The event was held in large part to support Operation Interdependence (OI), a nationwide 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of providing support to our troops serving all over the world, along with their families back home. To date, OI has donated over 1,005,070 pounds of goods to military families and veteran families since its inception in 2001. In order to bring that total to an even greater number, the Gracie Grappling Cup served as a designated drop-off point for needed items in support of our Armed Forces.
As for the action on the mats, a unique experience was provided to the registered competitors of the day as non-other than Relson Gracie himself, along with his only son Rhalan and other black belts, were officiating throughout the entire day. The tournament also showcased a different set of rules than normal IBJJF fair. This concept was created by Master Relson in order to emphasize technical skill, encourage continuous movement towards submission, and dissuade competitors from stalling.
The Gracie Grappling Cup was highlighted by a Black Belt PRO division featuring some very talented grapplers competing in ten-minute matchups for a $500 cash prize.
In the main event, it was Carlos Diego Ferreira traveling in from McAllen, TX to join his Arsenal BJJ teammates in competition and win the cash prize over Drew Lockwood, an Elite MMA brown belt out of Houston. Carlos Diego put on constant pressure in this match as he achieved side conrol almost from the outset, attacking with a kimura and choke before finishing the match with an armbar. (video of this match)
Overall, the Gracie Grappling Cup showcased many teams in attendance from the San Antonio area and beyond, amongst them Arsenal BJJ, Rodrigo Pinheiro BJJ, Marra Senki BJJ, Elite MMA, Alvarez BJJ, Gracie Barra, and of course the Relson Gracie associated-academies in Central Texas and all around Texas.
Stayed tuned for Team and Individual Standings from the Gracie Grappling Cup team in the next week or so but for now, please enjoy a select viewing of advanced match video from the tournament along with pictures of the event as seen below. I’ll be adding MUCH more in the way of event photos to Facebook so make sure to add me there if you or your children competed at the Gracie Grappling Cup!
Videos from the Gracie Grappling Cup 2011
- Carlos Diego Ferreira vs Drew Lockwood – here
- Huanderson Pavão vs Drew Lockwood – here
- Lora Hallock in the Men’s Gi Division – here
Check out the majority of advanced division matches (purple belt and up) on the Texas Grappling Channel now! Also, check out this amazing highlight video from the Gracie Grappling Cup, courtesy of San Antonio’s Anthony Pepito:
Photos from the Gracie Grappling Cup 2011
Click here or on the photo above for a slideshow and gallery from the Gracie Grappling Cup 2011. Make sure to refer to Facebook for many more additional shots from the day as well.