Gordon Ryan (Renzo Gracie NY) def. João Gabriel Rocha (Soul Fighters) via Points (1-0) – No Gi Heavyweight

It was a great night of 23 exciting matches at the opening of the Kasai Super Series in Dallas, with Gordon Ryan taking the win by one point due to a submission attempt during the second part of the match. The main event and the co-main event were both using modified rules — the first 10 minutes of the match were submission-only. In case there was no submission after a quick interval, the fight continues for another 5 minutes with modified Kasai rules, which grants one point to submission attempts. It was that point that earned Ryan the win. The first 10 minutes of the match had been a true game of guard pass, with failed attempts from both fighters to get an advantage spot. During the second part of the match, Ryan was able to sink a really nice heel hook, which Rocha was able to counter. After the match, Ryan commented that he “felt the heel pop a couple of times.” Rocha tried to pass the guard numerous times and get to a side mount, all the way up to the very last second of the match; however, Ryan’s guard proved ironclad. Ryan mentioned later that on a takedown attempt his knee “popped” and he had to fight the rest of the match with the injury, causing him not to be able to use the strength of the guard on his left side.

At the end of the match, João Rocha was visibly frustrated. Given the microphone, he asked his local crowd, “Who won this match?” to which the crowd acknowledged him in unison. The point, however, showed a different winner, and Gordon Ryan walked out with the trophy.

João Gabriel Rocha getting up after the match ended

Gordon Ryan’s heel hook attempt, which earned him the victory

Renato Canuto taps Marcio Andre with a devastating heel hook

The co-main event between many-time Kasai winner Renato Canuto and Marcio Andre was a different story. Canuto was able to sink in a tight and devastating heel hook that left Andre with no option but to tap, during the first 10 minutes of the match. Canuto adds another Kasai trophy to his collection and proves once again he is a force to be contended with in this stage.

Dante Leon (GF Team) def. Matheus Lutes (Marcelo Garcia) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – No Gi 175 LBS

It is pretty clear that the game of sport jiu-jitsu needs rules to make the matches speedier and more entertaining to a larger consumption crowd. Kasai’s modified rules have proven to make some matches that are great to be watched. On the flip side, it can cause some confusion, as it happened in the match between Dante Leon and Matheus Lutes — Leon received 4 points for taking the back, which left Lutes, who thought he was fighting 10-minute, submission-only, confused. While Lutes was trying to talk to the referees, Leon continued the match and was able to sink a deep rear naked choke which left Lutes with no option but to tap, albeit a little late.

Below, find the full results and a complete photo gallery.

Undercard

Jorge Vasquez (Alvarez Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) def. Ryan Benoit (Gracie Gym Texas) via Points (7-2) – No Gi 140 lbs..

Jessica Crane (Soul Fighters) def. Meghan Williams (Stout Training) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – No Gi 120 lbs..

Conrad Duran (Seeds 13) def. Dillon Hinojosa (Genesis) via Points (3-2) – No Gi 155 lbs.

Jeff Horn (AMBJJ) def. Leigh Macneil (RCJ MACHADO) via Points (18-0) – Gi 185 lbs.

Abdul Karem Al-Selwady (Soul Fighters) def. Dylan Kastelic (Mohler MMA) via Points (22-0) – No Gi 170 lbs.

Kecia Makenzie (Checkmat Texas) def. Nathalia Santoro (Renzo Gracie NY) via Submission (Armbar) – No Gi 135 lbs.

Cameron Adair (Checkmat Texas) def. Franklin Caballo (Renzo Gracie Houston) via Submission (Armbar) – No Gi 145 lbs.

Thomas Gentile def. Javier Zapata (AMBJJ) via Referee Decision (Unanimous) – No Gi Heavyweight

Diego Santana (Gracie Gym Texas) def. Jairo Bautista (Marcelo Garcia Dallas) via Submission (Toe Hold) – No Gi 170 lbs.

Dulces Flaco Flores Jr. (AMBJJ) def. Bobby Alexander (Travis Lutter BJJ) via Points (11-2) – No Gi 180 lbs.

David Hulsey (Soul Fighters) def. Benjamin Annunziato (Travis Lutter BJJ) via Submission (Heel Hook) – No Gi 165 lbs.

Alan Shebaro (Tier 1) def. Sebastian Black (Checkmat Texas) via Submission (Toe Hold) – Gi 230 lbs.

Camron Couch (Mohler MMA) def. Marcus Antelante (Soul Fightes) via Points (3-1) – No Gi 190 lbs.

MAIN CARD

Edwin “Junny” Ocasio (Unity) def. Vinny Saenz (Lovato) via Submission (Heel Hook) – No Gi 140 lbs.

Lucas Valente (Gracie Barra) def. Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa (Soul Fighters) via Referee Decision – Gi 175 lbs.

Alex Martins (Alex Martins) def. Mike Medrano (Mushin MMA) via Points (8-0) – No Gi 173 lbs.

Raquel Canuto (Checkmat International) def. Chelsah Lyons (Marcelo Garcia Dallas) via Points (5-1) – No Gi 145 lbs.

Bruno Bastos (Bruno Bastos) def. Tom Deblass (Renzo Gracie) via Points (3-1) – No Gi 240 lbs.

Aaron “Tex” Johnson (Unity) def. Ricardo “Demente” Abreu (Team Lead) via Points (1-0) – No Gi 220 lbs.

Andressa Cintra (Gracie Barra) def. Jessica Swanson (Soul Fighters) via Points (4-2) – Gi 150 lbs.

Dante Leon (GF Team) def. Matheus Lutes (Marcelo Garcia) via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – No Gi 175 lbs.

Renato Canuto (Tio Chico BJJ) def. Marcio Andre (Nova União) via Submission (Heel Hook) – No Gi 170 lbs.

Gordon Ryan (Renzo Gracie NY) def. Joao Gabriel Rocha (Soul Fighters) via Points (1-0) – No Gi Heavyweight

Gordon Ryan and Joao Gabriel Rocha weighting in a Kasai Super Series Dallas with Rolles Gracie

On the heels of the success from Kasai Pro 4 in November, Kasai Grappling is expanding throughout the United States, their first stop is Dallas. They picked this as the start of their tour due to the burgeoning Jiu Jitsu community in the area.

Since this is the “Super Series” there won’t be a tournament, as we have seen in previous shows – only Super Fights this time. The card is stacked with talents from around the country. The Main superfights are 10 minutes sub only plus 5 minutes of Kasai rules.

Below are the results from the weigh ins and a an image gallery with all match ups.

Main Card

Gordon Ryan vs. JG Rocha

Renato Canuto vs. Marcio Andre – No Gi at 170 lbs.

Dante Leon vs. Mateus Lutes – No Gi at 170 lbs.

Andressa Cintra vs. Jessica Swanson -Gi at 150 lbs.

Tex Johnson vs Ricardo “Demente” Abreu – No Gi at 220 lbs.

Tom DeBlass vs. Bruno Bastos – No Gi at 240 lbs.

Raquel Canuto vs. Chelsah Lyons – No Gi at 145 lbs.

Mike Mendrano vs. Alex Matins – No Gi at 170 lbs.

Lucas Valente vs. Rafael “Formiga” Barbosa – Gi at 175 lbs.

Junny Ocasio vs. Vinny Saenz – No Gi at 140 lbs.

Undercard

Camron Couch vs. Marcus Antelante – No Gi at 190 lbs.

Alan Shebaro vs. Sebastian Black – Gi at 230 lbs.

Benjamin Annunziato vs. David Hulsey – No Gi at 165 lbs.

Bobby Alexander vs. Dulces Flores Jr. – 180 lbs.

Diego Santana vs. Jairo Bautista – 170 lbs.

Javier Zapata vs. Thomas Gentile – Heavyweight

Cameron Adair vs. Franklin Carballho – 145 lbs.

Nathalia Santoro vs. Kecia Mckenzie – 135 lbs.

Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady vs. Dylan Kastelic – 170 lbs.

Jeff Horn vs. Leight Macneil – 185 lbs.

Dilon Hinojosa vs. Conrad Duranz – 155 lbs.

Meghan Williams vs. Jessica Crane – 120 lbs.

Ryan Benoit vs. Jorge Vasquez – 140 lbs.

Fake news hits BJJ. GRACIEMAG

The speed that information travels, thanks to the internet, may be the defining aspect of the era we live in. But alongside content that has relevance and quality, we have witnessed the rise of fake news — and it travels just as fast. In BJJ, as in any other field, fake news can be dangerous, as they spread wrong philosophies or give credit to harmful practices.

So we decided to invite a few teachers to say what, in their opinion, is the biggest piece of fake news about BJJ that they’ve heard. Here are their thoughts.

Fabio Gurgel: “The biggest piece of fake news? Wanting to turn the new generation of BJJ into Nutella. These kids are too tough!”

Roberto Godoi: “The most fun piece of fake news is that one popularized by UFC fans, about Steven Seagal. It was always hilarious to see the movie star give that final ‘polish’ moments before an athlete would go in for a fight.”

Zé Mario Sperry: “The biggest bit of fake news I’ve seen lately in the BJJ community is that athlete that posts a picture with a medal on his chest, boasting — and the title came after just one match, and won by W.O. at that. Brilliant.”

Bernardo Faria: “Tough one, but something that is fake in BJJ is when that higher-ranked guy turns to you and proclaims, ‘Oh, that position doesn’t work.’ I will never agree with that. Maybe that technique doesn’t work for you but fits great in someone else’s game. My half-guard is an example: When I started doing it, I’d let all my opponents arrive on top and gain the underhook, and I heard over and over that I could never let that happen, that it was a mistake… But I’d always end up sweeping everybody from there. In BJJ, there’s no right or wrong, and everything can work, as long as you comprehend the position deeply and know the right time to use that technique.”

Rafael Dallinha: “Fake news in BJJ is the matter of learning only online, without ever having trained on a mat with a real master, and getting promoted even so. I’m not chastising online learning in any way, which presently has many very high-level teachers helping students through this format; but I believe that in-person classes are vital to the total comprehension of the gentle art, its history and its benefits.”

Rolles Gracie: “In this age of fake news, the world of BJJ isn’t free from it. There are many frauds out there teaching in schools or showing techniques on Instagram. The student must watch out, do their research well to avoid getting duped.”

Muzio De Angelis: “Easy one: Fake news in BJJ is saying that Renzo Gracie will retire one day. We all know that Renzo will be fighting until the last day of his life — like, really old. Renzo, my man, you will be doing MMA at 70. Oss!”

Gordon Ryan and João Gabriel will fight in the Kasai Super Series, in Dallas.

Another superfight between giants of BJJ has been scheduled for 2019, as part of an event series that will be making its debut. On Feb. 2 in Dallas, Texas, Kasai Pro, which is organized by black-belt Rolles Gracie, will be holding the Kasai Super Series, whose card will feature a superfight between João Gabriel Rocha and Gordon Ryan.

The no-gi match marks the encounter of two absolute ADCC runner-ups (João in 2015 and Ryan in 2017), and it will be under Kasai rules, with ankle locks allowed. We spoke to João Gabriel of Soul Fighters, and he gave us more details.

“Since the fight already has a date, the plan is to stay in Rio training until the end of January,” he told Marcelo Dunlop of Graciemag. “The event has plans to be held at the American Airlines Arena, in Dallas, the city I live in here in the U.S.

“What Gordon has as a weapon and that brings me the most tension, no doubt, is the heel hook. He attacks well in this position, and we traditional BJJ competitors aren’t used to using it, since it’s not allowed under IBJJF rules. In the rules I’m gonna be fighting Gordon under, you may cross inwards, spin in the opposite direction of the foot — rules similar to the ADCC. But otherwise, even if he’s good in other aspects, like finishes with the guillotine and others, I’m already used to all that, prepared for such situations.

“I will be splitting my training between Tatu BJJ, to sharpen my ground game, and Nova União in Flamengo to adjust my wrestling with my brother and the Brazilian wrestling national team, which trains over there. Lots of physical preparation as well, because the fight is set to take 15 minutes and I have to have my stamina up to par. I will be bringing other professionals along to help me, but my camp will be in those two gyms, and maybe another one during the process.”

Gordon Ryan e João Gabriel vão medir forçar no Kasai Super Series, em Dallas. Foto: Reprodução

Seguindo o ritmo alucinante de superlutas no Jiu-Jitsu, mais um duelo de gigantes foi marcado para 2019, em um evento que acaba de chegar. No dia 2 de fevereiro, em Dallas, Texas, o Kasai Pro, organizado pelo faixa-preta Rolles Gracie, realiza o Kasai Super Series, que terá no seu card a disputa entre João Gabriel Rocha contra Gordon Ryan.

O duelo sem kimono marca o encontro de dois vice-campeões absolutos do ADCC (João em 2015 e Gordon em 2017), e a batalha será nas regras do Kasai, no qual as chaves de tornozelo são permitidas. Conversamos com João Gabriel, fera da Soul Fighters e ele trouxe mais detalhes sobre a disputa e seus planos de preparação no Rio de Janeiro, rumo ao duelo contra o faminto Gordon Ryan.

“Como a luta já tem data, dia 2 de fevereiro, plano é ficar até o final de janeiro treinando no Rio”, disse João em papo com o repórter Marcelo Dunlop. “O evento tem planos para ser realizado na American Arlines Arena, em Dallas, cidade que eu moro aqui nos EUA.

“O que o Gordon tem como arma e que me traz mais tensão, com certeza, é o heel hook, a chave de calcanhar. Ele ataca bem nessa posição e nós que somos tradicionais do Jiu-Jitsu competitivo não temos o hábito de usar, por não ser permitido nas regras da IBJJF. Na regra que eu vou lutar com o Gordon pode cruzar para dentro, girar no sentido oposto do pé, regras similares ao ADCC. Mas no mais, mesmo que ele seja bom em outros aspectos, como finalizações na guilhotina e outras, eu já estou acostumado com tudo isso, treinado para situações como esta.

“Vou dividir meus treinos na Tatu BJJ, para afiar o jogo de chão, e na Nova União no Flamengo para ajustar meu wrestling, com o meu irmão e com a seleção brasileira de wrestling, que treina lá. Muita preparação física também, porque a luta está planejada para 15min e tenho que estar com o gás bem afiado. Vou trazer outros profissionais para me auxiliar, mas meu camp vai ser nessas duas academias e de repente alguma outra durante o processo.”

E você, amigo leitor, o que achou deste duelo agendado para o início de 2019? Quem leva melhor? Poste nos comentários!

Matheus Lutes recebeu a medalha e a chance de utar no Kasai Pro. Foto: Dan Rod/Kasai

A busca pelo melhor lutador de Jiu-Jitsu nos EUA continua. Em sua segunda edição, realizada no último final de semana, o Kasai Elite Grappling Championship segue na intenção de revelar novas caras do Jiu-Jitsu e este campeões terão a chance de atuar no Kasai Pro 3, agendado para o dia 18 de agosto, em Manhattan.

Desta vez, o campeão veio da Alliance liderada por Marcelo Garcia. Matheus Lutes, faixa-marrom de 23 anos, foi o campeão da etapa, após realizar grande semifinal contra Alex Oliveira (Renzo Gracie Academy) e ficar em primeiro no pódio, com Jason Rau (Serra JJ) em segundo.

Na disputa por equipes, a Renzo Gracie NY ficou em primeiro, seguida pela Renzo Gracie Jersey em segundo, e a com a equipe Unity em terceiro. Para conferir os resultados completos, clique aqui.

Pódio por equipes do Kasai Elite Grappling Championship. Foto: Dan Rod/Kasai

Esta semana, no curso de Jiu-Jitsu da Renzo Gracie Online Academy, Rolles Gracie e Leo Tunico ensinam macetes que vão permitir que você se proteja com eficiência quando ficar em quatro apoios, tendo o oponente às suas costas. Você vai conseguir transitar em segurança para outras posições e até mesmo contragolpear, caso apareça algum espaço convidativo.

Neste exemplo, Rolles mostra como escapar os quadris rapidamente para o lado e, logo em seguida, com um movimento brusco, reposiciona-se de costas para o chão, fazendo guarda.

Se o adversário resolver mudar de posicionamento de repente, tombando para o lado, Tunico revela como você deve aproveitar a oportunidade para projetar o próprio corpo por sobre o tronco do oponente e estabilizar o domínio lateral.

Na aula sobre qualidade de vida, o ídolo do judô americano Travis Stevens analisa sua trajetória no esporte e fala de forma inspiradora sobre mudanças e adaptações ao longo do caminho.

Não perca mais tempo!

Vá ao site www.gallerr.com/rgoa e tenha acesso ao conteúdo completo do curso de Jiu-Jitsu mais sofisticado da Internet.

Seja aluno da Renzo Gracie Online Academy (RGOA).

Oss!

This week, Rolles Gracie and Leo Tunico teach tips that will enable you to protect yourself effectively when on all fours with your opponent behind you. You will be able to safely transition into other positions and even counter-attack.

In this example, Rolles shows how to quickly shrimp to the side and then, with an abrupt motion, repositions himself on his back, playing guard.

If your opponent decides to suddenly change positions, falling to the side, Tunico reveals how you should seize the chance to project your body over your opponent’s torso and stabilize side control.

In your lifestyle lesson, American judo idol Travis Stevens analyzes his trajectory and talks about change and adapting.

Don’t waste any more time.

Go to www.gallerr.com/rgoa and get access to all the content published so far.

Become an RGOA student.

Oss!

NY City-based organization with professional and amateur events to be led by Rolles, Rich Byrne and Kenny Florian

Gotham gets to grips with grappling as today marks the official launch of New York City’s premier competitive Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) grappling promotion, KASAI Elite Grappling Championships (“KASAI”).

KASAI will produce professional competitive tournaments and spirited amateur events in venues throughout the city, with its inaugural card scheduled for the fall of 2017. The promotion is led by an executive team including:

•Rolles Gracie, internationally renowned grappler, fourth-degree BJJ black belt and member of the sport’s first family of fighting – the Gracies.

•Richard Byrne, president of Benefit Street Partners, former CEO of Deutsche Bank Securities and a BJJ black belt.

•Ken Gelman, founder of G-Funk Sports & Entertainment with 20-plus years in sports, marketing and media across fight sports organizations including Strikeforce, WWE, Shooto Brazil, Glory Sports International, Bellator MMA and more.

•Kenny Florian, three-time MMA world title challenger, host of UFC Tonight on Fox Sports 1, and owner of Florian Martial Arts Center (Brookline, MA) and Meraki BJJ (Santa Monica CA).

•Erik Owings, third-degree BJJ black belt, co-creator of the RUSHFIT training program and owner of New York City-based dojo Mushin Mixed Martial Arts.

“KASAI celebrates the skill and intensity that elite BJJ athletes bring to active competition today,” said Gracie, KASAI President. “We look forward to hosting events for the grappling community that profile pedigreed global talent, while unearthing next-generation prospects.”

KASAI, which adopts its name from the Japanese term for ‘a fire that rages uncontrollably,’ will host professional and amateur live events. Professional bouts will be contested at black-belt level under no-gi conditions. Events will adopt an exciting eight-man tournament structure with two round-robin brackets and fast action. The live tournaments will be broadcast via pay-per-view. Amateur tournaments will take place in no-gi attire, be open to male and female competitors, while spanning different age groups, weight classes and skill levels; white belt through black belt.

“We’re building this promotion with experienced minds from the worlds of martial arts, media production and event operations,” said Byrne, KASAI CEO. “There are exceptional competitors and a passionate martial arts audience out there, particularly on the East Coast.”

KASAI is targeting its first amateur and professional events for later this year, with KASAI’s first amateur tournament scheduled October 21. The promotion will also provide a steady pipeline of content and audience engagement initiatives year-round.

“KASAI is our effort to expand BJJ’s profile in both the spheres of sport and popular culture,” noted Florian. “While New York is unquestionably a hotbed for grappling talent in its own right, our aim is to present a product that reflects BJJ’s ability to transcend language and culture by entertaining a global audience.”

KASAI will provide further updates regarding event scheduling and talent acquisitions in the coming weeks.

About KASAI

KASAI Elite Grappling Championships (“KASAI”) is New York City’s premier competitive professional and amateur Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) promotion, committed to hosting live events featuring the most talented male and female grapplers from around the globe. Founded in 2016, KASAI’s organization includes well-renowned names from the worlds of martial arts, media production and business finance who are committed to developing the sport’s public profile and amplifying the brand of BJJ’s greatest competitors. For more information, visit www.kasaigrappling.com, or KASAI’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram social media channels.

The UAEJJF held the New York International Pro this Saturday, March 5, in Brooklyn.

Team Lloyd Irvin’s Mahamed Aly and Barbosa Jiu-Jitsu’s Felipe Silva were the standouts of the day.

Aly and Silva conquered the black belt open class division and two of the 13 travel packages for the 2016 WPJJC.

Aly defeated Thiago Silva in the open weight heavy while Felipe Silva beat Marcus Tinoco for the open class light.

In the female brwon/black belt division, Amanda Benavides beat Erin Herle for the open class title and another travel package.

Other travel package winners were: Robert Robinson (Blue open light), Zachary Allen (Blue open heavy), Matheus Lutes (Purple open light), Devhonte Johnson(Purple open heavy), Zata Toscano (Brown open light), Alfonso Joel(Brown open heavy), Marcos Torregrosa (Black Master open light), Rolles Gracie(Black Master open heavy), Sarah Rice (Blue/Purple open women).

One of the highlights of the event was the presence of four members of the Gracie family, in Rolles, Igor, Gregor, Robson.

Click here for the full results.

Roberto Satoshi

If you were thinking of registering for the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Tour Los Angeles, but were worried with the deadline this Monday, Oct. 12, now that you just got some extra time to sign up.

The new deadline is Thursday, Oct. 15, at 11:59PM (PST).

Don’t miss out and register now to compete in the event organized by the UAEJJF.

The event is open to all nationalities and belt rankings.

It already has the confirmed presence of athletes from 27 countries and more than 100 black belts, including some of Jiu-Jitsu’s biggest stars like João and Paulo Miyao, Keenan Cornelius, Roberto Satoshi, Gregor and Rolles Gracie, Roberto Cyborg, Lucio Lagarto, Celso Venícius, Tim Spriggs and many others.

As mentioned in previous posts, black belts have free registration.

All they need to do is register normally and then send an email message to grandslam@uaejjf.org with the following data.

PLAYER MEMBERSHIP ID:

TEAM:

AGE DIVISION:

BELT CATEGORY:

WEIGHT CATEGORY:

There are money prizes for selected champions.

Click here to register now for the event organized by the UAEJJF and scheduled for Oct. 18, at the Azusa Pacific College.

See in table below all the money prizes to be awarded at the event.

Money Prizes LA

Each day more big names register to compete at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Tour Los Angeles.

The latest list of names included the likes of Roberto Cyborg, Jackson Souza, Mackenzie Dern, Gregor Gracie, Rolles Gracie.

Before that, Leandro Lo, Paulo Miyao and Erberth Santos had already confirmed presence at the event organized by the UAEJJF and scheduled October 18.

The final deadline for registration is Oct. 12.

Black belts in the adult and master divisions have free registration at this event.

All they need to do is register normally and then send an email message to grandslam@uaejjf.org with the following data.

PLAYER MEMBERSHIP ID:

TEAM:

AGE DIVISION:

BELT CATEGORY:

WEIGHT CATEGORY:

Click here for more info and to register now.

The Grand Slam LA will pay money prizes to division champions.

Money Prizes LA