The IBJJF (International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation) American Nationals took place in Las Vegas, NV. This was an especially exciting event because it was held with many other martial arts events like wrestling, UFC 200, Fight Week, UFC Expo, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Karate, and the Jiu Jitsu Grand Prix!
The tournament began with NoGi competition. I had a three person round robin in the super heavy weight division. I won the first match 7-0 and was supposed to go against the winner of Joao and Matthew, but Joao didn’t show up. So Matthew got a bye and advanced to the finals. In the finals we finished with a 0-0 and I lost the referee decision. The match was mostly me trying to pass the guard and him defending, but apparently the referee felt he was more on the offensive. This year and last year I finished in second place. Although it was the same finish, I feel my performance, technically and mentally has improved.
In the open division I also finished in second. I won my first match of the open 17-0. I made it a point to go out from the beginning and put everything out on the table. Instead of waiting with the time pressed, I just went for it from the beginning, and I think the match was much more exciting and fulfilling as a competitor. In the semi finals, I had a back and forth match with Valdir from Fight Sports Academy Miami our feet. The final score was 3-2 in advantages. In the finals I had Lucas Barbosa from Atos BJJ. Lucas had a nice single leg that I tried to counter with a hip slip. He did a good job scrambling to finish on top, but I also think I need to take my time from that position. Doing so would better reinforce the idea that they are on the defense and in a compromised position. He got the takedown, but in the scramble I ended up in a leg drag type of position that allowed him to score a quick guard pass. I was down 5-0. I managed to work back into the guard and eventually back to my feet. However, even on the offense I wasn’t able to get any points on the board.
I also noticed a few things I observed from the NoGi tournament. This is something that’s been on my mind since NoGi Worlds last year, but there is a need to rewire the “lute” or stalling call when the athletes are on the feet. Athletes need to be forced to compete and either pull or go for the takedown. As someone with a wrestling background, I notice my opponents playing a passive game that revolves around backing up. Even when I make it a point to “stalk” my opponents, I notice there is no favorable call. Most of the time we are both warned for stalling. I think there needs to be a better definition for stalling when both athletes are on their feet.
The next day, the Gi competition took place. My first match was with Valdir, and we had another exciting back and forth match from the feet. Unfortunately, he was disqualified for too many blood stoppages. We butted heads a few times in an honest attempt to go for takedowns. As I was walking off the mat I noticed I was having some blurry vision. After an examination with the on call doctors, I was told I had suffered from a concussion and shouldn’t be competing any more. This was probably the first time I had suffered a concussion.
To be honest, I felt inadequate not continuing with the tournament. However, I had watched the movie “Concussion,” starring Will Smith about a week ago, and I didn’t want to be careless. That night and the next day I felt a little sluggish, but everything was quite normal. It wasn’t until Monday when I really noticed a disconnect between my mind and body. I was lethargic, foggy minded, my speech was probably fine but it didn’t seem normal, I would get sad or teary eyed when immersed in small talk. Things were very abnormal, and I got nothing done. I felt like the entire week was very unproductive. By Tuesday night my mind felt much more “clear,” but I could tell things were still not the same. I ended up not doing any real competitive training the following week because I wasn’t feeling normal. About a week has passed, and I’m glad I feel normal again. I recommend everyone watch the movie Concussion.
A thank you to Armor Kimonos and Blanca for the great photos! This tournament couldn’t have been as successful without the support of Komainu Apparel who gears my NoGi competition. Paul & Steph Moran of Open Mat Radio who hosted my stay in Las Vegas. A thank you to Sergio Penha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for allowing me to train in the days leading up to the tournament. (This dojo is a must go if you are visiting Las Vegas)
Eliot Kelly
916.595.4064