October 23, 2023
Whether you’re a fighter or a fan, there’s never a dull moment here at AJP. Throughout the weekend, athletes from all corners of the world had the chance to step up to the organization’s mats and put their training to the test against local and foreign opponents. This time around, four countries were selected to be the stage that welcomes new and recurring warriors, giving everyone a chance at the spotlight. With all that being said, check out the highlights from each championship.
AJP Tour Doha International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023: Clemer Canario faces tough battles and conquers the double gold in Qatar
Among the many athletes that rose to the mats set up at the Aspire Ladies Sports Hall on October 20th and 21st, Brazilian black belt Clemer Canario (Checkmat International) became a highlight after facing difficult battles and tough opponents on his way to the double gold. His journey began at the 94kg division, where he fought a very balanced battle against fellow countryman Luiz Henrique Betta (VisionBJJ). With both athletes having accrued six points and three penalties, Clemer walked out as the champion via the referee’s decision.
But that wasn’t enough for Clemer, as he returned on the following day to fight without the gi for the 120kg title. In the Brazilian-filled bracket, he started by scoring last to overcome Matheus Marinho (Jiu Jitsu Martial Arts) and went straight to the final round, where teammate and 120kg division champion Matheus Felipe Xavier awaited to fight for the gold. Once again, Clemer was faced with a tough opponent and the following duel would reflect that, with no points scored for either side. At the end of it all, the referee’s decision gifted Clemer with the medal and a second trip to the top of the podium.
Check out the full results here!
AJP Tour Gran Canaria International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023: Jean Pierre Gando Zaldumbide takes the double gold in Spain
On Saturday, October 21st, one local black belt stepped up to the Polideportivo Leoncio Castellano Arencibia, in the Spanish city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and showed his prowess by conquering the double gold. After taking the silver in the 69kg bracket, Jean Pierre Gando Zaldumbide (Carlson Gracie Canarias) didn’t slow down and returned to the mats for the brown/black Open Heavyweight division, where he first submitted Leonardo Herrera (7 Islands Jiu Jitsu Team). In the final round, Jean Pierre went toe-to-toe against Jesus Taylor (Team Gil Catarino) and was able to quickly impose his game, taking his first gold by a whooping 17-2 score.
Still up for one last challenge before calling it a day, Jean Pierre headed to the battlefield, this time gunning for the No-gi 85kg title. Standing on his way to the top, Jesus Taylor was ready for a rematch. The match, however, played out in Jean Pierre’s favor, with the Spanish athlete seizing the victory and his second gold via submission.
Check out the full results here!
AJP Tour Czech Republic National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023: Simona Rinkova and Beatriz Campos submit for the title in Prague
On that same Saturday, two women strapped on their black belts and showcased their prowess in the gentle art, gifting the attending crowd with masterful performances that landed the gold medal on their shoulders. First was the local Simona Rinkova (Jungle BJJ), who joined the 55kg division and faced the Emirati Wadima Alyafei, ranked #1 in the Asian ranking, for the title. Despite both athletes being talented, Simona quickly imposed her game and Wadima struggled to match her pace, a scenario that was reflected as the scoreboard rose to a solid 7-0 in favor of the Czech fighter before she ultimately submitted her opponent, conquering the top of the podium.
Last but not least, the Brazilian Beatriz Campos (Dream Art) brought her A-game as she stepped into the 70kg bracket. Right off the bat, she submitted the UK’s Amberlily Berdai (Commando Group) and went on to the final round, where she landed yet another submission to defeat the Colombian Johanna Barros (Jungle BJJ) to cap off a stellar performance in the competition and take her gold medal.
Check out the full results here!
AJP Tour Yerevan International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023: Rafael Kostanyan takes the professional gold in Armenia
On Sunday, October 22nd, the Armenian brown belt Rafael Kostanyan (Legacy Jiu-Jitsu Armenia) decided to step up to AJP mats and put his skills to the test in the toughest battlefield of all: the Professional black belt category. In the 77kg division, Rafael started off by going up against Iran’s Bahman Honardar (Arte Suave Academy/GFTeam Iran), narrowly winning by a 2-1 score. Bahman went on to defeat the Australian Tyson Read (Legion Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), also with a 2-1 score, and the match-up for the final round was done.
Replaying the first duel, Rafael once again faced Bahman, but the local was more comfortable on the mat this time around. With only a 1-0 on the scoreboard, it seemed like Rafael’s advantage in the duel could be reverted at any moment, but the brown belt kept his head cool and let his game flow, landing a golden submission to take the title in his home country.
Check out the full results here!
