Leo Galati vs Jose Maria (Closed Fights Demolition) from Matt Henderson on Vimeo.

Mirkko vs Jorge Giner (Closed Fights Demolition) from Matt Henderson on Vimeo.

This year GB Marbella sent 10 people to compete, who returned home with seven medals:

• Vinicius Moura took bronze in his black-belt category.
• Jose Antonio Merida (of our partner school in La Linea) was the star of the team, winning gold in his category, and silver in the brown-belt open class.
• Matt Henderson took bronze in his brown-belt category.
• Augusto Aloisio took bronze in his purple-belt category.
• Miika Mehmet took gold in his white-belt category.
• Brendan Slade took bronze in his white-belt category.
• Last but not least, DD took silver in his white-belt category.

In addition to these, Brandon and Javi Bombero had really good showings in the white-belt category, and Leo Galati had the misfortune of being paired with the current world champion in his first purple-belt fight. (In fact, Leo had an excellent fight with the world champion. It could have easily been the final!)

As always, our favorite photographer, designer and BJJ tough-girl Caroline Azzi was there to take photos. We hope to have them up an online soon!

In other news, our good friend Jude Samuel, a black belt from Roger Gracie’s gym in London who frequently visits Marbella and trains with us, had an amazing performance at the European’s, winning gold in his black-belt category, and silver in the open class, losing only to the legendary Fabio Gurgel!

All in all, it was a fantastic event. We had a lot of fun, got to see our BJJ buddies from around Spain, and even had a chance to take some photos with Rickson and Kron Gracie! Looking forward to next year!…

Augusto Aloisio

Our Argentinean sensation Augusto Aloisio has quickly established himself as one of the top competitors in Spain. Ten fights in a day? Broken arm? The other guy weighs 105kg? No problemo — Augusto always finds a way to win, and that’s what happened this weekend, as “Augu” won both his weight category, and the overall absolute title in the Intermediate Category. (And get this: Augusto right now is walking around in a full arm cast, due to an injury he suffered in his second of five fights!)

Congratulations, Augusto! Videos of the fights are being processed and will be added to this article within the next day.

Augusto “Tio Chico” Vieira

As many of you know, GB Marbella has had the honor the past few months of having a guest instructor in Marbella, Augusto “Tio Chico” Vieira. Tio Chico is a close friend of Edson, and a clear up-and-comer on the competition BJJ scene. He has been an amazing instructor for us, showing us moves and details that we’ve never seen before.

In his final days in Marbella, Augusto took the opportunity to travel this weekend to compete with our other Augusto in the Hemo Hold tournament, where he put in two great fights, winning both his category and the absolute title in the prestigious Advanced category. In his first fight, he was able to finish top Brazilian fighter Paulo Sergio de Souza with an arm triangle, and in the absolute fight, with one of Spain’s elite grappling fighters, Tito Beltran, was able to finish with a rear naked choke!

Congratulations, Augusto (That sounds familiar!…)

Videos

Below are videos of some of the fights. More coming soon…

Augusto “Tio Chico” Vieira vs Paulo Sergio de Souza

Augusto “Tio Chico” Vieira vs Tito Beltran

Augusto Aloisio vs Antonio Vadia

Augusto Aloisio vs Enrique Marín

Augusto Aloisio vs David Aranda

Augusto Aloisio vs Samuel Sanvicente

GB Marbella Hemo Hold Results (in Spanish)

Here’s some videos I recorded from the event (hopefully more coming soon):

• Augusto’s second fight

• Augusto’s third fight

• Edson’s fight

The Gracie-Barra Andalucia team traveled to Lisbon, Portugal this past weekend to compete in the 2008 European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships, and performed very well! Medal winners included Matt (gold, brown-belt, senior 1), Jose Antonio (bronze, brown-belt, master), Hans (bronze, blue-belt, adult), Aida (bronze, blue-belt adult) and 15 year-old (!!) Andres (silver, blue-belt, juvenile). In addition, both Javi (not pictured above) and Juan competed, and although they didn’t medal, both fought very very well, and are sure to do some big things in the future!

Our coach, Edson Jorge, unfortunately couldn’t compete due to his recovery from an earlier injury, but he of course traveled with the team to the event, and gave all the encouragement and coaching that we could ask for!

The Spanish BJJ community was very well represented overall. You can read more news about the event here (in Spanish):

http://www.fightsol.com/foro/index.php?topic=6313.0

A general observation from everyone that went, was that the BJJ level in general is really increasing. Every category from white to black was full of very talented competitors. It was especially fun to watch the black belts! That alone was worth the trip! Several big names were there, including Roger Gracie and Fabricio Werdum (neither of whom competed), and Renato “Babalu” Sobral (who competed in brown belt.)

Este año el equipo de competicion de GB Marbella volvio a Lisboa saliendo el Viernes por la mañana y liderado por Professor Edson “Sururu” Jorge. Competidores eran Cinturon Blanco Dani, Agusto y Nacho. En Azul Pablo “Paleta”, Frank, Mike, y Jose Antonio

Dani and Agusto were both in the lightweight category -76kilos.
Dani fought two very tecnical and cool headed fights before losing a very close third to the eventual champion by an Advantage.

Dani y Agusto lucharon en peso leve -76kilos. Dani lucho muy friamente calculador, ganando con superior tecnica sus primeros dos combates antes de perder ante el eventual campeon por una ventaja.

Agusto,true warrior that he is, refused to let a serious rib injury stop him from competing and won three fights in a row. The medical unit on hand were concerned with the obvious pain he was experiencing and after the third fight prohibited him from continuing although he had won. No amount of protest would change their minds even after Edson pleaded with them. Agusto was emotionally crushed, we all know he would have won so as far as we are concerned Congratulations Agusto you are the Champion!!!

Agusto, verdadero guerrero que es, se negaba a dejar una lesion en su costilla pararle de combatir y gano sus tres combates seguidos. La unidad medica desafortunadamente notaba el dolor obvio que experimentaba y prohibieron su continuacion en el torneo. Ninguna protesta de Agusto ni de Edson logro cambiar esta decision. Agusto estaba obviamente desilusionado, pero animo Agusto, todos sabemos que hubieras ganado asi que Enhorabuena Campeon!!!

Nacho—- Sometimes when you go to compete you just have bad luck. This time Nacho drew the eventual Sub-Champion in the first round. It was obvious this fighter was a highly skilled Judoka and caught nacho by suprise throwing him and submitting him quickly. Better luck next time Nacho and PULL GUARD!!

Nacho— A veces cuando vas a competir tienes mala suerte. Pues le toco a Nacho, en la primera pelea le toco el eventual sub-campeon. Este luchador obviamente de alta habilidad Judoka sorprendio a Nacho con una proyeccion y submission explosivas. Mejor suerte la proxima vez Nacho y METELE EN TU GUARDIA!!!!

Paleta also suffering from a serious rib injury overcame his pain and showed his grit and will winning his first fight with tecnical superiority and was on his way to winning his seond with a 2 advantage lead when while on their feet and headed out of the combat area the referee stepped in between to move them back to the center. As Paleta backed up he relaxed and his oponent anticipating the referee´s command threw pablo for 2 points and the win before the referee had taken a step back. Not willing to reverse himself or disallow the throw, the referee did nothing even when Paleta stopped fighting in protest. Bad luck Paleta!!

Paleta tambien sufria de una lesion en las costillas pero supero el dolor y lucho mostrando su dureza y determinacion ganando su primera pelea con superioridad tecnica de su guardia famosa. En su segundo combate iba ganando por dos ventajas con menos de un minuto restante, de pie y saliendo de la area de combate el arbitro paro la pelea se metio en medio y llevaba los luchadores al centro para reinciar el combate. Mientras Paleta caminaba hacia atras y anticipando la señal del arbitro su contrincante inicio una proyeccion y el arbitro le dio los dos puntos. Se negabtra a considerar lo ocurrido incluso cuando Paleta dejo de luchar protestandolo. Mala Suerte Paleta y tranquilo que te quedan muchos años y titulos por delante.

Mike Rios– I won my first two fights easily and was on my way to winning the third by a slim advantage until I commited the mental error of trying to pass the guard to secure a bigger lead. Got swept, lost, end of story. Live and Learn.

Mike Rios– Gane mis primeras dos peleas bastante facilmente y iba ganando la tercera por una ventaja cuando cometi el error mental de intentar pasar la guardia . Me raspo, perdi, fin de la historia. Vivir y Aprender.

Jose Antonio– CONGRATULATIONS SUB-CAMPEON EUROPEO!!!!!!!!!! Those of us who have been getting crushed steadily by Jose Antonio for the last 2 years all knew he had it in him. He fought his way through 2 nerve rackingly close battles and into the final where he looked to be on his way to gold until late in the fight his opponent managed to score the winning points. We are very proud of you Jose Antonio!!!!!

Jose Antonio ENHORABUENA SUB-CAMPEON EUROPEO!!!!!!!!!! Aquellos de nosotros que llevamos años siendo aplastados por el sabia que era capaz. Cuidadosamente gano dos peleas muy ajustadas pasando a la final donde tambien ganaba hasta casi al final de la pelea su contrincante logro marcar unos puntos y ganar. Somos MUY orgullosos de ti Jose Antonio!!!

Frank Crocker, although he hasnt been able to train with us much this Palhares Jiu Jitsu student fought as a GB Marbella team member and finished his first fight in the Juvenile Blue Belt Open Category with a lightning triangle to armbar transition SWEEET. Not so much luck in his second fight as a pointless war ended up in a loss by an advantage. I know you could have beaten that guy Frank!!! Congratulations on the bronze.

Frank Crocker, Aunque no ha podido entrenar mucho con nosotros este luchador de Palhares Jiu Jitsu en USA peleo junto a nuestro equipo y finalizo en su primera pelea en Juvenille Open Blue Belt con una triangulo a Armlocki gaupisimo. No tuvo suerteen su segunda pelea perdiendo por una ventaja en una pelea sin puntos. Sabemos que puedes ganarle a ese Frank!!! Enhorabuena por el bronce!!

Special thanks to Jarno for coming with us and helping wherever he could next year you had better fight.

Gracias especiales para Jarno que nos acompañaba y ayudaba donde podia el año que viene estaras alli pero luchando.

The whole team and all the students of Gracie Barra BH Marblla would like to express our greatest gratitude to our Professor Edson “Sururu” Jorge who symbolizes professionalism and leads by example and whithout whom none of this could have ever happened. THANK YOU!!!!!!

El equipo y todos los alumnos de Gracie Barra BH Marbella queremos expresar nuestro profundo agradecimiento a nuestro Professor Edson “Sururu” Jorge que es todo un Profesional y lider por ejemplo. Sin el nada de esto seria posible jamas. MUCHAS GRACIAS!!!!!

With Jose Antonio out because of knee surgery and Ben Johnson no longer with the club only Mike Rios and Pablo Cabo represented GB Marbella in the Blue Belt category. Both won their matches in their weight division. Unfortunately, Pablo had shoulder problems and could not compete in the Absolute division and Mike lost in the opening round.

Thanks to Luis Zarate for a great event and we look forward to defending our team title next year!!!

El pasado día 18 de Noviembre el equipo de competición de Gracie Barra Marbella liderado por Edson Sururu gano el Campeonato por Equipos en la Primera “Copa de Granada� de BJJ organizado por Luis Zárate Jiu Jitsu de Granada en el Centro de Alto Rendimiento Deportivo (CARD). Esto fue por el esfuerzo excelente de nuestros cinturones blancos; Dani y Tete quedaron primero y segundo en 76kgs con técnica y voluntad sólida, Augusto gano en 82kgs finalizando en la final con una excelente llave de brazo bien elaborada, “Alemán� gano en 88kgs dejando claro su superioridad, mientras Leo domino en 94kgs en la final hasta una kata getame desde abajo en 100kilos por su contrincante le dejo en segundo. Leo no tardo en revindicarse dominando la categoría Absoluto y finalizando con un triangulo la final dejando claro quien era el mejor cinturón blanco del día. El debut de nuestro miembro más nuevo “Gigante� fue un espectacular duelo de 250+kgs combinados. Lucharon de pie intentando múltiples proyecciones y defensas sabiendo las consecuencias de quedarse abajo en una lucha en el suelo. Al final en una muestra de su enorme potencia Gigante levanto los 140+kgs de su oponente por los pantalones y le lanzo al suelo cayendo con un impacto que vibro el suelo. Poco después sumito verbalmente y Gigante se llevo oro en su primera competición.

Muchas Gracias a Luis Zárate y nos vemos el año que viene cuando defenderemos nuestra Copa!!

Nuestro compañero Pablo Cabo, representante español de la Gracie Barra Bh/Marbella ha conseguido obtener un 3º puesto en la Copa del Mundo de BJJ celebrada los dias 19 a 25 de julio de 2006 en el Gimnasio Caio Martins en Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro .

Pablo, third place in the Copa del Mundo!

Pablo traveled to Brazil early, to complete his training, after having conducted a month of private preparation with Edson in Marbella. These trainings were fundamental to achieving his competitive level.

Pablo viajo a Brasil para terminar la preparación de cara al mundial, que ya venia realizando con Edson durante un mes previo. Unos entrenamientos que han sido fundamentales para alcanzar los resultados obtenidos.

While in Brazil, Pablo competed in the two most important competitions in the world: The World Cup (organized by the CBJJO) and the World Championships (organized by the CBJJ). The experience to compete at this level was invaluable, and will serve as a motivation for the rest of the team in its future European competitions.

Su presencia en los campeonatos ha sido por partida doble, participando en los dos campeonatos mas importantes a nivel mundial, la Copa del Mundo realizada por la CBJJO y el Mundial por la CBJJ. Creemos que ha sido una experiencia muy positiva y esperemos que sirva para ayudar al equipo de cara a las próximas competiciones.

Below is a video of Pablo, in which he loses to Guilherme Mendes in the semifinals. (Gilherme eventually became the Champion in both the World Cup and the World Championship.)

Aquí esta el video de la semifinal en la cual Pablo pierde para Guilherme Mendes, campeon de le categoría en la Copa del Mundo y en el Mundial.

Lucha de Pablo en X-Combat.com

Commenting on the technical level, Pablo states, “The truth is, I didn’t see a large difference in the technical level of the Brazilian teams in comparison with the foreign teams. Little by little, one begins to see foreign competitors achieving impressive results in Brazil. I’m convinced that our own team will continue in its success, especially at the next European Championships.”

Nuestro compañero nos ha comentado su impresión del nivel técnico encontrado en Brasil, y dice: “La verdad que no existe una gran diferencia técnica entre los participantes de otros países extranjeros. Poco a poco van apareciendo mas competidores de otros países realizando muy buenos combates e incluso alcanzando muy buenos resultados. Y estoy convencido de que este año el equipo va conseguir muchas medallas en el campeonato Europeo el próximo enero�.

Pablo, with competitors from Draculino’s Gracie-Barra Belo-Horizonte

This year has been great in terms of competitive results for the team, and especially for Pablo, as he has become of Spain’s top competitors.

Este año a sido muy positivo para el equipo, consiguiendo unos resultados extraordinarios. Por su parte Pablo se ha convertido en este 2006 en uno de los mejores competidores de BJJ en España.

We hope that Pablo will be able to count on the support of our gym, Platinum, as well as other sponsors wanting their brand to be associated with the hard work, dedication, discipline and, ultimately, success that Pablo is representing in Spain. We should all keep in mind that Pablo is traveling 60 km to Marbella to train, while keep the hard schedule of a student!

Esperemos que este año puedas contar con el apoyo de Platinum, así como de otros sponsors que puedan ayudarte a conseguir tus objetivos. Pablo al ser un estudiante ha de trabajar las horas q los estudios te permiten para poder costearse los entrenamientos y los viajes a marbella, ya que vive a 60km de Marbella.

We wish you all the best, Pablo!

Te deseamos mucha suerte para esta temporada 2006/2007.

Pablo especially wanted to say thanks to Edson Sururu Jorge, for all his hard work, to Caloquinha for opening the doors to his home, and to Telmo. And he wants to say thanks to all the guys at Gracie Barra Belo Horizonte for their warm and welcome reception of Pablo in Brazil.

Pablo ha querido agradecer muy especialmente a Edson por todo el trabajo realizado, a Caloquinha por abrirle las puertas de su casa en Brasil y a Telmo. Así como a todos sus compañeros por el apoyo que le han dado y ha querido mandar un saludo a nuestros compañeros de la Gracie Barra de Belo Horizonte, por el trato obtenido y por la ayuda prestada en cada momento.

Gracie-Barra Marbella, led by professor Edson “Sururu” Jorge, went to Valencia, Spain to compete in the Valencia Grappling tournament on Saturday, May 20, 2006. The team performed unbelievably well, bringing home the overall team competition.

Pictures, videos and full story coming soon, but here are the highlights:

• First place, Team Competition: Gracie Barra Marbella
• Winner Superfight: Edson “Sururu” Jorge
• Winner Superfight: Caloquinha
• 1st Place, Open Division, Advanced: Edson “Sururu” Jorge
• 1st Place, Open Division: Mike Rios & Jose Antonio Merida
• 1st Place, Super Lightweight Division: Pablo Cabo
• 1st Place, Lightweight Division: Mike Rios
• 3rd Place, Lightweight Division: Matt Henderson
• 1st Place, Heavyweight Division: Jose Antonio Merida

Videos

The video list will grow over the following days:

• Superfight: Edson “Sururu” Jorge

• Superfight: Caloquinha

More Videos

Here are some videos of Jose Antonio “Zen of Aikido” Merida, Pablo “Vai Vai Vai Vai Vai Vai Vai” Cabo, Mike “Don’t Touch My Elbows” Rios, and Matt “Yes, I just blew a 6 point lead” Henderson:

Photos

Be sure to check out the photo gallery of the event in Pablo Espejo-Saavedra’s FightSol website.

Thank you!

We’d like to close the article by giving a big Thank You shout out to our mates at Crazy Valencia MMA Academy. You guys did a great job organizing this event. Everything was well organized, and went very smoothly. There were nearly 100 competitors, and just as many watching in the stands. We’re looking forward to the second edition next year!

**28 luchas y 26 victorias!!**

Gracie-Barra Marbella, liderada por el profesor Edson “Sururu” Jorge, viajaron a Valencia, España, para competir en el campeonato de Valencia de Grappling (Submission Wrestling) el sábado 20 de Mayo de 2006. El equipo tuvo un rendimiento increiblemente bueno, trayendo a casa el campeonato por equipos.

Fotos, videos y la historia completa vendrán pronto, aunque aqui un adelanto:

*Primer lugar en la competición por equipos: Gracie-Barra Marbella

*Ganador de la Superfight: Edson “Sururu” Jorge

*Ganador de la Superfight: Caloquinha

*1º lugar, categoría open, avanzado: Edson “Sururu” Jorge

*1º lugar, categoría open: Mike Rios & Jose Antonio Merida

*1º lugar, categoría super ligero: Pablo Cabo

*1º Lugar, categoría ligero: Mike Rios

*3º Lugar, categoría ligero: Matt Henderson

*1º lugar, categoría pesados: Jose Antonio Mérida

**Gracias!**

Nos gustaría cerrar este articulo dando un gran agradecimiento a nuestros compañeros de la academia Crazy Valencia MMA. Vosotros hicisteis un *gran* trabajo organizando este evento. Todo estuvo bien organizado, y transcurrió sin problemas. Hubieron cerca de 100 competidores, y casi lo mismo mirando en las gradas. Estamos esperando para la segunda edición el año que viene!

Gracie-Barra Marbella medalists included (in alphabetical order, by medal):

• Augusto (Gold medal)
• Pablo (Gold medal)
• Pasi (Gold medal)
• Aino (Silver medal, women)
• Jose Antonio (Silver medal)
• Reza (Silver medal)
• Leo (Bronze medal)
• Mike (Bronze medal)

These medalists demonstrated an incredible level of opponent control, movement, submissions, stamina and endurance. Augusto and Pasi, for example, fought five matches each to win their gold, and Pablo fought four, finishing with an inverted armbar! Aino was impressive in her very first competition. Jose Antonio demonstrated the technical level we all knew he possessed, controlling and submitting his opponents. Reza was a man on a mission, to the unfortunate peril of his opponents. Leo demonstrated the tremendous progression he’s made in the past months. And Mike looked like he was auditioning for the sequel to Rickson Gracie’s “Choke”.

In other action, Javier lost a very close fight (to one of our good friends from Anaconda Barcelona). Tete, finishing fourth in the absolute bracket, suffered the only injury of the day, but should be back in action before long. And Matt lost a close fight in the final moments, by an advantage, to a Gracie Barcelona brown belt.

These results are the best testament to the high-level of Jiu-Jitsu instruction provided by our black-belt instructor, Edson Jorge, and his supporting staff of Caloquinha and Thelmo.

Afterwards, we all went out and celebrated as a team with a fantastic dinner of steak and wine at the famous Asador Aranda. Nobody will soon forget Juan the Waiter, or our table neighbors, Carlos, a man of few words, and his companion Lola. And the night wouldn’t have been complete without Jose Antonio’s Cava Italian Toast (Brindis Italiano), which we decided to practice like four time.

In the next few days, we’re going to try to upload all of the fights (more than three hours!), so be sure to check back soon.

Finally, we’d like express our sincere gratitude to Robin Gracie, and his team at Gracie Barcelona, for organizing this annual event.

And now, we take Gi off, and starting training for the next event, the Grappling tournament in Valencia, in May.

Esta semana, sábado 8 de Abril, la sexta copa de España de Jiu-Jitsu Brasileño tuvo lugar en Barcelona, España, dirigida por Robin Gracie. Este evento es considerado por todos como el campeonato de España de facto. El decir que nuestro equipo Gracie-Barra BH Marbella lo hizo bien es insuficiente. Nuestro equipo, el cual tiene menos de un año, paso por el campeonato como un huracán. Viajamos con 11 competidores, volvimos a casa con no menos de 8 medallas, y quedamos segundos por equipos! (el equipo ganador fue Gracie Barcelona, con 30 competidores!)

Lista de medallas del equipo Gracie-Barra Marbella (en orden alfabético, por medalla):

- Augusto (medalla de oro)
- Pablo (medalla de oro)
- Pasi (medalla de oro)
- Aino (medalla de plata; femenino)
- Jose Antonio (medalla de plata)
- Renza (medalla de plata)
- Leo (medalla de bronce)
- Mike (medalla de bronce)

Estas medallas demostraron el increible nivel en control de oponente, movimentación, finalización, estamina y resistencia. Augusto y Pasi, por ejemplo, participaron en 5 luchas cada uno para ganar la medalla de oro, y Pablo luchó cuatro, finalizando a uno de sus contrincantes mediante armbar inverso!. Aino estuvo impresionante en su primera competición. Jose Antonio demostró el nivel técnico que todos sabemos que posee, dominando y finalizando a todos sus contrincantes. Renza fue el hombre con una misión, para poca fortuna de sus oponentes. Leo demostró la tremenda pregresión que ha tenido en estos ultimos meses. Y Mike parecía que estaba siendo participe de la secuela “Choke” de Rickson Gracie!

Por otro lado, Javier perdió una lucha muy igualada con uno de nuestros grandes amigos del equipo Anaconda Barcelona. Tete terminó cuarto en el absoluto, y sufrió la única lesión del día, pero debería de poder volver en acción en poco tiempo. Y Matt perdió una pelea muy igualada en los momentos finales, por una ventaja, con un cinturón marrón de Gracie Barcelona.

Estos resultados son el mejor testigo del alto nivel de instrucción de Jiu-Jitsu por parte de nuestro instructor Edson Jorge, y sus ayudantes Caloquinha and Thelmo.

Mas tarde, todos fuimos a celebrarlo como equipo con una fantástica cena de filete y vino en el famoso Asador Aranda. Nadie olvidará al camarero Juan, o nuestro vecino de mesa, Carlos, un hombre de pocas palabras, y su compañera Lola. Y la noche no habría sido completa sin el brindis italiano con cava de Jose Antonio, que decidimos practicar por cuatro veces.

En los próximos dias, voy a tratar de subir todas las peleas (mas de tres horas!), asi que vuelve pronto.

Finalmente, queremos dar nuestra sincera gratitud a Robin Gracie, y su equipo en Gracie Barcelona, por organizar este evento anual.

Y ahora, a quitarnos el kimono, y comenzar a entrenar para el próximo evento de Grappling (Submission Wrestling) en Valencia, en Mayo.