Moving up to medium-heavyweight didn't phase Michael Liera Jr of Atos, as he walked away with gold after two submissions at the 2019 IBJJF American Nationals. 

A super-simple armbar from the closed guard– one of the most old-school techniques you can imagine– saw Liera Jr. earn the win over Nathan Paz Barreto in his opening match. Liera isolated an arm and slowly climbed up to catch the armlock with his vice-like closed guard. 

Michael Liera Jr. vs Nathan Barreto 

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

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

The second match against Mateo Ivan Tenzera saw Liera Jr. utilize his single-leg X-guard to tip the Checkmat black belt off-balance. A leg drag opened up the back and from there it was short work to the lapel choke. 

Michael Liera Jr. vs Mateo Tenzera

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

Sign Up

Already a subscriber? Log In

Liera Jr. closed out in the final with Hunter Ewald, who is now training at Art of Jiu-Jitsu and therefore part of the Atos network of teams. 

We have some really nice techniques from Liera Jr. who is known as being something of a technician even in a  room with as many skilled practitioners as Atos HQ. Click here to check out some of Liera Jr's X-guard sweeps – they're simple enough to be used by anybody and competition tested.