(Reported by Mike Rios)

On Saturday the 22nd of July some of the Gracie Barra Marbella competition team travelled to the Spanish/American base in Rota Spain for the Inaugural CHOCO classic held on base and hosted by the CHOCO team as a fund raiser to help the guys pay for their trips to Germany to compete. The four team members were Ben Johnson, Antonio Garcia and Mike Rios along with Jose Antonio’s student Roberto. (An unfortunate mix-up prevented our non-Spanish/American/British team members from participating.)

The two weight categories were above- and below 80kgs, so Roberto and Ben fought in the under, and Mike and Antonio fought in the over.

Antonio was injured in his first match by an armbar and could not continue. Roberto, fighting in his first competition, felt the affects of nerves and adrenaline and after a hard fought first match which he won 20 to 4 looked a little worse for wear. He fought 3 more times though gaining some valuable experience and going 2 for 2 on the day.

Both Ben and Mike won their categories in the with Kimono competition. Mike with three submissions and ben with two submissions and a hard-fought 6-4 victory in the final. In the no kimono competition after lunch Mike won again with three submissions and ben won one and lost in the final by a guillotine choke (could happen to anyone) in a rematch of the kimono competition.

Afterwards it was over to Vinnie’s house for a BBQ by the pool and some laughs as everybody took turns telling BJJ and other “warâ€? stories. Unfortunately it started getting late and Ben looked nervous about the consequences of arriving too late to meet the Mrs, so I had to leave without getting to taste one of the luscious looking burgers Vinnie had on the Grill. You owe me a burger Ben!!

Overall my impression from the event was that team CHOCO is made up of some great guys, excellent athletes with lots of heart. They have a great future ahead of them. The event was well organized, and will no doubt become an anticipated annual event.

Thanks, and good luck in Germany, TEAM CHOCO !!!

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