Last year’s podium for the 1st Copa Bela / Photo: Mannie Romero

Arizona’s premiere all-female Jiu-Jitsu tournament returns for its second installment on May 4, 2013. Headed by stand-out Nova Uniao Brown belt, 2013 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Champion, and promoter of Inspire: All Female Open Mat, Kristina Barlaan, the 2nd Copa Bela boasts a tournament committed to the growth of women in sport Jiu-Jitsu. With divisions for juveniles, adults, and newly added masters division, as well as a brown/black belt absolute pro division offering $1000 to the winner, the tournament continues to push the pace for evolution of females in our sport.

“This is an excellent opportunity for women in the sport to compete and test their skills in a tournament atmosphere. Novice competitors get introduced to the thrills of competing for the first or second time and more advanced competitors get a nice tune-up competition before the 2013 IBJJF World Championship the following month. It’s great to see the women’s Jiu-Jitsu community grow with more seminars, camps, open mats, and, more recently, tournaments dedicated to that growth. Last year, the 1st Copa Bela saw 35 competitors take to the mats, with 4 of those competitors being in the brown/black absolute pro division. A lot of people may see that number and call it small. I call it a start. The very first Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship had 200 competitors and now it’s over 3,000! Of course the Copa Bela isn’t the Pans, but why should I not believe that it has the ability to grow in the same way? If we as a community continue to support these kinds events, then it’s only natural that we will not only see an increase of women in the sport, but an overall increase in women participating in competition,” says Barlaan.

You can read about the first installment and who won the brown/black absolute pro division by clicking here.

The tournament will be located at Phoenix College: 1202 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013.

Registration ends April 29 at 11:59 p.m. DST but if you sign up before April 22, get a $10 discount and pay $70.

The 2nd Copa Bela is promoted by GDJJ Events in conjunction with the AZSBJJF, therefore following the protocols of the IBJJF.

For more information, go to www.gdjjevents.com.

To register, go straight to www.gdjjevents.com/copa-bela-registration.

View of tryouts in Miami (Photo courtesy of Pro Sports BJJ)

The 2013 iteration of the World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship (WPJJC) is getting closer and closer to defining all its contestants.

This past weekend another tryout event was held to determined who will be traveling with all expenses paid to the April 10-13 main event in the United Arab Emirates.

In Miami, athletes of all belt colors took to the mats to vie for a spot on the big stage.

Check out who accomplished that mission:

Male – adult – white – open absolute – Jonathan Santiago  – American Top Team

Male – adult – blue – under 175.5 – Dante Leon – Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu

Male – adult – blue – over 175.5  – Derek Brown – Gracie Barra Orlando

Male – adult – purple – under 175.5 – Hunter Ewald – Fight Sports

Male – adult – purple – over 175.5 – Jordan Hayman – Hooligans BJJ

Male – adult – brown / black – under 143 ( 143.00 ) – Brian Mahecha – American Top Team

Male – adult – brown / black – under 163 ( 163.00 ) – Lucas Lepri – Alliance

Male – adult – brown / black – under 183 ( 183.00) – Ricardo Souza de Rezende – Avengers

Male – adult – brown / black – under 202 ( 202.00 ) – Romulo Barral – Gracie Barra

Male – adult – brown / black – over 202 ( unlimited ) – Thiago Domingues – De La Riva Academy – Copacabana

Female – adult – white / blue – open weight absolute – Laurel Aiken – Alliance

Female – adult – purple / brown / black – under 139 – Nyjah Easton – Team Lloyd Irvin

Female – adult – purple / brown / black – over 139 – Amanda Tubby Santana – Alequin BJJ

The winners (Photo taken from Jonathan Uzcategui’s Facebook page)

The series of tryout events ends in March. Check out where the next ones will be by clicking here.

Find out more about the Miami trials and other events by clicking here aqui.

 Imagem geral da seletiva de Miami. Foto: Pro Sports BJJ

A edição de 2013 do World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship (WPJJC) está cada vez mais perto e pouco a pouco os participantes vão sendo definidos.

No último final de semana foi realizada mais uma seletiva para o evento mundial, marcado para acantecer de 10 a 13 de Abril, em Abu Dhabi, nos Emirados Arabes Unidos.

Em Miami, nos EUA, atletas de todas as faixas lutaram pelo direito de viajar com todas as despesas pagas para o evento mundial.

Confira abaixo, quem saiu vencedor após dois dias de duras batalhas:    

Male – adult – white – open absolute – Jonathan Santiago  – American Top Team

Male – adult – blue – under 175.5 – Dante Leon – Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu

Male – adult – blue – over 175.5  – Derek Brown – Gracie Barra Orlando

Male – adult – purple – under 175.5 – Hunter Ewald – Fight Sports

Male – adult – purple – over 175.5 – Jordan Hayman – Hooligans BJJ

Male – adult – brown / black – under 143 ( 143.00 ) – Brian Mahecha American Top Team

Male – adult – brown / black – under 163 ( 163.00 ) – Lucas Lepri – Alliance

Male – adult – brown / black – under 183 ( 183.00) – Ricardo Souza de Rezende – Avengers

Male – adult – brown / black – under 202 ( 202.00 ) – Romulo Barral – Gracie Barra

Male – adult – brown / black – over 202 ( unlimited ) – Thiago Domingues – De La Riva Academy – Copacabana

Female – adult – white / blue – open weight absolute – Laurel Aiken – Alliance

Female – adult – purple / brown / black – under 139 – Nyjah Easton – Team Lloyd Irvin

Female – adult – purple / brown / black – over 139 – Amanda Tubby Santana – Alequin BJJ

Os campeões. Foto: Jonathan Uzcategui/Facebook

O calendário de seletivas segue até março. Confira onde serão as próximas clicando aqui.

Saiba mais sobre a seletiva de Miami e outros eventos clicando aqui.

Today, February 5, is the last day to register for the Miami WPJJC Trials.

The event is open for athletes of all levels of experience and ages, male and female.

The winners of selected categories will get a free trip to Abu Dhabi to compete in the main event, in April.

The costs is:

Category 1: USD 120 Adults – Master – Senior

Category 2: USD 89 Kids – Teens – Juvenile

All kids and teens will have at least two matches, and all competitors will get medals.

Visit the events’ pages on Facebook.

Miami – WpjjcMiami

Several top athletes have already confirmed their presence at the trials, such as Marcus “Bochecha” Almeida, Roberto “Tussa” Alencar, Roberto “Cyborg” Alencar, Clark Gracie, Ryan Beauregard, Rafael “Barata” Freitas.

Below you will find which categories will grant the champion a travel package to Abu Dhabi:

ADULT MALES TRAVEL PACKAGES

Brown and Black Belts (Combined)

1. 143lbs

2. 163lbs

3. 183lbs

4. 202lbs

5. Over 202lbs

Purple Belts

6. Light Absolute

7. Heavy Absolute

Blue Belts

8. Light Absolute

9. Heavy Absolute

White Belts

10. Open Weight Absolute

ADULT FEMALES TRAVEL PACKAGES

Purple, Brown and Black Belts (Combined)

11. Light Absolute 139lbs

12. Heavy Absolute Over 139lbs

White and Blue Belts (Combined)

13. Open Weight Absolute

The Miami WPJJC Trials are open to all athletes, but the travel packages can only be reclaimed by competitors who have a valid US work permit or by athletes from the following countries:

• United States

• Antigua

• Bahamas

• Barbados

• Belize

• Bermuda

• Canada

• Costa Rica

• Cuba

• Dominican Republic

• El Salvador

• Grenada

• Guatemala

• Haiti

• Honduras

• Jamaica

• Mexico

• Nicaragua

• Panama

• St. Kitts & Nevis

• St. Lucia

• St. Vincent & the Grenadines

• Trinidad & Tobago

For further info, go to prosportsbjj.com.

Folwer with wife Tracey and son Thor

Black belt Mike Fowler is best known for two big reasons. His technical and competitive Jiu-Jitsu and the leopard pattern painted hair. It’s easy to spot him fighting even when there’s 10 or 12 mats side by side. Look for the guy with the yellow and brown spotted hair. The next place his style will be displayed will be Hawaii, at the WPJJC trials, this Saturday, February 2. Ready to roll, the husband of (also black belt) Tracey Fowler and father of Thor talked exclusively to GRACIEMAG.com and shared his views on training, diet, competition, the evolution of Jiu-Jitsu and also family life. For more info on the Trials, go to prosportsbjj.com. 

How was your training for the Abu Dhabi trials in Hawaii?

It has been Great!  This year Tracey and I just got married so my focus hasn’t’ been on Jiu-Jitsu 100% but, excited that I never have to go far for a training partner!  Tracey’s workouts are really good. Her class here in Hawaii is huge! She has really gotten good at making the training always a good time.

How do you think will be the WPJJC this year, with big names confirmed for this event?

I haven’t seen the names since I registered but I have heard plenty of talk its really great to have a Trials here in Hawaii.  I think it will be a hit, and will hopefully be returning every year.

In which competitions are you planning to compete in 2013?

I plan on doing more seminar and super fights rather than tournaments this year.  I have a family now so I want to focus on making sure that Tracey can train and compete, and we provide for our boy.  There is a super fight in the mix that I have heard talk of no guarantee but would be a dream come true.

How’s your diet? Any secrets?

My diet has improved greatly over the past year.  Learning more about what to eat and what not to…and when!  A lot of all natural foods.  The other big staple is my Vi-Shake that has been a huge part.  Diet really makes a huge difference in everything.

Who’s helping in your training?

I have been in contact with Andre Galvão for direction, but all of my training has been done with my students and my new wife Tracey Fowler. 

You are an athlete that has competed in many competitions around the world. What is your vision of BJJ today and how do you see the growth of the sport?

Its amazing…and scary!  It is spreading and growing roots in more and more people and places.  Guys out there kicking butt tell me how they watched my videos when they were young…Wow!   How time flies but it is really growing and having a very big impact on people’s lives.

Your wife is one of the biggest names in female BJJ. Does she help you in your trainings?

All of the time! She is my biggest partner.  She has really grown and is quite the martial artist and has been a good experience to grow together in the art and as people.  She really helps by the straight attitude. She never quits.,…never gives up.  Qualities that are hard to teach. Very good in helping to keep me motivated!

You are now a family guy, married with a kid (Thor) … How’s to manage your family life with your trainings for the competitions?

We are a Jiu-Jitsu family.  Its all about prioritizing. My focus is different for sure. Its not about me anymore…. its about the family first.  Right now my focus is to take care of family and make sure Tracey gets to train and help her career.  Then we worry bout me!

The first class of 2013 as black belt parents. / Photo: Personal archives

For Tracey Goodell and Mike Fowler, their year of 2013 started off with huge changes– a new belt, a new bond and new name!

On New Year’s Eve, Tracey received her black belt from her then fiance Mike Fowler, after training for about six years. Mike achieved his own black belt in three and a half years and is a well-known American black belt competitor. The couple met through Jiu-Jitsu and flourished with accomplishments while training together as teammates. Today, they have accomplished much outside of the mat including the addition of another family member– their son, Thor.

If you read our article about Tracey’s break from Jiu-Jitsu in 2011, you will note her dedication to the art of Jiu-Jitsu. Her training regiments were adjusted but the drive to continue her goals maintained.

We asked Tracey about her new life as not only a fresh black belt, but also as a wife. The marriage of Mike and Tracey Fowler was made official in their island wedding on January 20, 2013. Congratulations to both of you!

Here is what Tracey had to say about the recent changes made in her life and what we can expect from the family in 2013:

How does it feel to be married, any difference?

No real difference being married, besides the fact that I have been practicing how to write Fowler everyday! lol It definitely was a very special and perfect day that we will both never forget! And I just think that we are growing as a couple/family more and more every day.

When will we see you competing next?

I plan on competing in the Hawaii Abu Dhabi Trials, and the Pan Ams, and the Worlds, not quite sure what else. I want to compete as much as possible!

What are your plans in terms of teaching?

As far as teaching I have really began to take up strength and conditioning workouts a lot more. I love it! I have a crew of girls who have gotten great results and some have transitioned into training Jiu-Jitsu now as well! It’s awesome because for a while I was the only female! I have also been doing a lot of private lessons lately here in Hawaii for some girls. They are looking really good.

What is next for the Fowler family?

Next for us will be the Trials, Feb. 2 and then Pan Kids in Cali.

The couple on their wedding day / Photo: MelanieGregor.com

The wedding / Photo: Personal archives

Featherweight brown belt Mackenzie Dern will be looking to take the $1000 prize pro absolute jackpot. Photo: Mike Calimbas.

Fresh from her 2012 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship victory, Mackenzie Dern (Gracie Humaita) is looking to take home the prize despite being carrying the size disadvantage of being a featherweight. Having earned here way to compete at the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu World by winning the San Diego trials, Tracey Goodell (Atos) is a fierce and aggressive addition to the bracket, a challenge to anyone even as a lightweight. With two weeks left for registration, the pro division is sure to draw in more world class competitors in the days to come.

Early registration for the 1st Copa Bela ends April 9, and final registration ends April 16. For further information or to register, please visit www.gdjjevents.com.

At the Pan, she reigned at blue belt, conquering the lightweight and absolute divisions.

Promoted to purple belt by her master Lloyd Irvin, two months later Tracey repeated the same awesome performance at the Worlds.

Such great results made her one of the most promising names in female Jiu-Jitsu.

At the Worlds 2010

When 2011 came, the Jiu-Jitsu community expected to see Tracey shine again and maybe reach the brown belt to compete with the top black belt girls, such as Kyra Gracie, Gabi Garcia, Luanna Alzuguir, Beatriz Mesquita, Hannette Staack, Hillary Williams and others.

But that didn’t happen.

Tracey vanished from Jiu-Jitsu’s biggest stages, but she did so for a good reason – perhaps the best of reasons.

We’ll let her explain, as she posted on her blog last August 18: “After a long nine months, Mike Fowler and I were blessed with a baby boy! Thor Michael Makani Fowler. He was born on June 6, 2011!”

Did you notice the date of Thor’s birth? He arrived one day after the final day of competitions of the Worlds 2011, on June 5.

With Thor

So we could say, Tracey won her very special and personal prize this year off the mats.

We doubt she cares one bit about her absence from the Long Beach pyramid.

In the same blog post, Tracey makes clear that being a mom won’t keep her from pursuing the goal of becoming a black belt world champion, as she once told GRACIEMAG.com: “I did my best to keep up with my training as much as I could. Even grip fighting when I was 7-8 months. Just trying to get a sweat here and there, I was eager to stay on the mat. About 2-3 weeks after I gave birth, I was back to training again! Not feeling 100% but I was trying my hardest. I could’t wait any longer. I am now in my seventh week of training and I’m feeling great, drilling and sparring daily!”

So watch out for Tracey in 2012, as now she has a whole new reason to be the best.

Cooper beats Hermes. Photo: Astrid Bidanec (publicity)

Anyone who keeps up with GRACIEMAG.com already knew of some of the grappling matchups to feature at the UFC Fan Expo this August 27 and 28 at Boston’s Hynes Convention Center.

On the second day, the same one the UFC 118 event in the city is to take place, Rolles Gracie faces Roberto Cyborg, while Gregor, another of the Gracie family’s black belts, goes up against ADCC 2009 gold medalist Pablo Popovitch.

The news is that on the 27^th former UFC fighter and Jiu-Jitsu black belt Hermes França will appear against Ryan Hall, while Penny Thomas faces Tracey Goodell.

At the Expo in Las Vegas earlier this year Hermes took on Bill Cooper. Check out how that went:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebM4opnd2Sk

Cooper bate Hermes. Foto: Astrid Bidanec (divulgação)

Quem acompanha o GRACIEMAG.com já sabia de parte dos combates da próxima UFC Fan Expo, que acontece nos dias 27 e 28 de agosto, no Hynes Convention Center, em Boston.

No segundo dia, o mesmo do UFC 118 na cidade, Rolles Gracie enfrenta Roberto Cyborg, enquanto Gregor, mais um faixa-preta da família Gracie, luta contra medalha de ouro no ADCC 2009 Pablo Popovitch.

As novidades são as lutas do dia 27. O ex-UFC é faixa-preta de Jiu-Jitsu Hermes França se apresenta contra Ryan Hall, enquanto Penny Thomas encara Tracey Goodell.    

Na Expo em Las Vegas, neste ano, Hermes França teve Bill Cooper pela frente. Veja a luta:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebM4opnd2Sk