Zeferino (in white) and Luiz André, two of the standouts from the tourney in Santa Catarina. Photos: Rogerio Santos.

This past weekend the São José Multiuso arena hosted this year’s installment of the Southern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with around 4,000 spectators filling the stands, according to the promoters’ estimates.

Among the over 600 competitors – from all across Brazil and even a delegation from Canada, which competed upon invitation – the biggest standout was João Zeferino (Gracie Florianópolis), winner of the absolute division. The achievement earned João a paid ticket to the IBJJF’s Rio Open tournament in Rio de Janeiro in July.

A high level of technique was on display and some revelations arose, like Luiz André Siqueira of Nova União Academy in Blumenau, Santa Catarina. The black belt won the lightweight division and took runner-up in the absolute, even facing and overcoming opponents 20kg heavier than him.

Gracie Barra revelation André Campos (in blue) was crowned brown belt absolute champion. At purple, absolute gold went to Marcelo Tarso (Guetho).

Another big name from the tourney to arise from the tourney was Rodrigo Fajardo (Gracie Curitiba), winner of the medium heavyweight division, who conquered his fifth Southern Brazilian title.

There were also some big names in the stands, like São Paulo native Sérgio Moraes and Southern Brazilian Mário Reis. Both two-time world champions, they were at the event to accompany their students.

The overall team result saw Gracie Barra academy take first, followed by Gracie Florianópolis. At the end of the event, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation raffled off another six plane tickets to the Rio International Open.

In the black belt master division, local competitor Eduardo Milioli (Rilion) captured gold at both weight and open weight.

Check out the official results from the event by clicking here.

Heavyweight Luana Muniz (Gracie Floripa) won the blue belt absolute.

Click here to sign up (only online) and for more information.

The June 25 and 26 championship is offering six tickets to the Rio International Open and International Masters & Seniors tournaments to the winners of the black belt divisions.

Check out the criteria for winning the prizes here.