Welcome to Gracie-Barra Marbella. Our academy trains and competes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), grappling and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Join us in beautiful Marbella, Spain training the most effective martial arts in the world. Learn more about the academy, its instructors, or read our blog below.
This past weekend, the Gracie-Barra Andalucia team traveled to Granada to compete in the Copa Granada BJJ tournament, hosted by Luis Zarate. Several of our usual competitors couldn’t make the event, and Edson couldn’t compete due to his recovering elbow injury, but even with a relatively small team, Edson coached the team to take home third place overall in the team competition.
Marcelo – First Place. Marcelo Uirapuru Azevedo won the black-belt superfight at the end of the day with a triangle submission 40 seconds into the fight. What a great way to announce his arrival in Spain!
Jose Antonio. Jose Antonio had a very tough fight in the purple belt division, losing to the 110 kg competitor (and eventual champion) on points.
Pablo Paleta – Third Place. Paleta finished third in the purple belt division. Even though he lost to the eventual champion of the division, his fight was considered one of the best and most technical of the whole event, as he moved from technique to technique against the competitor almost twice his size.
Matt – Second Place. Matt finished second place in the purple belt division, winning his first fight, and then losing in the finals.
Leo – First Place. Leo won the blue belt absolute division, and was also considered among the most technical fighters on the day. He just keeps getting better and better.
Juan – First Place Juan continued to demonstrate a great progression as he won the white belt division with control and technique.
Aida. Aida lost her first fight, but put in a very good performance, nearly securing a triangle. She keeps getting better and better.
Hans. Hans also had a tough first fight, overcoming some initial breathing difficulties, to nearly win. Hans also demonstrates better and better performance in each event.
Roberto Roberto was having a good first fight, but lost by disqualification on an unfortunate technicality (something legal in grappling, but not in BJJ).
Tanya Tanya gained experience in her BJJ tournament, losing to the eventual champion of the division.
Javi Javi demonstrated a great take-down, but lost a close one in his first fight.
Team results:
Photo Album:
Thanks to our new photographer extrodinaire Carole, we’ve got another GREAT set of photos for you. Carole is a new student with us. She runs a new interior design and architecture business in Marbella, so if you need some talent in that area, well, look no further!
Other links:
Big thanks to Luis Zarate for putting on a great event. We look forward to next year!