April 23, 2023

In another weekend fueled by AJP action, Germany, Portugal, and Brazil were chosen as the proving grounds for athletes of all ages across the American and European continents. Check out below the highlights of each championship!

TWO TOURNAMENTS, ONE CITY

In Germany, the BudoArena Maintal was the stage for two competitions on April 22nd. First, the colored belts showed what they’re made of at the AJP Frankfurt Jiu-Jitsu Festival 2023. Next, the AJP Tour Germany National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 raised the stakes and hosted great duels across the five fight areas set up in the venue.

At the top of the Professional category, three athletes from three different countries submitted their way to the top. In the Men’s Gi 77kg, Tunisian black belt Ahmed Laaribi (Atos) dominated his match against Jorge Eduardo (Nova União International), landing a 12-0 score before ultimately pulling a submission to end the bout. In the Men’s Gi 94kg, Brazilian black belt Marcos Carrozzino (GFTeam) faced and overcame the local Jurij Schienfenbusch (NS Brotherhood) to add another gold to his collection. Finally, at the Women’s Gi 62kg, Swiss brown belt Laurie de Oliveira (PSLPB Cicero Costha) wasted no time and quickly submitted German Lisa Mundt (GFTeam) to become the division champion.

Check out the full results here !

BRAZILIAN BLACK BELTS CONQUER THE PINHAL NOVO INTERNATIONAL

Still in Europe, the AJP Tour Pinhal Novo International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 took over Portugal. From Kids to Masters, Gi and No-Gi battles from all graduations exploded across the Pavilhão Desportivo Municipal do Pinhal Novo on April 22nd, giving memorable duels to competitors and fight fans alike.

In a curious turn of events, Brazilian athletes stormed the Men’s Gi Professional Black Belt and rose to the top in all four divisions. At 69kg, Israel Nascimento (Zr Team Association) scored 8-0 to beat Lucas Pereira (Kombat Klub Torres Novas Abrantes). In the 77kg gold round, Wilkler Marques (Zr Team Association) triumphed over Angolan Leandro Paiva (Fight Nation International) by 1-0 to take the gold. The 85kg gold was taken by Sebastião Batista, who put the scoreboard at 5-2 to stay ahead of fellow countryman Victor Hugo de Carvalho (Under Pressure BJJ). Finally, at the 120kg bracket, Neocicero Barbosa (Old Dog Team) submitted Portuguese David Feio (GFTeam) in the semifinal and then overcame Belgian-based Paulo Brasil (Gracie Barra) by 3-1 in the final.

Check out the full results here!

HIGOR LIMA AND VITORIA CABRAL TAKE THE DOUBLE GOLD AT THE BELEM INTERNATIONAL

Marking the organization’s first event in Brazil since the South America Continental, the AJP Tour Belem International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 brought high-level action back to the sport's birthplace. From blue belts to black belts, everyone was welcome at the Ginásio da CESEP, where five fight areas awaited to give each competitor a chance to shine in the tournament on April 22nd and 23rd.

With double gold, Higor Lima (Hunters Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) and Vitoria Cabral (Castro Team) stand as the highlights of the event. In the Men’s Gi 77kg bracket, Higor submitted in the semifinal and then scored last to beat Erick Chaves (Squadron) in the final. Back for the Open Lightweight, Higor made full use of the score to beat both his opponents, with his last match ending at 5-4 against Matheus da Silva (Equipe Vilhena Jiu-Jitsu).

After taking the 62kg gold, Vitoria Cabral returned to the mats for the Open Heavyweight. After rising through the bracket by submitting Swanny Batista (Vita Tulio do Rosario BJJ) in the quarters and scoring 9-6 against teammate Vitoria Nogueira in the semis, Vitoria went up against Eduarda Lima, also from Castro Team, in the final round. After a balanced match, Vitoria came out on top via referee decision.

Check out the full results here!