Congratulations Competitors!

5 Comments, Posted by: Roy Dean in:

Hearty congratulations to the competitors in the 2008 Bend Submission Grappling Championships!  Anthony, TJ, and Donald each performed well.  Given that this was their first BJJ/Submission grappling tournament adds even more points in their favor.  Anthony took first in the 135-155 pound weight class in the gi division. His first match was a draw, as the rules were submission only, no points.  A second match was to be held with points to decide the winner, but the opponent declined.  He had dropped a lot of weight very recently to make the division, and was exhausted from the first match.  He graciously declined the opportunity to fight again, giving Anthony first place.  Well done Anthony! 

After a torturous wait for the no gi, 135-155 weight class, TJ had his hands full with his opponent, who normally fights at 170 pounds. They drew after the first 6 minutes, and in the three minute overtime with points, TJ tapped to a head and arm choke.  It was still a great performance, and the match itself was not an easy introduction to competition, especially with the ruthless and constant can openers from the opponent.  Not a fun day to be a neck, either. We will work on a few positions fit in nicely with your game and give you several strategies for dealing with this kind of opponent.  You will grow a lot because of this, I guarantee!

Donald has some fine moments in both his gi and no gi matches, as the video above shows in the aptly titled 3 Taps.  He held his own against the very capable Dan Graf of Acrovision, who had some beautiful moments of his own, including a sweet throw to choke combination that was extremely well executed.  He lost in the finals by an inside heel hook against a very skilled, purple belt (possibly brown belt) competitor from Reno, Nevada, who had come up to support a teammate in his MMA fight later that night in Desertbrawl.  Great experience for Donald, and he definitely represented.  You are the man!

Celebratory dinner for the competitors took place at Staccatos. First rate food, magical company, and a perfect setting to toast each of those that stepped up.

Thanks go out to:  JT Taylor for putting on the tournament.  Marty Moody for the fair and safe reffing. Jimmy for the coaching.  James for the incredible dinner. Rick for taping and supporting this process.  Thanks to all the friends, family, and Academy members who came out to support, including (but not limited to)  Burr, Darryl, Dennis, Neil, Brian, Ron, Paul, Chris, Jonesy and Hailey.

We will definitely do it again. Till next time.