I competed at the 2025 IBJJF Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Kissimmee, Florida. The tournament draws the top Jiu-Jitsu competitors from around the world.
I finished my first match with a Kimura submission.
The semi-final match was against an opponent from Holland. I lost the match on points, and ended up with 3rd place.
On to the Master 6 Black Belt Open Division along with 11 other competitors.
The qualifying round went well as I executed a late match sweep to mount to go ahead 7-0. The quarter-final opponent had a first round bye and never showed up. On to the semi-final…
I scored a takedown to go ahead 2-0, and spent the rest of the match trying to pass and not get swept. Finishing with that being the only scoring of the match.
I was excited to make it to the first open division finals since I received my black belt. Wellington Leal Dias (Megaton) had won the other side of the bracket. This was my first time getting to compete against him. Prior to this he was always on the other side of the bracket and I had lost in the semi-finals.
His game was solid. He stayed ahead of me in position and action. I lasted three minutes as he prevented my sweep attempts, passed my guard, took my back, and finally, made me tap to a bow-n-arrow choke.
I was honored to have competed with Professor Dias. He is a heck of a fighter on the mat, and a nice guy off of it. So, I finished the day getting second place in the Open Division. I am thankful to be able to continue to compete, stay healthy, and attend these tournaments.