October 31, 2023
Another month has come and gone, and with it, another batch of competitions that shook up the entire world with stellar Jiu-Jitsu performances. Every weekend, tournaments were held in different parts of the world, making sure that there was always a chance for you to watch or show your Jiu-Jitsu, regardless of your country. But while October was by no means a slow month for AJP, November is here and it is starting right off the bat with the biggest Jiu-Jitsu championship in the world. But before we talk about the ADWPJJC 2023 and all the other events in store for this month, let’s look back at the highlights of October. Check it out below!
Europe Continental: Professional black belts put on a memorable show in Turkey
Taking place between October 6th and 8th at the Bağcılar Gençlik Ve Spor İlçe Müdürlüğü Olimpik Spor Salonu, the AJP Tour Europe Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 welcomed athletes of all ages and graduations to show their prowess in the city of Istanbul. While every warrior that rose to the mats was praiseworthy, the Professional black belt category completely stole the spotlight with its flawless performances.
Starting in the 69kg division, Leonardo Mario gave everyone in the tournament a refresher on why he is the current number #1 in the Brazil ranking and submitted every opponent that crossed his path to add another medal to his collection. Meanwhile, Thiago Macedo and Uanderson Ferreira used their technical know-how and knowledge of the AJP ruleset to overcome two dangerous foes each, ruling over the 77kg and 94kg brackets respectively. The heavier powerhouses of the 120kg division crashed against one another, with Rodrigo Ribeiro emerging as the winner after outscoring his first opponent and submitting in the finals.
When it comes to action, the women’s category was no less exciting, with Lara Castro taking the 55kg title after beating two household names. Always dangerous, Julia Alves conquered the 62kg bracket, while Katiuscia Dias showed the results of her training and took the gold medal in the 95kg division.
Mexico National: Sebastian Serpa and Rene Flores earn the Professional gold after stellar performances in Ciudad de Mexico
On October 7th, the Anexo Juan de la Barrera received the AJP Tour Mexico National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 and was the stage on which athletes put their skills to the test, with two Professional black belts being the highlights after winning memorable duels on their way to the top of the podium. First, Sebastian Serpa was unstoppable in the 69kg bracket, where he began by submitting Alessandro Costa to reach the final. In the gold round, Carlos Quintero had every intention to pump the brakes on Sebastian’s advance, but was unable to match his flow and soon found himself on the business end of a submission. With another victory via submission, Sebastian quickly seized the title of division champion.
Fighting in his home country, Rene Flores had no advantages while fighting in his territory. In a best-of-three bracket, Rene went up against Ivan Ramos twice, taking his first win by a 3-0 score after a balanced match. By the time the final round began, Rene found his rhythm and found some degree of comfort while fighting Ivan, taking his second and final win via submission.
South Africa National: Brown belt Chris Steenkamp submits everyone and conquers the double gold in Cape Town
Between October 14th and 15th, the AJP Tour South Africa National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 completely took over the St. Cyprians High School and welcomed athletes of all ages and graduations. Among every warrior that stepped up to the battlefield, the 32-year-old local brown belt Chris Steenkamp was the highlight of the tournament, conquering not only his weight division but also the Open Heavyweight in the black belt category.
Everything started in the Professional brown belt 77kg division, where Chris fought against Sean Roberts to decide who would take the title. But while a duel indeed took place, Sean would be almost entirely oppressed by Chris, who early on showcased his talent and scored a whopping 16-0 before submitting his sole opponent and climbing the podium. This, however, would not be the end of Chris’ campaign through the event, as he bravely jumped at the opportunity of putting his Jiu-Jitsu to the test against foes in the black belt category.
With three athletes in the bracket, Chris started off by facing Gustavo Fernandes, who was also unable to keep up with the local and fell prey to a submission. Advancing to the finals, Chris went toe-to-toe against the Angolan black belt Edusano Silva and once again found victory through a submission, completing his flawless campaign at the event.
Italy National: Lautaro Sanguineme and Diana Teixeira submit all opponents and take the gold in Milano
On October 1st, the AJP Tour Italy National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 landed at the Centro Pavesi FIPAV and brought with it the organization’s signature action for the athletes and fight fans in the city of Milano. One of the highlights of the day, Professional black belt Lautaro Sanguineme made waves at the tournament by submitting all opponents on his way to conquering the gold. In the 77kg bracket, Lautaro first defeated Augusto Soares to reach the final, where overcame Benjamin Robson to take his rightful place atop the podium.
Another highlight was Diana Teixeira, the Brazilian black belt who dominated the 55kg division. She started her campaign by submitting Michelle Bonnici in the semifinal and then advanced to the gold round, where she fought and submitted Marta Giaimo for the title.
Upcoming: ADWPJJC 2023 and Internationals
It’s impossible to talk about November and not mention the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Taking place in the modern Mubadala Arena, in the very heart of AJP, the tournament will completely take over the UAE with ten straight days of competition, welcoming kids, youths, amateurs, professionals, and masters to show their moves and techniques in the greatest stage of the competitive scene.
There will be no shortage of action, but the heat will be dialed up to eleven on October 8th, when the Professional black belt category will make its debut in the country qualifiers, as athletes from all over the world fight for a spot in the main bracket. On October 9th, the main battlefield is officially opened and the elite of the sport will put everything on the line to show their technical prowess and mental fortitude. Saving the best for last, the Professional black belt finals will take place on October 10th, with the greatest champions of the 2022-2023 season being crowned Heroes at the closing ceremony.
But of course, that’s not all. Throughout the month, countries will host their local tournaments and keep the flames of competition burning bright ahead of the last month of 2023. Here’s the list of places that’ll be hosting Internationals this month: Frankfurt (November 18th), Sofia (November 18th), Dallas (November 19th), and Valencia (November 25th).
Don’t forget to check our website at ajptour.com regularly to stay informed about the registration dates and all the other details you’ll need to compete with us. Keep your eyes peeled and don’t miss a second of the action.
