September 11, 2023
While the Asia Continental kept fight fans on the edge of their seats in Dubai, AJP kept the momentum going with two other tournaments on different continents. Regardless of nationality, age, or graduation, these events welcomed all to put their skills to the test while fighting to climb their respective rankings. Check out the highlights of each championship below!
AJP Tour Latvia National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023: Rinalds Vanags conquers the double gold in Sigulda
On Saturday, September 9th, the Sigulda Sports Centre opened its doors and welcomed the competitors who would fight for gold and glory in its halls. The tournament’s highlight was the Latvian purple belt Rinalds Vanags (Gracie Barra Brasa), who earned gold medals in both his weight division and the absolute. First, in the 69kg bracket, Rinalds defeated Lithuanian Aleksandras Juzik (Roger Gracie Academy) by a 2-0 score to take the title.
Then, he made his way to the Open Lightweight division, where he started by outscoring the Kuwaiti black belt Abdullah Taran (Icon Jiu-Jitsu Team International) by 2-0 in the semis. The gold round was almost a deja vu of the 69kg division final, with Rinalds taking the win over Aleksandras Juzik by 2-0.
Check out the full results here!
AJP Tour Brasília International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023: Andressa Tolentino and Lucas Silva take the double gold
On Sunday, September 10th, two Brazilian athletes showed their prowess in the Clube da Portuguesa by conquering the coveted double gold. Andressa Tolentino (Barreto Jiu Jitsu) started her journey through the tournament at the 62kg division, where she scored an astounding 22-0 over Jullyany Martins (Gracie Barra Brasilia) before ending the match with a submission. Then, she made her way to the Open Lightweight bracket, where she beat the 95kg division champion Isabela Faula by 2-0 on the scoreboard.
Another highlight in the event, Lucas Silva (PSLPB Cícero Costha) fought with and without the gi to earn his pair of golden medals. His campaign began at the 77kg bracket, where he submitted Pablo Corte (WD Team) in the semifinals and Pedro Albuquerque (Barreto Jiu Jitsu) in the gold round. Lucas later returned to the mats, this time without his gi, to fight once again for the 77kg division. With Pedro Albuquerque once again facing him in a final, Pedro scored 9-0 to climb the podium for the second time.
Check out the full results here!
