Although Brazilian Jiu Jitsu suffered it's greatest loss in 2009 with the passing of Grandmaster Helio Gracie (RIP) it is encouraging and wonderful to witness his legacy and impact on martial arts competition with record competitor turn out at this years Pan Jiu Jitsu championships in Carson, CA. 2,400 competitors took to the mats this past weekend for this year's event, and what an event it was!
With so many competitors traveling from around the world to Southern California it was easy to see the Pan Ams has well out grown it's home at CSU San Dominguez Hills (Carson, CA next to Home Depot Center). I'm not sure where next year's event will be hosted but it was plain to see the competitor and coaching staffs alone easily filled to over flowing the available seating and standing areas surrounding the ten competitive mat areas. I am hoping next year's event will offer more seating and perhaps a larger floor area to accommodate the swelling masses flocking to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's second greatest US based tournament.
As an older competitor (Senior 1, Men aged 35-40 yrs) the Pan Ams offers the best chance for competitors my age to size them selves up against grapplers near their own age, weight and ability. The World Championships in the US offer no Masters or Senior divisions so for the past two years I have signed up as an adult, but happily at Pan Ams I get to square off with fellow Geezers as we are affectionately labeled.
This year's event was well managed and mat management was at an all time high in my opinion. However from time to time typical issues remained with regard to properly trained officials (or what appears to be biased decision making), but over all bracket coordinators, medical aid, timing and scoring officials did an outstanding job keeping the action moving. Anyone who has ever witnessed tournament day from a behind the scene's perspective knows nothing goes according to plan and there are always tough calls to be made in brackets and on the mats. It seems no tournament would be complete if it did not feel a bit hap hazard in the way brackets are run, competitors are paired and of course there are always questionable calls made on the mat. But all competitive sports offer controversy.
A word to the wise in competition, READ THE RULES! It is astounding to hear arguments and complaints stemming from competitors or coaches who believe they are wronged by a one sided judge. It's simply my opinion some of these issues can be abated by a simple review of the rules posted here http://www.bjjf.org. I believe misunderstandings stemming from what would appear to be a controversial call might be avoided if everyone had fully reviewed these rules annually. When you compete in international competition or any submission competition be aware of the rule system in place by the governing body and work within the rules.
I have heard for years that judges at these international events will favor Gracie Team members over all other competitors from lesser known schools when in fact it is my belief judges are trained to observe and call points, infractions and submissions as they see them (ultimately points are earned when in the judges mind and opinion you have earned them and not simply yours). Their perception of right and wrong doing, correct execution, intent of competitors etc... is all that matters. Ultimately it's their call to decide if you receive points for take down, passing the guard, knee on belly, mount etc... My advice to new competitors is simple, stick to your game, focus on your points (know how to earn them and lose them) and always, always, always be aware of your points earned during your matches. Nothing is more deflating then to realize you have lost your second match by just 2 points when in your mind you felt you had earned three to five points during your match. Don't guess at your standing, know where you stand minute by minute second by second during your match. Five to seven minute matches fly by when you are engaged with an opponent so do your best to have someone watching the points and clock while you are engaged in combat. It is fact the vast majority of BJJ matches end in point related decisions whether they are advantage points or total points accumulated. Either way you must realize where you stand at all times during your match and always be aware if you are ahead or behind on points.
My final comment before I recap Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu's performance at this years Pan Jiu Jitsu Championships I would like to add; know and master three to five take downs to add to your game. If you are a white or blue belt by now you should have three or more take downs that you can implement at will during a match. If you don't know any take downs, don't work take downs or are simply not comfortable with them get over it and get to practicing them. It is upsetting to see great Jiu Jitsu competitors frustrated by Judo players or simply losing to 2-0 over a simple matter of a take down. You need to have take downs working as an integral part of your on mat strategy. your victory begins with your first two points earned via a decisive and convincing execution of a proper take down.
This year's event brought two Championship title home to Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu:
Claudia Martinez Kvenbo - Brown Belt, Adult, Light Feather Weight! Brings home gold!!! Congratulations Claudia, very well deserved victory via collar choke submission!
Allen Wrench brings home gold and a new purple belt (FINALLY!), Blue Belt, Senior 2, Men Super Heavy Weight. Great work Mr. Wrench!
Congratulations goes out to Kevin, Tony, Jim, Edison, Johnny for your hard work and dedication! Great work guys on bringing home silver and bronze victories this year.
Other competitors include, Kenny, Kenneth (me), Fernando, Brian, Ricky, Jonathan, Jesus, Jason, Jerad, Eugene, Jack and Ivan. Great work for your preparation, focus and champion spirit! Keep it up guys!
We look forward to a fantastic competitive season. Feel free to learn more about our school and team here: http://www.bjjtraining.com.
Happy Training,
KK
Kenneth Knapp
Blue Belt - Two Stripe Pinnacle Jiu Jitsu
Black Belt - Kung Fu San Soo (Al Rubin Associates) - Children's Instructor
Monday, March 30, 2009
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