Exciting Spring of 2013 for Nava Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Nava BJJ took the month of March by storm, and stepped out into competition. The beginning of March started out with the Want vs. Need tournament in Lawndale, Ca. Brandon Walker, Jose Contreras, and Thomas Keenan as well myself all headed down to this win by submission only tournament on March 2^nd. Brandon submitted both of his opponents earning him a spot in the final tournament at the end of March. Jose went the distance with his competitor, and showed great skill on the mat. However he wasn’t able to submit his opponent as the tournament requires to move into the next phase of competition. Thomas Keenan who is a fellow Nova Uniao teammate had 4 exciting matches. He submitted all of his opponents securing his spot in the March 30^th final Want vs. Need competition. Great job all by all three!

 

After returning home there was little time for rest as the team headed into training hard for the Pans 2013 tournament  March 20-24^th in Irvine, Ca. For the first time in 7 years I was disappointed to have not been able to compete due to a back injury. However my team was on fire, and that more than made up for it! John Gorrie had five very intense matches, and proudly earned the Bronze for showing such great skill. Chris Rottinger had 3 outstanding matches, and took the bronze medal home. Nate Steen had 4 exciting matches securing the bronze as well. Kevin Tyrell engaged in 4 matches which ultimately earned him the Gold! The Blue belts had a great showing all around of much skill and talent. I am VERY proud of each, and everyone on the team who put great efforts into the preparation for this event. This is a tournament showcasing the best, and you all represented proudly!

Kevin Tyrrell Gold. 

Nate Steen Bronze.

Chris Rottinger Bronze.

John Gorrie Bronze.

Just to keep everything on track for the timeline of March I have to add what turned out to be not only a great surprise, but a moment I will never forget. Our awesome family lead by Jenni Larson’s inspiration decided to surprise me, and my wife with a ceremony to renew our vows. They went through a lot of effort to provide us with a real life Jiu Jitsu wedding from the team being dressed up in their Gi’s to our very own Jose Contreras getting ordained so that he could perform a ceremony like no other. His words were a great representation of the amazing 15 years I have shared so far with the love of my life. I can’t thank my team enough for being more than just a team, but for being a true family.

 

Things still kept rolling as a week later Brandon Walker, and Thomas Keenan headed out to the final competition of the Want vs. Need tournament. I am very proud at the dedication my student Brandon put into not only training, but also losing approximately 20 lbs to meet the weight requirements for this competition. Both guys ended up on the same side of the bracket with a match against each other being inevitable. Brandon submitted his first opponent, and faced Thomas in his second match. Thomas Keenan took that match, and ultimately won the tournament. Both guys represented Nova Unaio proudly as making it to this point was a great accomplishment!

Heading into April we had a great time of celebration as I proceeded to promote 12 students at Nava BJJ! It was a great honor to promote these dedicated students to the next phase in their Jiu Jitsu journey. Every one of them has the heart, and determination to deserve this great honor.

Ross Brantner: Purple

Dave Barnes: Purple

Nate Steen: Blue

Luis Varela: Blue

Kevin Tyrell: Blue

John Gorrie: Blue

Caine Morrow: Blue

Keith Morehead: Blue

Luis Varela: White/Grey stripe

Lucas Varela: White/Grey stripe

Frank Singleton: White/Grey stripe

Yolot Delfin: White/Grey stripe

GREAT JOB GUYS!!

 

I also wanted to recognize Nava BJJ’s judo instructor Sarah Black who had the great honor of winning a trip to Abu Dhabi to compete at one of the best tournaments in the world. She went against a European black belt champion, and lost by only one advantage. Sarah is an outstanding competitor, and judo instructor! She represented Nova Uniao, and our team proudly!

Nava BJJ Entered 2013 with some Excitement!!

Reflecting back on the year 2012 inspires me with a sense of hope, and strength for the year 2013 that lies ahead of us. As a coach, and a team our goal was to be in the top 5 Jiu Jitsu schools in the state. We are grateful in every aspect to have settled into 4^th place overall according to www.Azsbjjf.com. There is always encouragement when we exceed our goals, which in turn requires us to make 2013 a year of great achievements. I know as a team, and a family we will accomplish that with humility as well as perseverance. While the year brought much empowerment for the team it also brought more personal battles closer to home. My own family is now battling a genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). I have had to learn to overcome a lot of the challenges of what this knowledge now brings me. I am humbled, and encouraged at the Nava BJJ family who have come together to represent what it really means to be a team. From Supporting our Family fundraiser which was a Pancake breakfast to coming together as a Nava BJJ family during the holidays to surprise us in a great way. The true testimony of a family comes from the battles they fight alongside each other. I am forever grateful for all they have done for us. I am very excited for 2013, and want to encourage everyone to make it your year to standout!

Some more exciting news that has started off the New Year in a big way is the addition of a new Nava BJJ affiliate Gracie Fighting Systems! I am honored to be able to come alongside, and support such a well established school with a solid BJJ team. This is Nava BJJ’s first venture into affiliations, and we are very excited to work with GFS! GFS is a reputable MMA school with trained and experienced instructors. I look forward to getting to know the team and working more with Head instructor Daniel Madrid as well assistant coach Jose Munoz.

On January 15^th I headed out to Salt River High to have a workshop with the Salt river Police Department, Fire department, and Dept. of corrections. It was an awesome experience to work with such a great group of people who’s jobs are to protect their community. A lot of the time was filled with No gi, and submission wrestling. However the last portion of class incorporated Self Defense training as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to come, and bring the art of Jiu Jitsu to another local community!

As I mentioned previously 2013 is a year for new beginnings, and a chance to standout. That can be done in a variety of ways, but as I continue to learn about myself I realize there is always one common denominator. May this year be a reminder to us to always compete, train, speak, and live with Integrity. See you on the mat!

Nava BJJ at the 4th Southwest Classic

On October 20^th Nava BJJ headed to the 4^th Southwest BJJ classic to participate in what would prove to be another exciting weekend of Nava BJJ history. Having spent countless hours pushing the team to their limits I was sure we ready to go into this tournament giving it our all. We started off the morning with the kids’ competition. Students Kadin, Alex, and Christian impressed us with their skills as they each brought home medals representing our team. Alex having recently received his yellow belt showed great technique on the mats. Newcomer Kadin had no fear stepping out onto the mats in his very first Jiu Jitsu tournament! Cane M. and Jordan A. competed in the pre-teen division. Both students put their best on the mat, and brought home silver medals. Both Cane, and Jordan recently received their orange belts. They represented well by showing the technique they have trained hard to learn. I’m very proud of our kids as I continue to see improvements, and look forward to what the future of these talented students offers.

We then moved into the blue belt division for some fierce competition. It was great to see the students showcase their skills, and display their heart for competition. One student who represented this in a big way was Jose Contrerras by bringing home Gold in his division after submitting all three of his opponents. This is a great accomplishment, and much deserved for someone who puts great efforts into his training regimen. Gray Hatch brought some excitement into the day by taking Gold after three intense matches. This win now makes him a back to back Gold medalist as he took Gold at the teams last competition. Michael Leonard who dropped from seniors into the masters division took Gold as well. Mike has dedicated much of his time recently to training, and preparing for competition. He was able to submit the first opponent in this division in less than 20 seconds. He went into the open division submitting his opponent in less than 10 seconds! At the end of the day not only did the blue belts honor our team in a big way, but they put us into the second place spot for the day! We were excited to head into day two of competition, and ready to make some noise.

Jose Contreras in action

Gary Hatch

Day two started off with the purple belt division. Wilber Varela was set to compete for the first time as a purple belt, and made his debut memorable. He submitted both his opponents taking Gold in his division, and making his team very proud! We then moved into the white belt division with some first time competitors representing Nava BJJ. In the Juvenile division Mark D. and Marcos V. stepped on the mat in their very first competition. They both took silver after some very technical matches. It was awesome to see after much hard work on their part, the skills that dedication to training will help one acquire. Other first timers that day in the adult division were Jacob M. and Corey F. These students all represented our team with great determination.  John G. was definitely a standout for Nava BJJ in the adult division after a very intense match with an opponent he formerly lost too. After securing the victory he took to the podium with a much hard earned silver. Kevin T. continues to dominate this year in all his state competitions. He submitted both his opponents to take Gold, and the opportunity to claim an undefeated title for the year.

It was awesome to end the day with a second place trophy. I believe it represented the victory that hard work, dedication, and the family mentality that I feel we emulate from the best of what we have learned in the jiu jitsu community. We continue to absorb all that we can as learning, and training will always be evolving. I am so proud of my team as well their commitment to themselves, and to each other. I believe that is what sets us apart, and had made a way for such an exciting win,.and weekend. 

Nationals, MMA, Judo Happening at Nava BJJ

On September 8^th Nava BJJ had six students head out to compete at the IBJJF American National Jiu Jitsu tournament. This event was held at the Cal State University Domiguez. These tournaments always provide a great opportunity to put our skills to the test. It also gives us an opportunity to see what we need to do in order to improve upon our techniques, and approach the next event with a different outlook. Brandon Walker, and Jennifer Larson represented Nava BJJ/Nova Uniao well bringing home medals from some very hard earned matches. Brandon won his first match by submission, and going on to win his second as well. He brought home the Bronze, after a very difficult third match. Jenni Larson continues to prove she is definitely making her comeback after taking necessary time off for healing due to injury. She has focused on training as well she is constantly conditioning herself to go the distance. Jenni had an awesome first match, and headed into the finals losing by only one advantage. All of the competitors put their best efforts forward, and are not afraid to test out their skills at any given chance. Now we have a chance to gather as a team, and re-group. We are always humble enough to look at what needs to be worked on, and shape our techniques accordingly. Great Job Team!

 

Saturday night on September 15^th proved to be an exciting night as Nava BJJ’s Aaron Wilson had his second amateur fight. This event took place at the dodge theatre, and the promotion was Coalition of Combat. It was a great thing as a coach to see my student continue to work on his dream of becoming a pro fighter one day. I really enjoyed working alongside Power MMA to help prepare Aaron for the night’s event. Walking Aaron to the ring with Ryan Bader was a great privilege as well. Aaron’s match proved to be exciting as he won his fight in the first minute and forty seconds by armbar. I am very proud at Aaron’s dedication to training, and the results this kind of dedication provides. He is currently 2-0, and will soon prepare for his next fight which is November 17^th. This event will be held in Payson, and the promotion is All Powers Combat. Great Job Aaron!!

Nava BJJ is Very excited to welcome a new instructor into the program on September 17^th!!! Sarah Black is a very talented black belt in Judo, and has so much to offer in regards to raising our game. She will be teaching Judo the first, and third Mondays of the month from 6:30 to 7:30. Please help me out by giving her a warm welcome into our school, and come check out this exciting new class!  Take a look at the following.

Sarah Black - Bio

Sarah spent her youth playing basketball, which culminated in a California State Championship victory with the Sierra College Wolverines in 1999. 

In 2003 she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Chico State University with a BS degree in Business (Management Information Systems option).  She was hired to do software support for Sungard located in Chico, CA where she continues to work as a remote software developer out of Tempe, AZ.

Her early and mid 20s were spent trying her hand at every sport she found thrilling including snowboarding, motocross, mountain biking, whitewater raft guiding and kayaking.

It wasn't until February of 2006, at the age of 26, that she took her first Judo class.  After a year training with the Chico Judo Club, Sarah made the move to Redwood City, CA and trained with the Stanford and Cahill's Judo Teams.  She ended her Judo career training at the Jason Morris Judo Center in Scotia, New York where she was awarded the rank of Nidan (second degree Black) from Jason Morris.  

Sarah was awarded her Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Blue Belt from Robson Moura in 2009.  Under the coaching of Gustavo Dantas she won the 2009 BJJ American Nationals in the Adult Light and Open divisions.  Shortly after, she moved to New York to continue with her Judo career for another 18 months.  After making the heavy hearted decision to end her Judo career Sarah made the easy decision to return to Tempe, AZ and train again at the Gustavo Dantas Jiu-Jitsu school and duplicated the 2009 American National Titles in 2012.

Judo - Black Belt Competition Results

* 2010 Presidents Cup Grand Rapids Kent County, Gold (63 kg)

* 2010 Starrett Cup Boston, Gold (63 kg)

* 2009 Quebec Senior Open Montreal, Bronze (63 Kg)

* 2009 US Nationals Championships San Diego, Bronze (63 Kg)

* 2008 USA Fall Classic Spokane, Bronze (63 Kg)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - Blue Belt Competition Results

*2012 American Nationals IBJJF, Gold (middle weight) and Gold (open weight).

*2012 Vegas International Open IBJJF, Gold (middle weight) and Gold (open weight).

* 2012 Long Beach International Open IBJJF, Gold (middle weight).

* 2012 Phoenix International Open IBJJF, Gold (middle weight) and Gold (open weight).

* 2012 San Francisco International Open IBJJF, Gold (middle weight) and Silver (open weight).

*2012 All Star Tournament, Gold (middle weight) and Gold (open weight).

*2012 Jiu-Jitsu By the Sea, Gold (middle weight) and Gold (open weight).

*2009 American Nationals IBJJF, Gold (light weight) and Gold (open weight).

Nova Uniao Mesa/Nava BJJ Promotes first Purple Belt.

On August 25^th  I was given the honor of promoting 9 of my students. As the Jiu Jitsu program has grown over the past few years so has the diversity of color at Nava BJJ! I am extremely proud of all the hard work that my students have put in to take it to the next level. Every one of them has displayed great skill in order to be able to move forward with this achievement.

 Saturday was definitely new beginnings as I awarded the first belts to the kids in the kids program! Its always exciting to see the kids continue to grown in their Jiu Jitsu skills, and techniques. They continue to push themselves to do their best, and are always ready to learn in each class. The kids instructors have done a great job in preparing the kids to move forward, and achieve the necessary milestones to take that next step.

 

It was a great honor to promote my very first purple belt Wilber Varela! He is not only a student, but also he is a great friend. Wilber has worked hard, and dedicated himself to training. When he comes in to train he is always there to support his teammates in any given situation. Moving to that next step not only requires skill to achieve it, but also the heart to meet the needs of those around you. Wilber represents both skill, and heart!

 We definitely ended the promotions on a high note. My instructor Gustavo Dantas paid us a visit to award us with the 2012 IBJJF Las Vegas Open trophy. Nava BJJ actively participated in helping secure second place for our team. It is such a great privilege to be affiliated with such a great team. As we go forward I will continue to strive to learn, and teach the core of what makes Nova Uniao such a successful presence in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

 Thank you again to all of my students who worked hard, and diligently for this promotion. I am truly honored that you call Nava BJJ your home! The following is a list of the students who were promoted at the August 25^th event:

Tanner Renner       White/Grey

Christian Renner     White/Grey

Kadin Chaira          White/Grey

Aven Sandoval        White/Grey

Alex Sanchez          Yellow

John Villalobos        Blue

Nolan Daniels         Blue

Ray Calderon          Blue

Wilber Varela         Purple