It was a very busy weekend for jiu-jitsu indeed – HUGE events in Tokyo, Brazil, and across the United States that all went down and have meaningful implications for the rest of 2018. Read on to find out what transpired.  

Coral Belt Competes IBJJF International Masters Championship

The 2018 edition of the IBJJF Internationals Masters Championships saw thousands of athletes take to the mats in to test their mettle. Perhaps the most exciting story coming out Rio this weekend is GF Team founder and CORAL belt Julio Cesar winning gold in the Masters 5 black belt division. Cesar had three matches on his way to the podium and had an impressive showing throughout the event.

Grippo & Monteiro Earns Double Gold In Boston, Miami

It’s not every day that you see a lightweight take home top honors in the absolute division – especially at the back belt – but Gianni Grippo isn't your average athlete. Though the divisions were light, Grippo bested Pedro Farias, Felipe De Souza, and Diogo Araujo on the way to gold. Horlando Monteiro, not to be outdone, also claimed double gold 1500 miles south in Florida at the IBJJF Miami International open, taking out Diego Gamonal and Rafael Vasconcelos on the way podium.

 

UAEJJF Tokyo Grand Slam Recap

It was truly an international affair at the UAEJJF Tokyo Grand Slam as athletes around the globe took home gold medals in their divisions. Amal Amjahid of Belgium, Rudson Mateus from Brazil, American DJ Jackson, and Japan's own Tomoyuki Hashimoto all persevered through stiff competition to earn first place at the first event of the UAEJJF 2018-2019 season. 

SEE Every Black Belt Final HERE

Vitor "Shaolin" Ribeiro was also among the big winners at the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam. “Shaolin” Ribeiro had his hands full with tough Japanese opponent Daisuke Shiraki. Shaolin’s use of butterfly and half guard looked like it would earn him points for a reversal, but Shiraki stayed on top throughout. The match was decided via one penalty with Shaolin declared the winner. 

Rudon Matheus vs Arya Esfandmaz 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Tokyo

Unlock this video, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

Watch Mayssa Batos hit a 1-minute Submission  at the Tokyo Grand Slam

Unlock this video, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

Tim Spriggs Earns Split Decision Win At F2W 82

Many hoped that Spriggs and Leighton would provide a wild, scramble-filled affair, viewers were stead treated to a technical battle that led went the distance. 

Early on, Leighton looked to pull guard. When unsuccessful, he dove for a leg, but Spriggs countered by attacking the back. A short scramble ensued, Leighton attempted to invert, and Spriggs again shut it down, establishing top position. The rest of the match played out from here, Spriggs looking to pass Leighton's guard with Leighton alternating grips and looks to keep his opponent guessing and to counter any offense. 

Unlock this video, live events, and more with a subscription!

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In