Michael Langhi passes Vinicius Marinho’s guard in the lightweight final of the 2013. Photo: Ivan Trindade/GRACIEMAG

Two-time world black belt champion Michael Langhi went nearly three years without losing in the gi, until 2010. At the last Worlds, in June, the Alliance master found his top form again but was unable to tame Leandro Lo (Cicero Costha) in the final and ended up with the silver.

But his performance was still good enough to warrant an invite to the ADCC in Beijing, but in the division above his usual one, as his friend Lucas Lepri nabbed the 77kg spot. Langhi talked to us about what he expects from the prestigious no-gi competition which is set to be held on October 18-19.

GRACIEMAG: So you’ll be fighting the big guys at the ADCC.

MICHAEL LANGHI: I’m happy my work is getting recognition, after all the ADCC is an event like no other. I’ll be doing my best to be a challenge to whoever’s in my way, keeping my characteristic guard play, but also very comfortable on top. I’ll definitely be under less pressure as I’ll be in an unusual weight class. I can easily reach 82kg these days, so I’ll put a lot of stress on strength during my preparation. When Fabio Gurgel called me about the invitation, I was happy and thought, “Wow, I’m gonna get killed at the 88kg category [laughs].” But I’d never say no to such an opportunity. I understand it’s hard to go from the 77kg category to the 88kg one, but as a competitor I can’t get in there with any mindset other than a winning one. I may have a one percent shot, but while the chance exists I’ll be chasing it until the end. I’ll be that tiny annoying guy amid the big guys, and I expect some good fights.

What changes in your game when you compete in a no-gi competition?

To this day I have only fought two no-gi tournaments, and I won both: a Brazilian Championship and a European. I’m undefeated at no-gi [laughs]! I don’t have much experience at it because I don’t like it that much, even though I practice it every week. Also I haven’t had many chances to fight no-gi. The no-gi events are in the second semester and I’m always out doing seminars. The game gets faster, so I’ll use speed to my advantage as I’ll be the lightest guy at that weight class. Another thing is that, since we don’t have any gis to grab on to, we try to adapt the grips some other way. This was a problem for me at first, because I depended a lot on the sleeves for the spider-guard, but now I’ve changed my no-gi game and I’m well adapted. My style is an aggressive one, the way Cobrinha and Fabio Gurgel taught me.

What did you learn from the final versus Leandro Lo at the World Championship, where he beat you by one sweep?

The most important lesson is that I have to open my mind wider. I have to keep my opponents guessing, be less predictable. My game is really not a great match for Lo’s. He has incredibly long reach for our division, and I learned I have to change something up. I’m doing this work now, and trying to evolve and create different types of games to be able to surprise people. So the outcome was positive, even if the goal wasn’t reached, as I remained victorious at the European, the Pan and the Brazilian Nationals, and now I have this chance at the ADCC come October.

Kristina submitting on her way to gaining the ticket to Abu Dhabi for the 2013 WPJJC. Photo: Erin Herle

A new face will be in attendance at the ADCC in the female under 60kg division. Kristina Barlaan was awarded her brown belt in December of 2012 on the podium at the IBJJF Fall Open after a great run at her previous rank. As a purple belt she racked up medals at the Pan American Championship and the World Championship but also made strides off the competition mats. At home in Arizona with her fiance Gustavo Dantas of GD Jiu-Jitsu/Nova Uniao and GMA member, she helps promote females in the sport by sponsoring women-only open mats called Inspire.

Within only six months of having her new belt, her results were great and the transition was seamless. She placed first at Pan Ams and third at Worlds as a featherweight and also attended the Abu Dhabi WPJJC in the female purple/brown/black division after winning an American trial.

Today, she can plan another item on her resume as a personal invitation to ADCC in Beijing, China secures her participation in one of the most prestigious BJJ tournaments in the world.

Her invitation can be seen as evidence of evolution as only the top names from all over the world are considered or they must win a trial  to be secured. Being an American female brown belt, an invitation means that promoters are scouring athletes from all over and choosing their competitors with a range of differences. See what Kristina has to say about her invite and what she feels it means for our sport:

GRACIEMAG: What does it mean to you to receive this personal invitation? Was it a surprise? 

KRISTINA BARLAAN: I was first contacted by black belt, Arthur Ruff, who has many affiliates based here in Arizona. He was the one who put my name into recommendation. To have just received the message that I was even considered was such a great honor. My name was then passed to Carlos Carvalho who is responsible for the ADCC American athletes (this is all to my understanding of course haha). After speaking with him on the phone, I was still a little hesitant to believe that they would really take my name into consideration. I remained optimistic throughout the past few days, but receiving the official email this morning made me more than just a little tearful. There are so many high level women in this sport today and I am truly honored to be held with the same regard. There are only 8 women per division, 16 all together. They could have picked anyone to fill those 8 spots. I can happily and confidently say that I am ready to step up to this challenge of being included with the top females in the world.

Do you think your role in the World Pro helped imprint your name in their mind? 

I think my overall results this year really helped to validate my presence. Winning Pans, competing in the Abu Dhabi World Pro, and placing third at Worlds are accomplishments that most athletes would kill to have on their resume.

How often do you train/compete no-gi normally? 

My academy mainly focuses on the gi, so I don’t get to train no-gi very often, but I have found that transitioning to no-gi from doing strictly gi works very well. Sometimes I forget how athletic and fast I am because I can slow down and go the speed I want with the gi. When training no-gi, I suddenly remember that I have many attributes that work for me without the gi. Speed, agility, and being able to wiggle out of tight positions are just some of the things I can really take advantage of.

What type of training will you do now and what will change in terms of preparation? 
I will be going up in weight from my usual 129 lbs. with the gi on, so I have the luxury of really focusing on getting strong and putting on some serious muscle weight. On top of the added strength and conditioning, I also plan on reaching out to team mates (current and former) and friends in Arizona and back home in the Bay Area to get some cross-academy training. While the majority of my training will be in my academy, I find that having different bodies to work with and pulling from an abundant knowledge pool will really help get me prepared the best way possible.

Have you ever competed in the ADCC trials before?

I have never competed in the ADCC trials. No-gi wise, my resume may not have the most results, but overall, I know I have a lot to offer as an athlete. Gi or no-gi, I am confident in my ability to perform.

What can you say about the presence of Americans and females (can be separate ideas) in these prestigious tournaments? Could this prove a sort of evolution?

It’s really empowering as both a woman and an American. I feel like it can be really easy to overlook Americans, especially when you see the caliber of competition coming from Brazil, Japan, and Europe. There has been so much growth in the female fight (BJJ, MMA, etc.) community over the years and I am proud to be part of that. There are more opportunities for women to compete on the same stage and in the same high regard as our male counterparts. We are rising and it’s beautiful and inspiring to see women as powerhouses for the sport. Evolution is constant. More barriers keep being broken and I look forward to see what this sport has to offer in the future.

Lucas Lepri (bottom) has never competed in ADCC before. Here he sets up a sweep on Kenny Florian at the 2009 Pan No-Gi.

Along with many athletes receiving emails from the ADCC organization, Alliance champion Lucas Lepri is of that group. Gaining his first-ever invitation to the prestigious event, Lucas will be traveling to Beijing, China, in October to represent his team in the under 77kg division.

Having already been to Abu Dhabi for the World Pro and a champion in IBJJF’s top tournaments, it’s time for Lucas to make his debut as a no-gi grappler on the international stage of ADCC. See how he reacted to the surprise notification and how he will adjust his training regiment in an exclusive chat with GRACIEMAG.com.

GRACIEMAG: How does it feel to be personally invited to one of the most prestigious BJJ tournaments in the world?

LUCAS LEPRI: Honestly when Fabio Gurgel called me and told me that I was chosen to represent my team at the ADCC, I felt so happy and at the same time so flattered for the opportunity. I was waiting for this invitation since my first No-Gi Worlds title [in 2009] and now I am more than happy to know that my work is being recognized.

Will you change your training from now on to be prepared for this no-gi event and will you go anywhere else or stay in Atlanta?

Yes, my training now is going to be more focused on no-gi, but I will keep training with the gi because in my opinion it’s very important to combine both to get the result that I am looking for. All my training is going to be done in Atlanta with Master Jacare and my students. But I might also go to NYC [Marcelo Garcia Academy] as it seems that our crew from Brazil is coming so we can all train together and get prepared.

What kind of matches are you looking forward to with possible opponents such as Otavio Sousa?

For all of my fights my goal is to fight forward and look for the submission. It’s always a pleasure to fight with big athletes of our sport.

Stay tuned for more ADCC news on who will be in attendance and more.

Mackenzie Dern in the absolute against Talita Nogueira at the 2013 Pan American Championship, her first Pan Ams black belt win. Photo: Erin Herle

Getting on with our 18 reasons to follow the 2013 World Championships, there are two athletes that have been doing considerably well in their new rank. To see if they can get to the top of the Worlds podium as they have done in the past at lower belts woud be a sight to see, and motivating at the very least!

Reason #11: See how young black belts Mackenzie Dern and Joao Gabriel Rocha compete where it counts.

Whether or not you have won major titles at the lower ranks, competing at black belt has a level of competition that does not compare. There is nowhere to go once you are a black belt and the competence levels in that realm vary greatly.

Mackenzie Dern, 20

This American/Brazilian has been training her whole life. Mackenzie’s father, the bold Wellington ‘Megaton’ Dias, raised her on the mats from age three and today she is a black belt at the age of 20. Winning the world championship at every belt from 2007 to 2012, this will be her first at the black belt level.

Her first time competing and winning at black belt was at the Copa Podio Heavyweight GP where she fought in a couples duel with her boyfriend Augusto Tanquino Mendes. Then she went on to win her division at the 2013 IBJJF European Open. She placed second at the Pan American Championship and the Abu Dhabi World Pro. Well on her way to becoming the best at black belt, it will be interesting to see how she fares in her first World Championship at this rank and if she will continue her undefeated run.

Joao Gabriel Rocha, 22

Joao Gabriel Rocha is the newest black belt sensation out of team Soul Fighters. He, too, began training Jiu-Jitsu as a toddler and now at 22, Joao has accomplished a trip to the podium at every World Championship so far at each belt. He sealed the Mundials gold two times in 2012 as a brown belt after also winning Pan Ams and Brazilian Nationals that same year.

He received his black belt directly after competing in the Copa Podio Heavyweight GP and winning two matches against black belts. His first big accomplishment with the new belt came in April this year as he defeated the No. 2 black belt in the world, Leonardo Nogueira, in the final of the Brazilian Nationals. His presence in the super-heavy division at the 2013 World Championship will definitely be a threat.

How do you think these two young, dedicated and decorated world champions will fare at their first Mundials?

To register for yourself, go to www.ibjjf.org and sign up now!

Gabrielle in action against Diana. Photo: Carlos Ozorio

Gabrielle Garcia didn’t offer her opponents in the over 63kg division of the World Pro tryouts in Gramado a chance. The Alliance representative showed a lot of grit and, after beating Diana Menezes in the final, with a takedown, provoked the opposing cheering section by beating her chest at them. The impression she left of being one mean fighter was not the same she left in her post-victory interview. A true lady with a kind heart, Gabrielle remarked on her campaign to GRACIEMAG.com:

“I had three matches. I got the finish in the first in 15 seconds, in the second it took 50 and I won the final against Diana, who is Brazilian National champion at black belt. I had been training a lot and was really confident. Now I have to train even more to win in Abu Dhabi.”

However, before the event in the United Arab Emirates, Garcia has another commitment scheduled. The brown belt will compete on the mats in Irvine, California, where the Pan-American Championship is to be held. To come out on top yet again, she is relying on the help of the “General”.

“My training will carry on as always: I’m doing some special work with Fabio, who’s polishing up my game. I’m also continuing the physical conditioning work, sticking with the same training regimen. Only the focus now changes, because I’m going to compete first at the Pan-American and my head will be on that. Only then will I think about the World Pro, which I want very much to win, as well.

Her large build leads one to believe she may have some interest in fighting MMA. But, for the time being, traditional Jiu-Jitsu is her greater calling.

“If things continue as they have, with professional prospects, I won’t be thinking about MMA so soon. I want to stick with Jiu-Jitsu, showing what I do. What I really like doing is fighting in the gi. But if a good offer comes up some time down the road, there’s nothing to prevent me from entertaining it,” she says in finishing.

Calasans in his match against Adriano Silva. Photo: Carlos Ozorio

“I got progressively better throughout the tournament. In the final I managed to do what I set out to, in search of the finish, and everything worked out,” he says in assessment.

“I’d fought Adriano before on various occasions and I’m used to facing him. I had a strategy in place for the match and I managed to push the pace,” he continues.

Despite the big result, training continues. Beyond his objectives, Calasans won’t leave his teammates at Atos without a training partner.

“If all goes well, I’ll compete at the Pan. I’m looking around for sponsors and, if it works out, I’ll fight at the Pan, too. The team is very united. Next week I’ll be in Rio Claro to train with everybody, with the gang that’s going to compete at the other tryouts, in Rio, and the Pan. It’s one championship after the other,” he tells GRACIEMAG.com in finishing.

Durinho in action in Rio. Photo: Ivan Trindade

Atos Jiu-Jitsu’s Gilbert “Durinho” Burns couldn’t make it to the World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup Qualifiers in Gramado, Brazil. Nevertheless, in Atlanta, where he’s taking a spell to teach seminars, the blackbelt won the Lutador Grappling event, a local Jiu-Jitsu event. In the final, he defeated Darren Roberts (Alliance).

“I was somewhat injured and didn’t even know if I’d be able to compete. But Roberto Traven and the gang urged me on, so I decided to participate. I did three fights and managed to get the submission in all of them. I was coming off an injury and you never know when you’ll be able to return. I won a belt and I dedicate it to the gang at Atos, which was at the World Pro qualifiers in Gramado. Even though we didn’t win in all the divisions, we had athletes in the semifinals at all weights,” he told GRACIEMAG.com.

Another standout of the event was Ian McPherson (Alliance), winner of the 175 lbs (79 kg) category.

Durinho will, however, be in action at the Qualifier in Rio de Janeiro, to take place on the 27^th and 28^th of March.

“I have some seminars to do this week and on Monday I’ll be in Rio Claro to do my final preparations for the Qualifiers in Rio. That’s the objective now and then the IBJJF Pan-American and Worlds. I’m going to throw some weight around over there,” he says.

“In 2010 my main focus is the Worlds. We’re still at the beginning of the year and we’ll make it to the Worlds in fine form,” he says in finishing.

The Abu Dhabi World Pro Tryouts in Rio de Janeiro take place on the 27^th and 28^th of March.