November 4, 2006 was an epic day for the Houston Grappling Scene as Travis Tooke and Definitive Productions put on the Ground Control Championships, which remains as one of the most epic and ambitious Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and No-Gi tournaments Houston, Texas has ever seen.
With over 120 divisions on the day in addition to super fights featuring such talents as Marcelo Garcia, Rafael Lovato Jr, Mike Fowler and more, the event was billed as spectacular from the start and competitors and fans came out in droves. From a BJJer’s perspective, the action that day sure delivered as then-and-future Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champions like Romulo Barral, Vinny Magalhaes, Ryan Hall, Bill “The Grill” Cooper, and so many more graced the mats at the Reliant Center.
I still remember bearing witness to the greatness that is Marcelo Garcia as he dominated the action with relentless top pressure and seamless half-guard sweeps. This was also the first time I saw the emerging brilliance of Draculino student Romulo Barral. I could go and on about performances from all the talent on the mats that day but it was truly epic and helped moved Jiu-Jitsu forward in this city. Great memories!
Were you there? Did you compete this tournament? I’d like to hear from you.
Chime in via the comment section below and let us know your favorite memories from this and other events around Texas. We just might feature it in an article soon!