There were about 230 registered fighters and deep divisions of White, blue and Purple Belts plus 2 brown belts scheduled to compete. I was fighting around Noon and showed up an hour before. The girls were finishing up as were the Juveniles. There were some great matches taking place as I was walking around settling in, trying to channel my energy differently putting no stress on myself. It was a good tournament to get experience and see where I was at after my time out. After a while walking around chatting I weighed in (at 160lbs) I put on my Gi and started to warm up.

I lost my lightweight fight on points but felt I gained alot. I didn't have a coach this time giving me guidance (but i did hear all my team mates encouraging me). I was very connected to the moment (and the music which was again dubstep being played courtesy of a student, Anthony, and his live digital DJ team). What I learned is that if I am going to play guard it needs to be agressive. I can't play a 'stopping him from advancing' guard. It needs to be a guard in which I am advancing. So really I was fighting a good fight and enjoying it but not fighting it to win.

So there is competing and then there is competing to win...lesson learned.

I did get to attempt a No-Go Plata. It was similar to my flying fail bar at Abu dhabi in that it would be better had it actually been a locked in submission ;)

The rest of the day went well and I hung out and enjoyed the warm atmosphere. I liked the fact the white belts were going to be fighting later in the day (giving them more exposure and selfishly allowing me to fight in the morning and just enjoy the afternoon without stressing). I helped some team mates warm up when needed, took some pictures and watched all the great Jiu Jitsu on the 4 mats from the Bleachers. Some of the Jiu Jitsu so was good that there were well deserved promotions on the Podium for quite a few Toronto BJJ fighters. BTT Canada and Scott Lewis's Team also had many successes throughout the afternoon.

Congrats are in order for everybody who recieved a promotion. It's really inspiring to see you guys clear out the divisions all the time with sick jits and get your hardware on the podium. It certainly drives me want to get there with you!

Toronto BJJ Blue Belts receiving stripes

The event had ran very smoothly and was wrapped up around 4:30 after the absolute divisions had taken place and had emptied out by 5. The 2 small recommendations I could offer would be clocks for the mats so the fighters can gauge their time and some food consessions to grab a snack. Those are the only 2 mentions I can I say I heard and would like to see myself.

And that was that. Another tournament done and immediatly onto the next one - Bravado BJJ Open on Sept 18th. (facebook group page)

Thanks to Professor Britto and all the event organisers and volunteers for their energy in bringing this together. All the online registration, the running of the divisions - it was seamless. It was also the first Copa Ontario event which I had not volunteered at so as solely a tournament competitor I wanted to say awesome job - Obrigado and I look forward to the next one!

Check out some of Vernon Kee's tournament pictures on Picasa (Look)