The 2014 World Jiu-Jitsu Expo is now set for October 18 & 19 at the Long Beach Convention Center in California. As with previous years, the event will host seminars, meet & greets, a chance to compete, superfights and more.

Over the next few months there will be announcements as to who will be in attendance and when the tournament registrations are open. Adults, legends and kids all have an opportunity to compete.

Unique to this year will be the IBJJF Pro League combined with the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo. The rankings of black belt determine if they are eligible to compete in the limited tournament that offers cash prizes.

To stay aware of all the updates on the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo, go to www.worldjiujitsuexpo.com

Stage for last year's American Cup / Photo: Luca Atalla/GRACIEMAG.com

On the coming 28th and 29th of April, anyone who heads to Independence High School in San Jose, California, will be treated to the 5th American Cup Jiu-Jitsu tournament. The championship is promoted by Claudio França, one of main spearheads of sport Jiu-Jitsu in the region.

GRACIEMAG.com is always on the side of anyone backing good Jiu-Jitsu, and today it brings you some good reasons why you should stick your neck out at the tournament and prove your gentle-art skills:

1. COMFORT AND SAFETY FOR YOU AND YOUR BROOD

França has been promoting Jiu-Jitsu tournaments for over 25 years. Aware of all an athlete’s needs, he offers comfort and security for half-pints and old fogies alike. There will be over 400 kids enjoying themselves and showing off their Jiu-Jitsu in San Jose.

2. JIU-JITSU’S TOWER OF BABEL

With fighters from a number of different parts of the United States, not to mention Mongolia, Russia, Canada, Brazil and elsewhere, all converging in one place, the “Tower of Babel” of languages is all set. Now all that’s missing is for you to join the melting pot of competition Jiu-Jitsu, where grit and technique are universal. Waste no time in signing up.

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3. PLANE-TICKET RAFFLE

A round-trip plane ticket to New York will be raffled off to competitors in the adult age group. Two nights of paid room and board during the September Pride New York tournament included.

4. KEEP UP THE RHYTHM

As the World Championship is fast approaching, competing in San Jose is a great way to keep in competition rhythm and get acclimated to California.

5. IMPECCABLE ORGANIZATION

The competition boasts the highest organizational standard. A great gym, over a thousand competitors, the entire event organized and kept on track by computer, electronic scoreboards and a timetable adhered to to a tee. Not to mention all the exclusive medals and the handsome T-shirt all the competitors are awarded.

6. FIRST-RATE REFEREEING

The refereeing will be overseen by IBJJF director of refereeing Alvaro Mansur. The world’s finest referees will be heading the action. A pre-tourney refereeing course open to all is a splendid opportunity to gain the knowledge needed to qualify you as a ref.

For further information on the course and to sign up, waste no time and click on americancupbjj.com.