IBJJF Montreal Open recap

Monday, 05 September 2011 22:47

IBJJF

The Montreal Open hosted by the IBJJF took place on Sept 4th and when the dust settled Toronto BJJ placed 1st in the team standings. We had a really successful tournament, led by Professor Britto (who also competed), with lots of my team mates demonstrating their skills on the international stage. I managed to grab gold in my division (Master Blue Lightweight) and enjoyed being part of the historic event which saw large teams from Renzo Gracie, Gracie Barra and Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu competing.

I had been trying to cut weight from the +160's down to feather but after I found out I could move to lightweight I abandoned that and started the re-eating. The goal was to get the team trophy as the IBJJF held the 1st Canadian tournament. So we headed the 5 hours North to Montreal in search of Gold. I would be facing an opponent who I had faced before at Grapplers Quest when I was caught and held in a triangle for 3 minutes (video). I was excited for the rematch and to succeed in pulling out another win. Instead of cutting weight I enjoyed eating alot and having a nice trip to Montreal and a relaxed night in my hotel before the fight. I took the chance to read some Bible psalms and pray that I would have a good day. I think the closer I am to God when I go to fight the better my day is going to go. I felt a great calmness come over me as a mentally prepared myself.

When we arrived at Centre Pierre-Charbonneau I thought the floor layout was much better than the previous events. I made sure I was on weight. In truth - there were not alot of competiors registered so the scheduling of the divisions was very good. Gradually our team was arriving. My friends kicked off the event and being allowed to go down to the floor level from the seating area allowed everyone to get really close to the action.

FLOOR

I was up to fight just after Noon and felt good mentally. I was focused and sure of what I was going to do. My fight went the way many of my fights do (Pull guard, try to choke, sweep for points, control and try to pass and time expires). Unfortunately I had only the 1 fight but as I was looking to help the team get the team trophy I thought a gold medal was a good contribution. It was a good fight and I had great cornering plus a good opponent. Both of us chatted after and exchanged our thoughts about the fight and it struck me how great competing is when you start to establish friendships through fighting. I also found that when I was on the mat I was REALLY enjoying myself.

RESULT

There is alot to deal with right before a fight. Weight considerations, emotions, adrenaline, the anticipation but as soon as you slap hands and start to fight - it's simply Jiu Jitsu and it's what we do. It 'should' be our happy place. And it was one of the first times I found that. I find also stepping onto the mats after turning my mind to God is also a way of getting myself 'in the zone'. Everyone is different but this works for me when I prepare for battle.

The one thing I regret is not immediately going to sign up for the Open class. For some reason I thought I had plenty of time and left it too late. The officials would not put me in as I went to register 20 minutes late but that is my fault. I really wanted to compete again. So instead I hit the podium for my pic, grabbed some food and then watched the rest of the days fights with my team mates.

There were many great moments to recall. My Professor getting to the podium for a silver in the absolutes and a gold in his division. My team mates all fought very well, winning or otherwise, and took a fair share of the podium positions. I was very proud to have trained with everyone who went to war and when I witnessed them performing on the mat I was really blown away at the level of Jiu Jitsu. Our Blue, Purple and Brown belt students did amazing things in the absolutes and everyone watching would agree. Such heart and technical skill were on display. I can only aspire to be as good as some of these guys and girls.

team_trophy

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When the last few fights had concluded (ahead of time I might add) it was announced that Toronto BJJ had claimed 1st place in the overall standings and it was obvious that our Professor was pleased and proud to claim this title. We shared our moment on the podium and then started to make our seperate ways out of the arena. And we went for Poutine. (the best poutine in Montreal apparently).

I have alot to be thankful for. A gold medal, a great team, a great Professor and a supportive girlfriend who took the time to look after my dog while I went to Montreal.

I give glory to God for all my opportunities as I call on Him everyday to be near to me and to deliver me from my fears. I've committed myself to Christ and through Him I can achieve. "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him" (Lamentations 3:25)

Thanks to everyone at the IBJJF for putting on a solid event. That's another one in the books.

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