Yesterday I competed in my first Jiu Jitsu tournament – the 4th U.S. National Cup, put on the by the Rocky Mountain Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation. In addition to fighting, I got to meet Cris Cyborg. Mixed-martial artist Cameron Dollar was also on hand, as was the legend himself, Relson Gracie.

My take on it?

It was awesome, even though it didn’t go my way. The loss of my match in this single elimination tournament left me with much to  think about and digest.

The fight was awesome; intense and resolute. I loved it. Still, I’ll be “haunted” – and I hope that adjective is not too dramatic to explain how I feel – by things I wish I had done differently.

But that is the point, isn’t it?

Part of the appeal of tournaments – especially your first ones – is that a main objective is to simply “learn how to compete”, rather than to win.  A coach explained this to me at the tournament. By the way, the Relson Gracie Colorado coaching staff was (and is) great. Thanks, Van and Jason.

While reflecting on my tournament, I feel myself getting pumped up. So much to build on from this experience, so much to learn, so much to accomplish…

Damn, I can’t wait for class tomorrow.

The Fightworks Podcast has put together an awesome recap video of the 2009 Brazillian Jiu Jitsu World Championship, sponsored BudoVideos.com:

Check it out at Youtube see watch it in delicious HD.

Yesterday the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF)’s Jiu Jitsu World Championship wound down in Long Beach, California. Congratulations to all the winners. Here are the official results. The IBJJF has also posted some videos featuring some interviews and highlights.

I wanted to give a special shout out to Hannes Vetter, Relson Gracie Colorado’s first World Champion. Hannes won the heavy-weight adult blue belt division. Congratulations!

The middle-weight black belt division, which featured one of the most competitive rosters of grapplers I’ve seen, was won by Marcelo Garcia.

Academy Results

Adults:

1. Alliance
2. Gracie Barra
3. Checkmat BJJ

Female:

1. Gracie Humaitá
2. Renzo Gracie
3. Gracie Barra

Novice:

1. Gracie Barra
2. Gracie Humaitá
3. Gigante BJJ

Juvenile:

1. Alliance
2. Lloyd Irvin
3. Gracie Humaitá

One of the most important and prestigious Jiu Jitsu tournaments in the world begins today and continues through this weekend: the International Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Federation (IBJJF)’s World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (also referred to as the “Mundials”) in Long Beach, CA. Relson Gracie Colorado is sending a handful of people to compete – including Steve Hordinski (black belt) and Hannes Vetter (blue belt). I wish all participants – including those from Relson Gracie Colorado and beyond – the best of luck.

It is a goal of mine to attend one of the “major” Jiu Jitsu tournaments sometime. It would be fun to watch matches all day, cheer people on, and see how various techniques are applied in a “real” situation – and see some of Jiu Jitsu’s best athletes and practitioners in the world apply them.

I wish results and matches of the tournament where available online. I hope in future tournaments the IBJJF considers net-casting various matches.

I’ll be updating this post as results from the tournament become available.

Updates:

• 12:41 MST – Anselmo Gutierrez of Relson Gracie Colorado has won two matches so far today. His first match was by take down with a score of 2-0. He won his second match by arm bar.
• 12:44 MST – Bridgette, also with Relson Gracie Colorado, lost her first match.
• 12:52 MST – Anselmo lost on points in his third match of the day, taking third in the semi-finals of his division.
• 10:27 MST – Hannes wins his fist match 4-0.
• 10:48 MST – Hannes wins his second match by Rickson choke.
• 10:59 MST – Hannes wins his third by arm bar.
• 11:43 MST – Hannes wins once again via points and Rickson choke.
• 12:11 MST – Hannes takes first! Goes 2-0 in finals.

A BIG thanks to Jason for the updates throughout the day!

pic credit(s): http://www.flickr.com/photos/nathaninsandiego/2561732046/ under a Creative Commons licence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/deed.en