** = split division with teammate.
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Accompanied by Ivey League’s MMA‘s Wayne Johnson, Crazy 88 BJJ sent six competitors to the Rupture Northeast Jiu Jitsu Championships in PA.  It was a small competition of ~150 competitors but the team went to support Jon Delbrugge in his superfight vs. Chris Wing.  Jon won 9-2, sweeping his opponent from the half guard 3x and passing his opponent’s guard (video of the match can be found here).  Team Lloyd Irvin won the Team Title and BJJ United’s Jared Weiner defeated De La Riva’s Tony Passos.

Matt “Jumani” Rihani won the No-Gi Beginner division and went 3-1 in the Gi, taking Bronze there.  This was Matt’s first competition other than the In-House competition a few weeks back.

Chris “Short Round” Tran continued his summer of BJJ with another tournament (he has been competing almost every weekend) and ended up winning a Gold and a Silver.

Big Sal utilized his “B” gameplan to full effect; his record at the end of the day was 8-0.  Big Sal was in full crazy mode, pulling mount and other craziness, but finding a way to win, despite being down 10-0 in some matches.

“Lawyer” Dave had 3 fights, winning all three (including his first Purple Belt gi victory). Being a push-through competition, Dave fell back early in his matches but came back late and was able to secure the finish.

The Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition team did not take a summer vacation and continues to compete all over the world. It was back to Rio de Janeiro for Crazy 88′s Tye Ryan Murphy and Third Law BJJ‘s Roberto Torralbas as they would enter the IBJJF’s Rio International Open, a 4-day tournament for <30 years olds,  which runs concurrently with the International Masters and Seniors.

Tye Ryan Murphy started things off with a choke from the back after racking up 10-0 against his opponent from BTT (unconsciousness ensued).  He then choked his second opponent unconscious with a choke from the front headlock position.  In the quarterfinals, he faced eventual division winner, Luiz Fernado from Gracie Barra PE in Northeast Brazil and lost 2-0 (2-3) with some controversy.  Apparently the scoreboard was not being updated and it read 0-0 (2-3) *Tye winning by one advantage* until the whistle blew in which case it was discovered that it was 2-0.  During the match, Tye also had a sweep back so there was a lot of confusion over whether it was 0-0 (scoreboard) or 2-2 (mental count).  Either way, a good showing by Tye.  All part of the process for the 2011 World Championships!

Look for a longer writeup to be posted on our blog from Tye upon his return to the USA.

Blue Belt Medio (1 of 2)

Roberto Torralbas won his first Jiu Jitsu match 8-0 with 4 takedowns (!) and then took the back to defeat his quarterfinals opponent 4-0.  In the semifinals, he faced Francisco Iturral (Alliance) who had footlocked his first two opponents.  Unfortunately, Roberto ended up being the 3rd opponent to fall victim to the grappler from Alliance Ecuador – a “crazy” footlock as Roberto almost took his opponent’s back.  Francisco ended up taking a fourth foot with him and won Gold.  Roberto is icing up his ankle and is looking forward to the Open division tomorrow!

Purple Belt Medio (2 of 2)

Crazy 88 BJJ Team at NAGA VA Beach

** = split division with teammate.
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Nathan Allen Took 3rd in His First Tournament!

Josh Almost Went into Cardiac Arrest from Nervousness but Still Won Gold!

Our Up-and-Coming Womens Team!

Lakita Wins the Blue Belt Division as a White Belt!

Big "Sal" with the Man Who Named Him, Kurt Ratcliffe - Lots of Gold b/w the Two of Them!

Devastator Wins Purple Belt Gold and Advanced No-Gi Open Belt

Great job today by the Juvenile Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team and Tracey Goodell.  Tracey ended up winning another Gold, this time in the Purple Belt Open.  Tracey was only promoted two weeks ago which drives critics crazy as they can not decide if we are sandbagging (forcing our competitors to fight in divisions below their skill level) or destroying the standards (by promoting our competitors too quickly) LOL!

JT “Spiderman” Torres and Mike Fowler were also up today for the pre-quarterfinal rounds of the Black Belt divisions.  JT submitted both his opponents with chokes from the back and will face Gilbert “Durinho” Burns tomorrow in a rematch of the Brasileiro finals.  Mike Fowler defeated Adriano Silva before losing on points to Abu Dhabi Pro Gold Medalist, Claudio Calazans.

Check out the team results below…

• Tracey Goodell: GOLD @ Purple Female Open
• Shane Hill-Taylor: SILVER @ Blue Juvenile Rooster
• Cedric Bryant: BRONZE @ Blue Juvenile Light Feather
• Jacob “Bro” Huffman” BRONZE @ Blue Juvenile Middle
• Krystal Allen: GOLD @ Blue Juvenile Female Light Feather
• AaRae Alexander: GOLD @ Blue Juvenile Female Middle, GOLD @ Blue Juvenile Female Open
• Kiana Washington: GOLD @ Blue Juvenile Female Medium Heavy, SILVER @ Blue Juvenile Female Open

If you are looking to become involved with the Worlds Best Kids Martial Arts program or the United States Best Womens Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Program, you need to check out Team Lloyd Irvin NOW!

TEAM STANDINGS AFTER DAY TWO

(All Adult Blue Belt & Purple Belt Divisions Completed except Purple Opens)

“Never before has an American team secured this many Gold medals at the BJJ World Championships before.”

Adult

1. Alliance – 53 pts
2. Lloyd Irvin – 50 pts
3. Gracie Humaitá – 28 pts

Female:

1. American Top Team – 36 pts
2. Lloyd Irvin – 31 pts
3. Gracie Humaitá – 24 pts

Juveniles, Brown, and Black Belts fight tomorrow!

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Evan “Oz” Gideon was making bold predictions before this tournament and he made sure they came true - winning 10 matches to a single loss.  Oz tore through the Medium Heavy division, defeating notables Carsell Swain (Pan Am Bronze medalist) and wrestler Kenny Johnson (Machado JJ) in the early rounds.  On the other side, Manual Diaz (Sandro Batata) defeated two very tough grapplers - Pan Am Silver Medalist, Marcus Sosa (Claudio Franca) and 2009 World Medalist, Jason Boivie (Marin MMA).  The Championship match was tough but Oz pulled out the victory with a single advantage!  You can see the match on our Baltimore Martial Arts fanpage.

Because of his Gold medal, Oz was selected for the Open division.  Oz made the most his opportunity and made it to the finals where he lost on advantages to the Super Heavyweight Silver Medalist.  On the way, Oz was able to hold off Marcus Sosa, the grappler who had defeated him earler in the Pan Ams, and tie up the series.

Oz Gazes Into the Abyss

Brad ”Fred” Pearson was on fire at the Worlds, hitting big takedowns, passing guards, and controlling from the top position and became Crazy 88 BJJ’s first World Purple Belt World Medalist in history with 4 wins and 1 loss. Brad stuck to his strengths, avoided his weak spots, and it showed his results.  In the finals, Brad got caught up in a front headlock and ended up losing on a heartbreaking 2-0 score but it was an awesome performance overall.

Mike Atkin with World Silver Medalist, Brad Pearson

Other Team Lloyd Irvin Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Medal Winners (We kicked *ss!!!!!):

• Tracey Goodell: GOLD @ Purple Female Light
• Andris Brunovskis: GOLD @ Purple Feather
• Willie Leonard: GOLD @ Purple Ultraheavy
• Frank Camacho: GOLD @ Blue Middle
• DJ Jackson: SILVER @ Blue Middle, BRONZE @ Blue Open
• Rachel Demara: BRONZE @ Blue Open
• Kenneth Brown: BRONZE @ Blue Ultraheavy

Tomorrow will be the Purple Belt Open and Brown Belt divisions as well as the first few rounds of the Black Belts.

Jon Discusses Strategy In Between Matches with Julius and Lloyd

Timmy Spriggs Fought Well, Winning Three Matches, Despite Only Training During School Vacations!

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“Lawyer” Dave Zwanetz became Crazy 88 BJJ’s first World Medalist this year with 3 wins and 1 loss. Dave submitted his first two opponents relatively easily and won a tough semifinal match on points.  Great ending to a long competitive season that began last year with the AZ Open.

David was just one of Team Lloyd Irvin’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Medal Winners:

• Anene Wynn: BRONZE @ White Female Lightweight
• Kim Rivers: SILVER @ Blue Female Light Featherweight
• Rachel Demara: GOLD @ Blue Female Middleweight
• Sijara Eubanks: SILVER @ Blue Female Medium Heavy

BJJ World Champ, Rachel Demara, Gets Some Last Minute Coaching

The Blue Belt divisions will restart, beginning with the Middleweights, tomorrow; our strong Purple Belt team will also be competing with new additions, Tracey Goodell and Willie Leonard!  Check out some of the footage from the PanAms below and make sure to join the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fanpage for even more videos!

Kim Rivers, Team Lloyd Irvin World Silver Medalist

“Lawyer” Dave Zwanetz set a goal for himself of placing at an International level Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament last year after he missed the World Championships.  He has been competing regularly since then and recently took Gold at the NY Open.  Having defeated multiple past medalists in local tournaments, Dave has a strong chance to get onto the medal stand this year in Long Beach.

Blue Belt Rooster (1 of 2)

Blue Belt Light Feather

Clarence Melton came off a long Jiu Jitsu layoff with a vengeance, going to the BJJ Brazilian Nationals to compete.  He is looking to gain more experience at the World Championships with the intention of getting onto the medal stand next year.

Blue Belt Pluma (1 of 4)

Blue Belt Light

Keith “Trainspotting” Cebula is coming into the Worlds hoping to utilize his strong Umaplata game.  Keith suffered a few setbacks during the Worlds training camp but has a strong gameplan and technical skills that will hopefully get him into the later rounds.

Blue Belt Light (5 of 8)

Blue Belt Medium Heavy

A strong division for Team Lloyd Irvin with Evan “Oz” Gideon, Fred “Brad” Thomsen, and Timmy “#1 Stunna” Spriggs all separated throughout the bracket. Oz is a big medal threat, with 2010 wins at the Houston and NY Opens and also a Bronze at the Pan Ams. Also in the division are Jason Boivie (Marin MMA), Carsell Swain (BTT), and Marcus Sosa (Claudio Franca) who all placed at the PanAms as well. Jason Boivie was a medalist at last year’s Worlds as well.

Blue Belt Medium Heavy (4 of 8)

Blue Belt Medium Heavy (5 of 8)

Blue Belt Medium Heavy (7 of 8)

Blue Belt Super Heavy

Aung la Sang makes his IBJJF debut in the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Super Heavyweight division.  Aung la was almost denied entry to the tournament when he forgot to register but pulled off a miracle when the IBJJF accepted a late email registration.  Fortune seems to be smiling on “Ong Bak” and that coupled with his hard training should lead to good results in the division!

Blue Belt Super Heavy (2 of 2)

Blue Belt Ultra Heavy

“Big Sal” Washington came all the way to Long Beach for his 2nd tournament as a Blue Belt.  Big Sal has been working a lot on his judo throws as well as his guard and has been developing a game more akin to a lightweight than a 250 lb behemoth.  He is going for the close out with teammate and PanAm bronze medalist, Kenneth Brown.

Blue Belt Ultra Heavy (2 of 2)

Blue Belt Female Light Feather

Cathy Tran-Zwanetz and Kim Rivers going for the division close-out.

Female Blue Belt Light Feather (1 of 1)

Willie Leonard & Tracey Goodell - Brazilian Nationals Gold Medalists

Willie Leonard and Tracey Goodell proved that the hype behind Team Lloyd Irvin’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program is 100% deserved.  Willie won double Gold – winning the Ultra Heavyweight and the Open division for Adult Blue Belts.  Tracey continued her win streak as well, winning Gold at Female Blue Belt Lightweight (Tracey already has top honors from the NY Open as well as the Pan Americans).

The Brasileiro / Brazilian Nationals is THE toughest BJJ tournament in the WORLD for non-Black Belts.  Critics and rival schools can say this and say that but bottom line – the results don’t lie!