This past weekend the Institute of Martial Arts had 4 participants in the inaugural IBJJF Pro League. The pro league is the first IBJJF tournament offering money to the winners making the athletes true professionals. Invited were the top black belts in each weight class over the last 3 years and 2 wild card spots for those who won their respective divisions at the Long Beach Invitational held earlier in the day.
Representing our gym and our association were Samir Chantre, Osvaldo “Queixinho” Augusto, Caio Terra and Leandro Lo! Caio started off the event well by winning his division! In the final he faced a tough opponent and brought home the trophy winning 3-1 on advantages.
Unfortunately Lo, Queixinho and Samir were on the same side of the bracket in the same division. Lo and Queixinho were to face each other in the quarter finals but Queixinho, who trained with Leandro for this event, decided it was best to let Lo move in. Samir won his quarterfinal match in impressive fashion than gave Lo the bye in the semi final and finished 3rd. Lo did not disappoint anyone and went on to win in the final. Not a bad day, no one got injured and IMA/CTBJJA took home 2 of the 4 first place medals! Congrats to every one, great way to end 2012, can’t wait for 2013!
