tournament | Graciemag

Santa Cruz is ready for another big Jiu-Jitsu party organized by Claudio França

Graciemag Newsroom — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:53:34 +0000

Mark Zuckerberg made his Jiu-Jitsu debut at the Californian BJJTour event. Photo: BJJ Tour Social Media/Instagram

Professor Claudio França invites you to another tournament to bring together the Californian people of Jiu-Jitsu. The home base for the BJJ Tour will be in delightful Santa Cruz, California.

Organized by the same team as the traditional US Open, the BJJ Tour – Santa Cruz Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament will be Saturday, September 9, 2023. The tournament will be held at the Kaiser Permanente Arena – 140 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.

All Age Divisions from Kids – Masters, and all belt ranks are welcome to compete.

Medals will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each division. Every registered competitor will receive a complimentary tournament T-shirt. Also, all registered kids competitors will receive a medal.

To register and maybe meet fighters like Mark Zuckerberg and other stars, click here.

BJJ Tour Santa Cruz

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ADGS Rio: See who’s registered to fight for the elite professional gold

Graciemag Newsroom — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 21:45:38 +0000

Yatan Bueno will compete in Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro. Photo by AJP

There are only a few days left until we meet the new champions of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour Rio de Janeiro 2023. Having received some of the most notorious fighters in the sport, it’s no wonder that the top of the ADGS Rio podium is one of the most prestigious in the world.

As we draw closer to the 2023 edition, on June 10-11, the Arena Carioca gets ready to house a spectacular show with some of the well-known players in worldwide Jiu-Jitsu. From Abu Dhabi World champions to Grand Slam gold medalists and King of Mats winners, the roster of this year’s event also comes with many new faces, hungry to take over the spotlight and etch their names in the mind of the crowds.

Knowing some of those names and academies, full of great competitors, our team visited and took a closer look at the last days of preparations prior to the ADGS Rio. As they made their way towards Rio, academies like PSLPB Cicero Costha and Fratres provided a closer look at major athletes such as Hiago George, Sabatha Lais, Leonardo Mario, Alex Munis, Rafael Mansur, Vinicius Liberati, and other dangerous competitors.

Check out below our first sneak peek at the academy’s last training sessions before heading to the Arena Carioca, the list with some of the most famous athletes registered to fight in the ADGS Rio 2023, and get ready for three days of high-octane action at the tournament that will open the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam’s new season.

Men’s – Black Belt

52kg

Yuri Hendrix

Welerson Gonçalves

Marko Oikarainen

Oziel Carvalho

62kg

Leonardo Mario

Hiago George

Wagner Chrispim

Meyram Maquiné

Jorge Nakamura

Iago Chagas

69kg

Thiago Macedo

Alessandro Botelho

Marlus Souza

Matheus Onda

Fabrício Andrey

Matias Estevez

77kg

Lucas Protasio

Andre Cantanhede

João Paulo Sousa

Luiz Paulo Medeiros

Wallison Souza “Tarta”

85kg

Pedro Neto

Uanderson Ferreira

Leon Brito

Luan Carvalho

Alex Munis

Johnathan Pessanha “Moicano”

94kg

Igor Sousa

Marcos Carrozzino

Gabriel Oliveira “Blade”

Rider Zuchi

Patrick Gaudio

Vinicius Liberati

120kg

Yatan Bueno

Wallace Costa

Herico Hesley

Diego Cardoso

Helder Junior

Women’s Brown/Black Belt

49kg

Diana Thais

Brenda Larissa

Jessica Caroline

Isadora Maggioni

55kg

Alexa Yanes

Milene Silva

Ana Schmitt

Karen Terra

62kg

Julia Alves

Maria Delahaye

Larissa Santos

Vitoria Vieira

70kg

Ingridd Sousa

Thalyta Silva

Ana Remneva

Sami Galvão

95kg

Gabrieli Pessanha

Mayara Moreira

Izadora Silva

Thamiris Silva

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With fight scheduled, Bibiano visits Manaus and says: “in contact with my roots”

Graciemag Newsroom — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 13:00:26 +0000

Photo: Personal Archive

Bibiano Fernandes, 41, has an appointment under One Championship for December 5. The bantamweight champion will be defending his belt against John Lineker, who has only fought three times in the organization, between 2019 and 2021. The announcement was made by One’s CEO, Chatri Sityodtong.

Throughout his career, which began in 2004, Bibiano has achieved 24 wins and suffered four losses. In One Championship, which has employed him since 2012, he has 11 wins and just one loss.

“I’m happy to be able to defend my belt again,” the Brazilian said in a recent interview. “I’ve been on this journey for a long time. I’m happy, healthy, well trained. I want to show younger people that with discipline and hard work, you can get to where you want. Bibiano is the result of a lot of effort, lots of faith and dedication.”

In his native state of Amazonas, where he was staying several days ago, Bibiano got in touch with his roots before returning to Canada to resume his training.

“I’m in Manaus to visit my family and friends and have contact with nature,” he said. “I always come to Brazil before I have an important appointment in my life. Out here, the other day, I did a lecture at a military school for more than 200 students, where I spoke about the importance of being confident, having discipline and courage.” He added: “I’m quite happy to be here.”

Bibiano also revealed that he’s not done evolving in Jiu-Jitsu, as was recently recognized by his teacher, Prof. Osvaldo Alves.

“I’ve received another degree on the black belt,” said Bibiano, who is a three-time BJJ world champion. “I’m happy to conquer another step in the black belt in Jiu-Jitsu, the sport that gave me everything I have. I lost my mom very early, and my dad had no means to raise us; I went to the interior of Amazonas, but if today I am someone, it was the sport that saved me and because I believed I could be someone.”

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Nivaldo Oliveira remembers victories, projects future: “having my own gym”

Graciemag Newsroom — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 18:00:13 +0000

Photo: IBJJF/Facebook

Nivaldo Oliveira, also known as Nil, has lots of history in BJJ. A black-belt since 2007, when he was promoted by Leo Vieira, Nil has won important titles like the absolute in the CBJJ’s Brazilian Nationals, and the IBJJF’s European Championship – two of the toughest competitions on the calendar.

With wins over Rômulo Barral and Murilo Santa, in a recent interview Nivaldo remembered his important triumph from 2012, a landmark in his career as an athlete.

“The title of Brazilian champion in my weight and in the absolute was incredible to me,” he said. “The Brazilian Nationals are the biggest championship in Brazil, and I was able to write my name in the history of the sport. It was a title I had been seeking for some time, and I got it. I was coming off good results in previous years, reaching consecutive finals in 2010, 2011 and 2012, the year I became champion. I gained confidence upon beating tough athletes and world champions; that’s how I knew I was on the right path.”

Now, at 38, Nil resides in Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, where he helps propagate the benefits of BJJ, the sport that changed his life from the moment he first stepped on a mat at the age of 16.

“Fortunately, today, I can say that I make a living 100% off Jiu-Jitsu,” said Nil. “I have a comfortable life and a very good quality of life. Yes, I feel fulfilled, but I still have other goals that I want to reach. I want to have my own gym. Here, in Abu Dhabi, it’s incredible how the sport and the professionals are valued. We have big competitions with prize money.” He added: “I’m always training and studying.”

An avid follower of the competitive scene, Nil is keeping an eye on BJJ Stars, the Brazilian organization, in particular. “I always watch these superfight events. It’s super-important for the growth of the sport, especially now, because of the pandemic that struck and we were left without frequent championships. Since I’m already a master, it would be cool to fight again in this event. I hope to have an opportunity to fight again.”

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Roberto Godoi recalls his mishaps and victories in Jiu-Jitsu

Graciemag Newsroom — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 16:00:36 +0000

Godoi in a striking photo by Luca Atalla for Gallerr.com

A respected teacher and fierce competitor, with countless titles in Brazil and abroad, Roberto Godoi has already accumulated more than three decades of a firm commitment to Jiu-Jitsu. The road was long and full of challenges, but the professor, who always liked to test himself, has endured over the years and built his image in parallel with the G13BJJ, a team which he led in Brazil and now leads in american soil, furthering the reach of the gentle art in the US and spreading the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu among its people.

We’ve talked with Godoi and the chat revisited great moments in the teacher’s trajectory, from the first contact with the sport and his first academy to the analysis of his many years as a black belt, including valuable tips for you to successfully walk the path of constant learning in the gentle art.

Check the interview below and learn with Roberto Godoi!

GRACIEMAG: First and foremost: how did your classic nickname, “Jason” come about?

ROBERTO GODOI: (Laughter). That’s a good one. The nickname was born at Waldomiro “Junior” Perez’s academy. I was one of the toughest workouts in the gym and almost always wore a dirty gi that had a rip or two. Despite being young at the time, I also never had much hair, and this all coincided with the success of the films in the series “Friday The 13th”. When Junior was going to separate the training duos, he would say: “Go, you’ll train with Jason!”. But the one who made the nickname stick and led me to embrace it was a good friend of ours, who developed my first patch for the gi; when I saw it, it was a Jason doll in a mask and gi! The younger kids always thought it was awesome, but I never really cared.

You have more than three decades in Jiu-Jitsu, with more than twenty of those years as a black belt. What has been the most memorable experience in all these years?

That’s right, I was promoted to black belt at the end of 1996, and for many years I’ve proudly carried it around my waist. I fondly remember my first fights as a black belt, at the 1997 IBJJF Hawaii Pan. At the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship, I got third place at Tijuca Tênis Clube and it was a unique moment. We used to live real adventures, with car caravans leaving São Paulo, crashes in the Serra das Araras, the suffering of weigh-ins the day before… I remember this one time i ran around the gym for three hours and still had to weigh naked to beat the limit and be allowed to fight. We stayed in small fifth-rate hotels, huddled together, sneaking in the middle of the night so the managers wouldn’t notice. These are stories that people hardly believe nowadays.

It’s been more than thirty years competing nonstop. How do you think this constancy in the championships helps you, as a teacher and as a citizen?

Nowadays, as a 47-year-old athlete, my body now recovers from the various injuries I’ve had during that time, and with that comes some limitations, but that’s not going to stop me, at least not now! I’m passionate about that feeling of stepping on the mat, testing myself, listening to the guys saying that so-and-so is in my division and that he’s trained hard to win. It’s these feelings that keep that child’s flame burning inside me, the desire to train similar to when I started in the sport. Competing also makes me a better professional every day – the objective is not to prove anything to anyone but to pursue the continuous evolution and balance of my Jiu-Jitsu, not to mention the improvement of our group as a whole.

It’s that Rickson Gracie quote, studying and learning never end…

Yes, because Jiu-Jitsu evolves and modernizes every year. I know I have a lot to learn and improve; with that, competing and training with my students daily forces me to keep up to date with the latest in our art. Furthermore, championships are great for seeing friends, sharing laughs, expanding our network of contacts, among many other benefits for a teacher.

How did you start training Jiu-Jitsu?

Jiu-Jitsu came into my life by chance. When I was a kid, the school I went to sometimes had fights, and in my class, there was a kid from Argentina who could hold his own in a brawl. One day, this guy went to Rio de Janeiro for the year’s end and came back shocked. He called me and said: “If you don’t want to be beaten by anyone else in your life, you have to learn what I saw in Rio!”. He had visited a Gracie academy and said that he had been twisted in every way: “Dino (that was my nickname), this is what you need to practice, it’s called Jiu-Jitsu!”.

And was it easy to find a gym in São Paulo?

I learned that Marcelo Behring, who was already a famous champion trained by Rickson, had just arrived in São Paulo in 1988. I went there but the gym was too sought after and the training was expensive, so I couldn’t afford it. I got lucky that my brother came back from the US and gave me a brand new jacket, which I sold for the price of three months of training and got started. It was there that I met Waldomiro, who was Marcelo’s right-hand man and later would be my teacher and great friend.

What was the most memorable fight of your career?

All of them had their valor and brought great learning. But I don’t feel able to summarize in a moment, or personal achievement, my entire trajectory in Jiu-Jitsu. My greatest achievement in the sport was, without a doubt, the number of people and lives I could help improve, not only those who trained with me but their families and friends as well.

Do you still remember your first gym?

I was still a purple belt, in 1992, when, alongside a friend, I decided to set up the first gym I had, in the back of my house. It was small there, with enough room for about 15 students per class, and in the first month we already had 30 students training – and about ten waiting for a vacancy. Today, our G13BJJ school has been structuring itself more and more at the company level and seeking to give full support and feedback to its franchised students and teachers. The structure is unimaginable, comparing it to that gym in the back of the house. Our concern today is to ensure that G13BJJ is seen and recognized as a “martial arts school”, with us fulfiling our role as good educators.

We teach both students who think about competing and those who dream of being an entrepreneur and knowing how to teach and manage their own business one day. Today we have more than 7,000 students in 71 units, 55 of those in Brazil, between São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Tocantins, Bahia, and Santa Catarina. Outside Brazil, there are five in the US and one in Australia.

What tips would you give to succeed in Jiu-Jitsu and reach a black belt?

It is difficult to summarize in a few tips, because there are many variables involved. But I would say number one is discipline, to train constantly and not give up; the second is health – for your machine to work well, take care of it; the third is self-confidence: believe in yourself, and don’t let anyone or anything tell you that you can’t or aren’t capable!

Will effort always beat talent in Jiu-Jitsu?

I’m sure talent without discipline and a lot of effort gets us nowhere. Since I was a kid, I liked to fight, but I’ve always been tougher and more persevering than a talented guy himself. In several of the fights and championships I’ve won, I’ve been successful knowing that to be victorious I would first have to overcome my lack of talent. I’m certainly a tougher guy today because I have that focus and because I know what I’m made of. I always strive to be a better Godoi today than I was yesterday.

One of your strengths is sticking your hand in the collar, standing or on the ground, always triggering a blow… How does this tactic of yours work?

We must first remember that our fight starts standing up before going to the ground, so it is evident that, whether for takedowns, sweeps, or pulling to guard, all positions have their preparations and nuances, especially these details of grips on collars and sleeves to make it happen successfully. Standing, I try to exert my dominant left-hand grip on the opponent’s collar, and when I get it, it opens up a good range of attacks and positions for me, details that I pass on to everyone on our team. But Jiu-Jitsu isn’t always what we want, it’s the opportunities that arise at the time of the fight, so in our routine training at G13, we focus on both our strong game and our weak side, to try to increase the balance and elevate our game.

You’ve done seven MMA fights and started back in 1995. What did you learn about Jiu-Jitsu and about yourself stepping into these rings?

Those were different times, in which it was a natural way to migrate and fall into MMA at some point in their trajectory, even to seek this “validation” of their degree. And with me, it was no different. I learned several lessons in MMA and I am grateful for each experience that today adds to the baggage I have, and so I can contribute to achieving the goals of my athletes, be those professional or not. My dream is to serve as a ramp for all my students to reach much further than me.

You, like many teachers, went through a change of image that is similar to the evolution that took place with Jiu-Jitsu: in the past, it gave a strong image; today, you resemble a father of the students, respectful, cordial to opponents… Is the current Jason a peaceful one?

Yes, it’s a natural maturation of mine as a person, which happened in parallel with the transformation of Jiu-Jitsu’s values as a sport and a lifestyle around the world. I was at the front of a group and was a “master” very early on, and with this immaturity, I had my mistakes, but also my successes. Back then, that was a stereotype stuck in most Jiu-Jitsu fighters, but nowadays I’m better prepared as a person, in every way, to fill my position. I owe much of this to my parents and to what I learned in Jiu-Jitsu, for being this unique tool for emotional balance and rescue of moral values that, practiced daily, shapes us and those around us so that we can have a more harmonious and all-around better society.

In 2001, Godói-Macaco, which had been projected on the São Paulo sports circuit, broke up. What lessons did you learn from the breakup?

Godoi-Macaco in its heyday was unique, and whoever lived that, lived! I won’t take it for granted and am proud of everyone who went there. I don’t mean to besmirch so many others who fought hard for it in SP, but we were one of the main reasons for the rise of Jiu-Jitsu in São Paulo and Brazil at the time. We helped build it in São Paulo and I always believed in myself, I knew my role and value within the team. This was reflected in my self-confidence and total security, which didn’t make me fear the separation or starting from scratch. But that’s the summary of Jiu-Jitsu, the art prepares us to be champions in life. I just focused on work, not listening to the naysayers, because “the dogs bark and the caravan passes by”.

In December, it was ten years since Ryan’s death. What do you think was his importance for Jiu-Jitsu?

Ryan’s loss represented the loss of a great fighter, it was great human material. But Ryan lost to himself. Often the biggest battles we face in our lives are not against face-to-face or physical body opponents that we can physically hit. That’s why the fight is often unequal and why we shouldn’t judge anyone. Controversial or not, he was always an aggregator and was regarded by his students as a natural leader. His coming to SP, regardless of all the “causes”, did contribute to the promotion of Jiu-Jitsu in our state and revealed many athletes and friends which I’ll carry for the rest of my life. Nowadays, they carry his legacy and name around the world.
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Kasai Pro 7 weigh-ins in Dallas

Sat, 01 Feb 2020 18:49:34 +0000

Kasai Pro 7 – Weigh ins

Completed in Dallas this Friday afternoon were the weigh-ins for Kasai Pro 7. Kasai came out to Dallas last year with their super series and the reception was so great that Commander in Chief Rich Byrne decided to have their version of their 8 Man Tournament Series Heavyweight back in the the city. Putting together the great names of Jiu-Jitsu on the card tournament, and a couple of pretty promising Super Fights too – including the remake of Canuto vs. Leon, which ended in a bit of controversy and a video review in Orlando last time.

All fighters seemed ready to go. They all made weight (not too hard for the Heavyweights, right?).

Superfights

No Gi – 170 lbs

Renato Canuto 169.6 vs. Dante Leon 168.6

No Gi – 180 lbs.

Pedro Rocha 177.6 vs. John Combs 177.8

No Gi – 140 lbs.

Raquel Canuto 138.6 vs. Gabi McComb 138.2

8-Man Round Robin Tournament

No Gi Heavyweight

Lucas “Hulk” Barbosa 209

Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu 238

João Gabriel Rocha 246.8

Nicky Rodrigues 238.6

Bruno Bastos 260

Patrick Gaudio 226

Vinny Magalhães 243.4

Kyle Boehm 222

Kasai Pro 7 – Weigh ins

Kasai Pro 7 – Weigh ins
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Kasai Super Series Orlando results: Canuto wins but not before losing first

Sun, 07 Jul 2019 01:19:19 +0000

Renato Canuto def. Dante Leon via points (5×4)

[Press release.]

Jiu Jitsu at Disneyworld! It sounds utopic but Kasai made it a reality. In the land of Mickey Mouse, the resort was filled with martial artists of all kinds – It was the International Sports Karate Association yearly US Open, labeled the “The largest open martial arts tournament in the world!”.

Just walking to the event was a different proposition all together… You go past a bridge, which broadcasts the best of Spanglish muzak, enter the Resort’s pavilion where a multitude of kids, all sizes, dressed is all sorts of different colorful gis taggin along with the parents and coaches. The signs on the hallway read: “Do not practice on the hallways, due to safety concerns”. You peek into a room and there’s a kid throwing a sword up in the air, gyrating his body and picking up with the sword on his other hand. A sword lands on another, he pops it around then bounces it right back up in the air and picks it up with the hand on his back. In another room they are running seminars for all sorts of different weapons – Nunchakus, Tonfas, Bo sticks, Kamas – all glittery and seemingly for demonstrations purposes only.

Kasai had a whole pavilion ready to go. No glittery weapons but there was a beautiful Jiu Jitsu mat surrounded by colorful lights and one of the best cards in Pro Jiu Jitsu so far this year!

Renato Canuto def. Dante Leon via Points via Points (5×4)

And the card didn’t disappoint! What a finish to a great night. This is how it ended (spoiler alert!): Canuto and Leon were in a mad scramble the whole match. With 10 seconds to go the score was 5×4 for Canuto who also had one penalty. Leon attempts to take the back. Canuto, who’s been great at avoiding most attempts fights hard and avoids it. 5 seconds are left now, and Leon goes around, takes Canuto’s legs and performs what looks to be a takedown. Leon gets 2 points and the match is called to an end. Leon breaks into wild celebration. Canuto and his camp protest. The whole crowd goes insane! Luckily there was video of it – The 3 match referees gather together at Flograppling’s booth and spend what seems to be a long 10 minute gasp. There’s a crazy energy in the air. Some of the video makes it to the big screen to the oohs and aaahs of the crowd. So, here are the possibilities: 1. It was a takedown and the call was right – Dante gets 2 points wins the match. 2. It was a takedown, but the time to stabilize it was not there – Dante gets one point for the attempt and wins the match by the one penalty point. What ends up happening is that it was not really a takedown as Renato defended it by pulling guard. Referees back on stage, 2 points are removed and Renato takes the win. The public definitely got their money’s worth on this match alone. But there had been more! The co main even between two OG Jiu Jitsu Root’s guys was a sure battle showcasing the best of what is Jiu Jitsu tradition. Vagner Rocha and Celsinho Venicius traded non-stop, all over the mat, with little care for its limits – a few times being grabbed by yours truly and the other folks around the mat. It was only half way through the match that Celsinho was able to secure 2 points for a takedown. And it was almost by the end when Vagner was able to take the back and get his 4. It was sure a great introduction to Grappling to all those folks with the glittery weaponry.

Vagner Rocha def. Celso Venicius via points (4×2)

In sum, none of the matches were skippable. Including a very exciting undercard. This was an event not to be missed.

Kasai also announced their next Super Series tour cities – Atlantic City, NJ and São Paulo, Brazil. Back to NYC for Kasai Pro 6 at the end of the year.

Here are the full results:

MAIN CARD

Renato Canuto def. Dante Leon via Points via Points (5×4)
Vagner Rocha def. Celso Venicius via Points (4×2)
Craig Jones def. Tex Johnson via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Talita Alencar def. Sofia Amarante via Submission (Armbar)
Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante def. Jorge ‘Macaco’ via Submission (Arm-in Guillotine)
Mansher Khera def. Enrico Cocco via Submission (Inside Heel Hook)
Richie Martinez def. Gleison ‘Tibau’ via Points (0 x -1)
Matheus Lutes def. Valdir Araújo via Points (6×3)
Tony Way def. John Lineker via Submission (Inside Heel Hook)
Maggie Grindatti def. Bridget Grace via Points (5×0)
Fabin Rosa def. Ricky Nelson via Points (8×0)

KASAI PRO 6 135LBS TOURNAMENT TRIALS

Finals:
Richard Alarcon def. Junny Ocasio via Points (2×0 Golden Score)

Semi-Finals:
Junny Ocasio def. David Weintraub via Submission (Inside Heel Hook)
Richard Alarcon def. Spencer Mumme via Points (8×1)

UNDERCARD

Dan Martinez def. Chase Owen via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
Thiago Domingues def. Josh Souder via Points (13×0)
Kevin Gallagher def. Aaron Conway via Submission (Rear Naked Choke)
John Ortolani def. Julian Synan via Points (11×2)
Quentin Rosenzweig def. Andre Porfirio via Submission (Inside Heel Hook)
Phil Rowe def. Jose Velez via Submission (Arm-in Choke)
Igor Feliz def. Dylan Whyte via Submission (Bow and Arrow Choke)
Maria Llaguno def. Tiffani Friedman via Points (pts)
Mike Perry def. Gabriel Napolitano via Points (4×2)
Geraldo Gomes def. J. Uffelman via Points (31×0)
Lucas Napolitano def. Jay Enoch via Points (9×4)
Elias Ramirez def. Mikey Conlon via Submission (Triangle Choke)

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Kasai Super Series Orlando is ready to set fireworks on 4th of July

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 15:20:28 +0000

[Press release.]

Kasai is in Orlando, that’s right, Jiu Jitsu at Disney!

“As the premier professional grappling show we were invited by the ISKA US Open to integrate in their traditional martial arts weekend. We believe this is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful art to a non practitioner crowd” said Kasai’s president Rolles Gracie about Kasai’s choice to be have their show alongside the ISKA yearly multi martial arts show, which showcases all types of martial arts including sparring, brick and board breaking, kata demonstrations and more. They have over 50 rings, 3 ballrooms and 2 stages, Kasai center stage.

The card is stacked. The main event is set to be a great match between double Kasai belt holder Renato Canuto and Dante Leon. Very different grappling styles, each with the ability to completely stop the other. It will be interesting to see the back and forth between these styles and see which will come on top.

Then there is a showcase of old style OG Jiu Jitsu talent between Celsinho Venicius and Vagner Rocha. Once done with his weigh-in, Vagner stated “The fans are the ones who win when guys like us step on stage. Tomorrow we will just let Jiu Jitsu be Jiu Jitsu. Go out there and show what we love.”

Here is the full card:

MAIN CARD

Dante Leon vs Renato Canuto
Celso Venicius vs Vagner Rocha
Tex Johnson vs Craig Jones
Sofia Amarante vs Talita Alencar
Mansher Khera vs Enrico Cocco
Richie Martinez vs Gleison Tibau
Matheus Lutes vs Valdir Araújo
Jz Cavalcante vs Jorge ‘Macacao’ Patino

UNDERCARD

John Liniker vs Tony Way
Ricky Nelson vs Fabin Rosa
Josh Souder vs Thiago Domingues
Kevin Gallagher vs Aaron Conway
John Ortolani vs Julian Synan
Jose Velez vs Phil Rowe
Dylan Whyte vs Igor Feliz
Tiffani Friedman vs Maria Llaguno
Gabriel Napolitano vs Justin Primrose
Jay Enoch vs Lucas Napolitano
Elias Ramirez vs Mikey Conlon

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Gordon Ryan takes the win at Kasai Dallas; Rocha takes the crowd

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 13:07:03 +0000

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

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Kasai Super Series set to start in Dallas

Sat, 02 Feb 2019 21:40:39 +0000

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.

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NY Fall Open day 2

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 04:18:15 +0000

(From left to right) Felipe Cesar Silva and Devhonte Johnson from Unity and Gabriel Almeida from CheckMat.

Today in NYC was the day for the white-belts in the gi to strut their stuff and the open tournament for the blue-belts. It’s a different vibe for folks entering the mats for the first time — they still have everything to prove, and the apprehension can be felt in the air, yet there were some great matches on the mats along with the folks in blue.

After lunchtime, the mats got cleared for the folks not wearing a gi and the day went for Devhonte Johnson from Unity, who got the Super Heavy win and closed the Open class with teammate Felipe Silva. Anton Berzin from Balance, who won in Heavy, and Gabriel Almeida from CheckMat put up good fights with the Unity guys.

Adult Male Black Open Class Results

1 – Devhonte M. Johnson – Unity Jiu-jitsu

2 – Felipe Cesar Silva – Unity Jiu-jitsu

3 – Anton Berzin – Balance

3 – Gabriel Salles Muniz Almeida – CheckMat

On the team from, Marcelo Garcia’s Alliance took the laurels.

1 – Alliance – 144

2 – GF Team – 85

3 – Gracie Barra – 62

4 – Unity Jiu-jitsu – 61

5 – Renzo Gracie Academy – 61

The Alliance team taking home the team trophy

All results posted here

The post NY Fall Open day 2 first appeared on Graciemag.

The winners of the New York Fall Open

Sun, 18 Nov 2018 17:33:51 +0000

Michael Remigio Liera from Atos taking the win over Felipe Cesar Silva from Unity.

It feels like Winter in NY as this whole side of the US got hit with a major snowstorm which left some folks doing more shoveling than Jiu-Jitsu. The heat got turned up at the basements of City College, where the NY Fall Open takes place. The great winner of the day was Michael Liera, from Atos, who won the absolute and the gold in the middleweight division.

The folks from master 1 didn’t want to be outshone and put out some great visual and exciting matches with Leonardo de Oliveira taking the big win in the open class.

Leonardo de Oliveira from Soul Fighters takes the win over Juan Iturralde from BJJ Globetrotters.

On the overall academies results, Lloyd Irvin got the top post with 12 points over second place, Alliance.

Overall Team Results

1 – Team Lloyd Irvin – 117

2 – Alliance – 105

3 – Gracie Barra – 78

Black Open Class Results

1 – Michael Remigio Liera Jr. – Atos Jiu-Jitsu

2 – Felipe Cesar Silva – Unity Jiu-jitsu

3 – Athos Ribeiro de Miranda – Alliance

3 – Gabriel Salles Muniz Almeida – CheckMat

Full results here.

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