JT Torres Takes Silver at the Brazilian Nationals

JT Torres Submitted World Champion Lucas Lepri in Upset Quarterfinal Victory!

Congratulations to JT “Spiderman” Torres on his 2nd place finish at the 2010 Brazilian Nationals.  The Brazilian Nationals is one of the toughest BJJ competitions in the World and the list of non-Brazilians to have medaled at the Black Belt level can be counted on one hand.  JT tore through his side of the bracket, submitting 3 opponents with chokes from the back and 1 with a toe-hold.  In the finals, he lost 2-2 (3-1) to Atos’ Gilbert Burns AKA “Durinho”.

With this strong performance and the victory over Augusto Mendes, previous World Silver Medalist, at the NY Open a few weeks ago, JT puts himself in solid contention for a Black Belt World Championship.

JT was accompanied in Brazil with two other teammates – Mike Fowler and Brown Belt, Jim Harbison.  Mike submitted his first opponent and won 6-0 in the Sweet 16 rd, before losing 3-0 in the quarterfinals.  Jim Harbison also did well, winning 3 before losing on points.  These guys are all on the mats training hard everyday and its great to see that dedication pay off.