technical and methodological information – a very thorough and detailed guide that is available to all instructors. Additionally, the site is a platform for all schools to promote their special events and achievements as well as build awareness for their schools in order to spread Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu around the world.

Professor Robert Drysdale plans on a huge year ahead for 2013 and will be hosting training camps, tournaments and seminar tours for the association. The virtual learning center is continually being updated and will have an additional 100 techniques to view with the focus on No-Gi grappling. Drysdale JJ Headquarters in Las Vegas welcomes all visitors and guests to come by to experience some of the best Brazilian JiuiJitsu and MMA training on the planet.

To learn more about the association and check out the virtual learning center, go to their website: http://www.drysdalebjjassociation.com/

The team at 2012 Las Vegas Open