September 4, 2023
On the first weekend of September, AJP turned its sights to the northern and southern counterparts of the American continent. Whether it was in Mexico or Peru, athletes from all over the world had something to look forward to, as the chance to reach the top of the podium and earn some valuable points for the ranking was ripe for the taking. Check out below the highlights for each championship!
AJP Tour Mérida International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023: Mario Navarrete submits all opponents to take the gold
On Saturday, September 2nd, the Multigimnasio Socorro Cerón Herrera, in Yucatan, Mexico, welcomed colored and black belts to the mats set up in its halls. Among the many fighters who put their skills to the test, rose the local warrior Mario Navarrete (Wolfpack Jiu Jitsu Mexico). At the 69kg division, Mario stepped into a round-robin and showed why he’s ranked first in both his home country and North America, as he submitted both of his opponents to take the gold.
In the first duel, Mario scored three points before ultimately submitting the Mexican Sao Caballero Arias (Brasa Felipe Costa). With his first win in the bag, Mario went on to the final match, where his fellow countryman Orlando Yeh (Math of Jiu-Jitsu) awaited to fight for the gold. The duel, however, was short-lived, as Mario once again forced his opponent to tap out and seized the title for himself.
Check out the full results here!
AJP Tour Peru National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023: Yuri Hendrex and Alfonso Estrada conquer the double gold in Lima
On both days of the weekend, September 2nd and 3rd, the Coliseo Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola Pachacamac shook as athletes walked up to the mats and showed their technique and grit. The highlights of the event were Alfonso Estrada and Yuri Hendrex, as both used their skills to conquer the double gold at the Peru National.
A local black belt hungry to show what he’s made of, Alfonso Estrada (JFC Almeida JJ) started his campaign at the 77kg division, where he outscored Nicolas Infante (Zion BJJ AQP) twice, first by 4-2 and then by 1-0, to take the title. Later on, he climbed the mats once again, this time gunning for the open lightweight gold medal. To reach his goal, Alfonso beat the Ecuadorian Enrique Guerrero by 5-3 and found himself atop the podium for the second time.
Representing Brazil in the competition, Yuri Hendrex (PSLPB Cícero Costha) was as menacing as always at the Peru National. On the first day, he made his way through the 69kg bracket, submitting Julio Coelho (Calasans BJJ) in the semifinal and Jean Gomes (Commando Group) in the last round. Then, on the second and last day of the tournament, Yuri took off his gi and entered the 77kg division, where he seized the double gold with an astonishing 24-2 against Abraham Alonso (Marra Senki Brazilian Jiu Jitsu).
