Roberto Gordo e Rener Gracie fizeram um duelo de gerações marcante em 2003, no Pan da IBJJF. Fotos: Kid Peligro/GRACIEMAG

Qual foi o maior sufoco da sua vida, amigo leitor?

Aquele dia em que você, sabe-se lá como, respirou, fez uso de tudo que aprendeu na vida e superou um problema que parecia sem solução?

Hoje faixa-coral, Roberto “Gordo” Corrêa não tem muitas dúvidas. Nos tatames, seu dia de cão foi mesmo aquela semifinal do Pan de Jiu-Jitsu da IBJJF, em abril de 2003.

Era para ter sido um torneio marcante e divertido – e foi, para a ampla maioria dos presentes.

O Pan estava de volta ao território californiano, estado com a maior quantidade de equipes e escolas já na época, após seis longos anos afastado da Costa Oeste. A escolha do lugar se provou acertada, e o Pan quebrou o recorde de inscritos para a época – foram mais de 900 competidores.

Não foram poucas as estrelas e as lutas eletrizantes no evento, que marcava a abertura da temporada na época, e indicava a jornalistas e torcedores quem poderia surpreender ou se firmar no esporte. Houve, como exemplo, a estupenda final do absoluto faixa-preta entre Marcio Pé de Pano e Fabricio Werdum. E as atuações de Alexandre Café, de Leka Vieira, os botes do faixa-marrom Bráulio Estima e a vitória da jovem Kyra Gracie.

Uma das maiores estrelas do torneio estava já no outono de sua carreira. Roberto Gordo lutava o Pan como faixa-preta desde 1996 e buscava o tetracampeonato na faixa-preta, sem contar a prata de 1998, quando fechara com o xará Roberto Roleta.

Aos 31 anos, Gordo já vencera todos os grandes torneios da época – como a duríssima divisão absoluto no Brasileiro, em 1997, e o seu maior título, o ouro no 1º Mundial, em 1996, quando o peso médio da Gracie Barra superou Eduardo “Jamelão” Conceição (Alliance).

Curiosamente, Gordo tomara sua primeira aula de Jiu-Jitsu aos 19 anos. Naquele Pan, enfrentaria uma estrela em ascensão, de 19 anos: Rener Gracie, filho de Rorion e dono de bons botes no joelho e pescoço.

E a luta entre eles, válida pela semifinal do peso pesado, começou quente. Rener fintou o passa-pé e puxou para a guarda fechada, enfiando a mão bem fundo na gola.

Gordo comentaria o aperto, em artigo escrito pelo correspondente Kid Peligro e equipe GRACIEMAG:

“Quando o Rener deu o primeiro estrangulamento, me defendi, só que ele ganhou uma vantagem. Então, quando tentou o segundo, pensei: não vou deixar encaixar, porque não posso ficar tomando vantagem. Encolhi o braço esquerdo para segurar o pulso dele, e ele atacou o triângulo. Quando fui fazer postura, ele empurrou meu cotovelo e o meu braço direito entrou, deixando o golpe no aperto máximo”.

O que se viu, a partir dali, foi um momento histórico no Jiu-Jitsu esportivo. O neto de Helio Gracie com a armadilha fechada. O notório campeão, um dos reformuladores da técnica de meia-guarda, resistindo com tudo o que tinha, e o que não tinha. Puro espírito do Jiu-Jitsu.

Gordo recordaria o sufoco que viveu por cerca de 4min45, ali pelos 2min aos 7min de luta:

“Dentro do triângulo, eu segurei o joelho, para diminuir o arrocho, e ele atacou mão-de-vaca, chave de braço e ajudou o estrangulamento algumas vezes com o próprio braço. Nessa hora, o arrocho ficava maior, mas eu fingia não estar sentindo e ele soltava um pouco. Resisti o quanto pude e, quando já não estava tão otimista, ele soltou. Acho que ele cansou as pernas.”

O colecionador de ouros do Pan então respirou e trabalhou a passagem de guarda clássica, na pressão, conquistada no finzinho do duelo. O faixa-preta de Carlos Gracie Jr depois refletiria sobre a rara façanha, que arrancou aplausos de pé dos presentes na Universidade de Santa Bárbara:

“Foi o maior sufoco que eu já passei na minha vida, e não só em campeonatos. Porque, num treino, não faria sentido resistir – eu já teria batido há muito tempo.”

Por quanto tempo você resistiria a este triângulo asfixiante? Gordo durou quase 5 minutos, e venceu seu quarto ouro em Pans. Fotos: Kid Peligro/GRACIEMAG

A Universidade de Santa Barbara, na Califórnia, foi o palco do Pan 2003 da IBJJF. Foto: Divulgação

Quinze anos antes do Pan de Jiu-Jitsu que se inicia neste 8 de março e vai até o dia 11, a IBJJF promoveu uma edição histórica do evento, no campus da Universidade de Santa Bárbara. Eram outros tempos – não havia transmissão ao vivo pela internet, os competidores eram pouco mais de 900 e, meu deus, o YouTube nem havia sido inventado!

Nos tatames, craques hoje consagrados, como Roberto Gordo, Marcio Feitosa, Paulo Guillobel, Alexandre Café, Cassio Werneck, Fabio Leopoldo, Fabricio Werdum e Rener Gracie, além de um jovem Bráulio Carcará (veja vídeo abaixo). No feminino, Kyra Gracie, Leticia Ribeiro e Leka Vieira dominaram.

O cara a ser batido, no entanto, era Marcio Pé de Pano, que voltou do evento californiano, que só teve lutas com kimono, com a “bobagem” de três medalhas de ouro. Por que três, o leitor pergunta? O parágrafo a seguir responde.

Além do peso e o absoluto – onde Marcio montou e finalizou um novato Werdum, na disputa do ouro –, a IBJJF lançou pela primeira vez uma disputa de seleções, entre Brasil e Estados Unidos. Sim, 15 anos antes dos clássicos Mikey Musumeci x João Miyao ou Leandro Lo x Keenan Cornelius, Brasil e EUA já se encaravam num duelo que eletrizou o ginásio.

Na disputa dos selecionados, Rener Gracie levantou a torcida local ao finalizar Fabio Leopoldo num triângulo; mas haviam mais 20 lutas Brasil x EUA, e os americanos venceram apenas mais duas. No fim, a seleção do Brasil levou sem problemas, graças a vitórias como as de Marcio Feitosa, nas vantagens, contra Shawn Williams, e o atropelo de um embalado Marcio Pé de Pano, que finalizou Rob Handley.

Carlos Gracie Jr. fez um de seus discursos marcantes antes do evento em 2003. Foto: Arquivos GRACIEMAG/Luca Atalla

O discurso de Carlos Gracie Jr, na manhã daquele dia 25 de abril de 2003, comprovava o caráter histórico do torneio, e antecipava o surgimento de muitos craques ainda – no Brasil, nos EUA e mundo afora:

“Hoje é um dia importante para todos os envolvidos no Jiu-Jitsu. Nas próximas horas, dois times de países distintos vão se confrontar numa competição justa. Eu posso dizer ‘justa’ porque, nesta disputa, pela primeira vez na história do esporte, as seleções vão ter o mesmo número de atletas, as mesmas chances de vitória (…) Os lutadores que vão competir aqui, hoje, vão poder dizer aos seus filhos que foram membros do primeiro time nacional da história do Jiu-Jitsu (…) Em 1995, visando a desenvolver o Jiu-Jitsu nos EUA, nós organizamos o primeiro Pan da modalidade, e agora podemos ficar orgulhosos constatando o nível atual do esporte. É fácil prever como o Jiu-Jitsu estará grande daqui a uns anos (….). É o início de uma estrada longa, mas o que temos conquistado mostra que estamos no caminho certo. Agradecemos aos patrocinadores, que nos ajudam a organizar os campeonatos; às famílias dos competidores, que apoiam seus parentes nesse duro esporte; e aos atletas, porque sem eles não existiriam as competições. Boa sorte a todos e obrigado.”

The US National Pro hit Santa Barbara on Jan. 11 and handed out fully-paid travel packages to compete at the 2015 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship to those who won their respective divisions.

The event gathered names like Magid Hage, Clark Gracie, Mackenzie Dern, Wellington Megaton Dias, Eliott Kelly and more.

You can still register for the event in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 28 to win a chance at earning the travel package. Find out more information and register at www.usprojj.com

Watch the highlights of the Santa Barbara tournament below:

Magid ended up with the $1,000 cash in the open weight division final by submitting Clark with a choke from the crucifix but it was Clark who earned the travel package to the 2015 Abu Dhabi WPJJC from this final:

Check out the 6-minute match and learn some nice sweeps

Magid Hage and Clark Gracie went 1-1 at the US National Pro. Photo: Erin Herle

The US National Pro was held on Sunday, Jan. 11 at Santa Barbara City College on the coast of California. The one-day event held a tournament matches for kids, adults and masters from white to black but most importantly offered some victorious athletes a travel package to compete at the 2015 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in April.

For the black belts, there were only two weight categories that held matches. The -85kg division was the most stacked with six competitors.

Clark attacks Tanner’s arm. Photo: Erin Herle

To start off, Clark Gracie of Clark Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy faced Tanner Rice of Rice Bros BJJ. Clark pulled and Tanner was able to sweep but Clark swept closer to the end of the six-minute match, also attempting a knee bar. Clark moved on with a referee decision.

The takedown. Photo: Erin Herle

Matthew Magana of Paragon went up against Eric Harvey Johnson of Cia Paulista. Matt earned a takedown in the beginning of the match and maintained top pressure until he got a pass. Eric recovered guard but was not able to secure the points to take the lead and Matt moved on in the division with a 5-0 point win.

Kimura grip. Photo: Erin Herle

Dang Khoa Tat of Checkmat Canada had a bye and entered the division against Clark Gracie. The match was largely controlled by Clark who used a kimura grip on Dang’s arm in a crucifix position. What ended the match was what Clark called an inverted omoplata, a move he’s been developing. The win moved Clark to the final.

The triangle armbar. Photo: Erin Herle

Magid Hage IV had a bye and stepped in to face Matthew Magana. Magid pulled and while Matt attempted to pass from the knee slice position, Magid secured a triangle and submitted Matt with a straight armbar from there.

50/50. Photo: Erin Herle

The final was a sweep battle between Clark and Magid. Clark led with the first sweep when Magid secured an underhook to pass. Magid swept back making the score even once more. Both reversed the other from what seemed like disadvantageous positions from half guard or other locked down positions making it a clinic of sorts. Clark was able to secure the last sweep, his base and the lead for a 8-6 win and the travel package.

Eliot vs. Arthur. Photo: Erin Herle

In the +95kg division, the only two out of three who showed were Eliot Kelly of Yemaso BJJ and Arthur Rivas of Paragon. Both men stood for most of the match but Eliot was able to drag Arthur down to the mat and secure him for two points. He remained on top as Arthur turtled. Eliot nearly mounted at the end of the match and earned the gold and travel package by a 2-0 point, 4-0 advantage lead over Arthur.

Megaton on top. Photo: Erin Herle

Wellington Megaton Dias made a great run within the brown/black belt master division and also earned a ticket. After coming up short in the weight division against new black belt Ram Ananda losing 3-0, he was able to edge Ram out with a tomenagi in the final of the open weight division and secure the travel package.

Mackenzie on the back. Photo: Erin Herle

Daughter of Megaton, Mackenzie Dern only had one match in her brown/black belt division where she faced brown belt Nicole Inacio of Gracie Barra. Both pulled guard and Nicole came up. Not long after Mackenzie swept from sit-up guard and worked a folder pass, pushing Nicole’s knees to one side but switching to a knee slice and stabilizing side control. Nicole turtled, Mackenzie sunk her hooks and as Nicole worked to come out the back, Mackenzie snatched the arm for the submission.

The open weight for the adult male black belt offered $1000 cash for the winner. Here is how it panned out:

Clark Gracie submitted Arthur Rivas with a choke from the back after an omoplata attempt.
Magid Hage submitted Matthew Magana with his infamous baseball bat choke.
Clark outscored Eliot Kelly by 2-0 points with a sweep.
In the final, Magid caught Clark in a crucifix and finished the match with a lapel choke.
Eliot outscored Matthew by 6-0 by takedown and mount to earn the bronze medal.

Check out the full photo gallery of the black belts below:

If you missed this US National Pro you can catch the second chance in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 28. You can register until Feb. 25 at www.usprojj.com

Gabi Garcia after she won the open weight division. Photo: Erin Herle

You can still register for the U.S. National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship until Jan. 8 as the deadline has been extended. Win a travel package to compete at the 2015 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The opportunity is for select winners of their divisions. This is a gi tournament that has divisions from white to black belt.

The event will be held at Santa Barbara City College: 721 Cliff Dr. Santa Barbara, CA on Jan. 11.

Black belts Clark Gracie and Magid Hage IV are two of the big names that will be competing at the event.

Don’t miss this extended chance to compete for the opportunity to compete in one of the biggest Jiu-Jitsu championships in the world.

Go to www.usprojj.com to register!

The U.S. National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship has updated the passport requirements for their event on Jan. 11 in Santa Barbara, CA.

Before, you had to present your passport on the day of the tournament but they have loosened the rule and they are now allowing competitors to present their passport within three weeks after the tournament. This is only for those who win the travel package to the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the UAE.

As a reminder, the only athletes eligible o compete in this tournament but be lawful citizens of North America. The list of countries includes:

Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Haiti
Honduras
Jamaica
Mexico
Nicaragua
Panama
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United States

The registration ends tomorrow, Jan. 6!

To learn more about the tournament around the corner and to register, visit www.usprojj.com

Gabi Garcia champion 2013 WPJJC Abu Dhabi

The first of three legs of the US Pro Nationals takes place nextr Jan. 11, in Santa Barbara, California.

You can still register and get the chance to compete with all expenses paid in the 2015 World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championsip, next April, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Click here to register and for all the info.

The registration deadline is Jan. 6.

Watch the teaser the promoters prepared to get you in the mood to compete.

The event is open to competitors of all ages.

The US Pro Nationals is scheduled next Jan. 11, in Santa Barbara, California.

If you still didn’t register, do it now and compete for a chance to travel for free for the 2015 WPJJC.

If you sign in until this Thursday, Dec. 25, you’ll pay less than if you decide to do it tomorrow or later.

The fee is $75 for now, but will go up to $95 this Friday.

Click here to register now.

After you do it, watch one of the best matches of the 2014 WPJJC, Marcus Buchecha vs. Keenan Cornelius in the open class semifinal.

While Jiu-Jitsu athletes, 18 years old and over, from all over the country are preparing to compete at the U.S. National Pro for a chance to qualify to the most important professional Jiu-Jitsu competition in the world, the Abu Dhabi WPJJC.

Young BJJ starts are going to have a chance to showcase their skills, and compete side by side with the top BJJ players in the United States.

On January 11th, 2015, in Santa Barbara, CA, the best youth players will be crowned U.S National Jiu-Jitsu Champions.

Upcoming Jiu-Jitsu stars, between 8 and 17 years old, can be registered to compete at the tournament. T

he day will start with lots of kids on the mats, while the adults and masters divisions will take place simultaneously.

Although only athletes competing in the Adults and Masters Divisions, at the U.S. National, taking place at Santa Barbara City College, are eligible to win the travel package, and stamp their passports to fight in Abu Dhabi, all kids participants will experience the thrill to compete in this remarkable event, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Passport NOT required for kids registration.

There are NO charges for kids membership.

Register your kids online at http://www.uaejjf.org/event/info/114

Registration deadline is 01-06-15

Visit www.usprojj.com for more info.

Rodolfo, Galvão (center) will clash for the absolute WPJJC crown

GMA member, and tournament director, Rodrigo Clark is proud to announce the U.S National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The event is scheduled for Sunday,  January 11th, 2015, and it will take place in Santa Barbara, CA. Winners will automatically qualify to compete at the 2015 Abu Dhabi WPJJC.

The World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is set to take place April 23-25, 2015, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, at the brand new FGB Arena. The venue was built primarily for Jiu-Jitsu competitions, and it is the first of its kind in the world.

Rodrigo Clark, along side business parter, Gustavo Muggiati, are in charge of organizing all Abu Dhabi qualifying events in U.S.

According to Clark, only throughout the U.S. National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship, athletes will have a chance to stamp their passports to one of the biggest Jiu-Jitsu events in the planet, and win travel packages compete in Abu Dhabi.

Two events have been confirmed in American soil so far. The first stop will be at Santa Barbara City College, California, and it is scheduled for Sunday,  January 11th. The following WPJJC qualifying event is programed to be held in Tampa, Florida, February 28th. A third leg of the U.S. National Pro is being negotiated and it’s going to be announced shortly.

Rodrigo Clark states that the best male and female athletes, from Blue to Black Belt, will be awarded with the incredible opportunity to travel abroad, with all expenses paid, to compete against the best BJJ players in the world, at the Abu Dhabi WPJJC.

The registration deadline is Jan. 6th.

UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation Requires a valid passport in order to register for the qualifiers. ONLY passport holders of North American countries are allowed to compete at U.S. National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

The great news is that the UAEJJF has redesigned the requirements for obtaining the benefits associated to the prize.

Now, winners of every Black Belt weight division will receive the travel package, as opposed to absolute division winners only, as on previews trial events, Said Rodrigo.

The event is also open for kids, 8 to 17 years old. Registration for kids divisions are available at www.uaejjf.org

Kids will compete in a separate event from the professional divisions. Kids through Juvenile competitors are not entitle to receive the travel package.

The US National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship will also qualify athletes from the Masters division as well.

For the fist time, the UAEJJF will be offering travel packages to Master division winners. All athletes 36 years old and up will battle for a chance to travel to Abu Dhabi for free.

For registration, or more information about the U.S. National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship, please visit our website at www.usprojj.com.

The US Pro Nationals is getting closer by the day.

Scheduled January 11, the event will be the first qualifying competition for those who want to compete in the 2015 World Jiu-Jitsu Professional Championship, in Abu Dhabi, UAE, next April.

Click here to see which division winners will get free travel packages to travel to the main event.

In total, the event will hand out more than $160,000 in prizes.

Registration ends Jan. 6.

The event is open to athletes of all ages, from kids to masters.

Many academies are already traning hard to compete in Santa Barbara, like Romulo Barral’s team at Grace Barra Northridge.

Watch the promo ad for the US Pro Nationals and register here now.