It is with great joy and honor for us to bring you this past year’s finalists and urge on your participation as we narrow down our 2012 winners! Our goal with these awards (as with our MMA Edition) is to shine a positive light on those in the community that have worked hard to compete and push the sport forward during the past calendar year. Basically we want this whole thing to be purely about acknowledging individual, team, and community achievements.
With that being said, we also have a few brief points to get to before announcing the finalists.
First of all regarding these awards, choosing finalists is subjective by nature but we also want to be fair to everybody. The goal for us is to keep our decisions as statistically-oriented as possible in order to quantify the most deserving candidates out there. Even so, please keep in mind that despite all the research work we do put in, we also haven’t been to every school, tournament, or city for that matter so we’re sure some outstanding achievers will be missed. It happens but it’s not intentional. In those cases, please highlight them in a positive manner through your comments so we don’t miss them for consideration the next time around. Or just make note of our nomination period around November every year so you can state your case for any given candidate and we can research their stats for finalist consideration. Your input and available stats that we can find are how we put this thing together.
Finally, just thanks to everyone in our community once again for being a part of this. Above all else we really do this for you guys and the main goal of TXMMA’s existence is the same as it has been since 2001 – to keep pushing combat sports forward in our state and get it the national attention it deserves. We appreciate all your support!
2012 TXMMA Awards – Grappling Edition Timeline of Events
► January 18, 2012 – Grappling edition finalists released; Voting commences.
► January 27, 2012 – Grappling edition voting deadline at midnight.
► January 28, 2012 – People’s Choice Winners announced for Grappling Edition.
► February 1, 2012 – Official Winners announced for Grappling Edition.
2012 TXMMA Awards – Voting Process
The election process to identify a winner in each category will be conducted via a mixture
of confidential panel voting along with a populous fan vote conducted via our TXMMA Facebook Page. This process has been designed to allow for the unbiased election of the top nominees for each of the 2012 TXMMA Award Categories while also serving as the means to decide the People’s Choice Award Winners. For a detailed explanation of the election process for the 2012 TXMMA Awards, please click here.
Notice of Eligibility: For all non-national categories, competitors must reside in Texas as primary place of residence and/or be awarded merit based on notable wins within the state of Texas in 2012 to be considered. Events up for awards must also have taken place in Texas. Certain other criteria may apply to select categories at our discretion.
2012 TXMMA Association of the Year Finalists
This award recognizes the team / organization for the most successful year overall in Texas during 2012.
Nova União
RCJ Machado / SMAA
Elite MMA
Gracie Barra
Paragon
Team Tooke
Alliance
GFTeam
Gracie Humaita
Relson Gracie
VOTE NOW FOR ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Academy of the Year Finalists
This award recognizes the team / organization for the most successful year overall in Texas during 2012. This award also replaces the coach of the year award for 2012 as whoever wins this will assume that award de-facto.
Alvarez BJJ
Elite MMA Baytown
Gracie Barra Texas
Solis Martial Arts
Revolution Dojo
Cobra BJJ
Rodrigo Pinheiro BJJ
Paragon Corpus Christi
Relson Gracie San Antonio
Team Tooke
VOTE NOW FOR ACADEMY OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Black Belt Competitor of the Year Finalists
Daniel Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ / Nova Uniao)
Bruno Bastos (Bruno Bastos Midland / Nova Uniao)
Rodrigo Pinheiro (RPBJJ / Gracie Humaita)
Travis Tooke (Team Tooke)
Carlos Diego Ferreira (Team Ferreira)
Pablo Santos (Gracie Barra Texas)
Diego Gamonal Nogueira (BTT)
Brandon Mullins (Gracie Barra Texas)
Gustavo Carpio (Marra Senki)
Alejandro Siqueira (Gracie Barra)
Honorable Mentions
Steven Hall (Alliance), Jorge Patino (Gold Team), Kelly Rundle (Mohler BJJ / Alliance), Joseph D. Shelley (NDBJJ / RMNU), Igor Santos (GFT/Paradigm), Chris Westfall (Travis Lutter), Jeff Messina (BJJ Revolution), Albert Hughes (Genesis), Jarrod Clontz (AFC / SMAA), Alvis Soliz (SMAA / RCJ Machado)
VOTE NOW FOR BLACK BELT OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Brown Belt Competitor of the Year Finalists
Julian Vega (Elite MMA Baytown)
Clay Copeland (Texas Punishment Crew)
Luis Rubalcava (Arsenal BJJ / Alliance)
Raul Jimenez (Team Gaucho / Alliance)
Jason Soliz (Texas 3rd Coast MMA)
Robert Yamashita (Elite MMA Baytown)
Mike Harmon (Paragon Austin)
Kaue Damasceno (Bastos BJJ / Nova Uniao)
Spenser Gilliam (Solis Martial Arts)
Travis Orr (Gracie Humaita)
Honorable Mentions
Ugo Arimo (Solis Martial Arts), Juan Tatum (Peak Performance), Jose Portillo (Paragon)
VOTE NOW FOR BROWN BELT OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Purple Belt Competitor of the Year Finalists
Pedro Migliano (Rilion Gracie / Gracie Elite)
Carlos Rosario (Jeff Messina / BJJ Revolution)
Jeremiah Matthews (Gracie Barra)
Thiago Masceno (RPBJJ)
Matthew Waltmon (Peak Performance)
Braden Masters (Genesis)
Evan Gideon (Galveston BJJ / GFT)
Roman Hernandez (Arsenal BJJ / Alliance)
Brad Barnes (Bastos BJJ / Nova Uniao)
Ralph Sebexen (SMAA)
Honorable Mentions
Hayward Charles (Genesis), Michael Foster (Alliance), Samuel Snow (Snow BJJ), Jeff Hammond (Relson Gracie Tyler), Brian Lewis (Pesadillo BJJ / Alliance), Cody Hoffstatter (RPBJJ), Will Davis (Travis Lutter), Brandon Russell (Lovato), Reed Shelger (Paradigm / GFT)
VOTE NOW FOR PURPLE BELT OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Blue Belt Competitor of the Year Finalists
Cameron Graves (Team Tooke)
Cooper Cardinale (Alvarez BJJ / Nova Uniao)
Corey Bacak (Gracie Barra North Houston)
Edwin Lipsey (BQuick Jiu-Jitsu)
Jonathan Naranjo (BJJ Revolution)
Joseph Alanis (RPBJJ)
Isai Cabrera (Gracie Barra Texas)
Alex Weatherford (Paradigm/GFT)
Bobby Alexander (Team Lutter)
Josh Rios (Paragon Texas)
Honorable Mentions
Alan Chapa Jr (Rilion Gracie), Jordan Burton (Gracie Barra Texas), Ryne Sandhagen (Alvarez BJJ / Nova Uniao), Cruz Ybarra Jr (Brazilian Top Team TX), Vin Abadie (Alvarez BJJ / Nova Uniao), Matthew Fox (BJJ Revolution), Hugo Munoz (Rilion Gracie), Jordan Burton (Gracie Barra Texas), Tim Buchanan (Zion MMA), Jordan Shepler (Alvarez BJJ / Nova Uniao)
VOTE NOW FOR BLUE BELT OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Female (Purple+) Competitor of the Year Finalists
Fabiana Borges (Gracie Barra North Austin)
Ariadne Burkhart (Joao Crus BJJ)
Lora Hallock (Paragon Texas)
Lana Hunter (Carlson Gracie Texas)
Kristen Summers (Gracie Barra Texas)
Tara Arrington (Mohler MMA)
Kristine Felts (Peak Performance)
Audra Smith (SMAA)
Sue Ausman (Travis Lutter)
Christy Thomas (Relson Gracie)
VOTE NOW FOR FEMALE GRAPPLER OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Female (White/Blue) Competitor of the Year Finalists
Natalie Biasca (Alvarez BJJ / Nova Uniao)
Violet Reyes (S. Hall / Alliance)
Veronica Mota (J. Messina / BJJ Revolution)
Olympia Watts (Gracie Barra)
Brandy New (Octagon MMA)
Ashley Wade (Team Lutter)
Gabriella Muller (Team Gaucho / Alliance)
Laura Heiman (Paragon Texas)
Amy Rodriguez (Paradigm / GFT)
Danielle Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ / Nova Uniao)
VOTE NOW FOR FEMALE GRAPPLER OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Teen Competitor of the Year Finalists
Andy Cordova (Gracie Barra Texas)
Cain Menn (Paul Thomas BJJ)
Daniel Torres Jr (Team Tooke)
Damion Oranday (Elite MMA)
Darren Willingham (Ronny Lis)
Matt Hernandez (Paragon)
Mark Delarosa (Genesis)
Justin Rebolloso (Alvarez BJJ / Nova Uniao)
Jay Gloria (Alvarez BJJ / Nova Uniao)
Mark Lozano (Rodrigo Pinheiro BJJ)
Kevin Cordova (Gracie Barra Texas) ***
*** correction: Kevin is 20. We totally messed up on this one but now we know for next year. Unfortunately he is out of People’s Choice but he should have absolutely been included in the blue belt category based on his 2012 Mundials win so we will factor him in for that category in the OFFICIAL vote.
Honorable Mentions
Isiah Calderon (Team Tooke), Austin Dill (Paradigm / GFTeam), Julie Muldrow (Elite MMA, Ezekiel Vasquez (Alvarez BJJ), Garret Mowles (BQuick JJ), Devin Miller (F3)
VOTE NOW FOR TEEN GRAPPLER OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Kids Competitor of the Year Finalists
John Abney (SMAA / Ground Dwellers)
Dillinger Kovach (F3)
Ezekiel Vasquez (Alvarez BJJ)
Parker Richardson (Alvarez BJJ)
Jonah Ramirez (GB Round Rock)
Julie Rodriguez (Paul Thomas BJJ)
Jaden Two Lance (Aloiso Silva)
Trent Evans (BJJ Revolution)
Cora Sek (Team Tooke)
Francisco Sumaya (Arsenal BJJ)
VOTE NOW FOR KIDS GRAPPLER OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Referee of the Year Finalists
The purpose of this award is to recognize the best BJJ/grappling referee of Texas during the 2012 year.
Criteria for Selection: Judged by amount of competitions officiated, perceived fairness, diligence on the mats, and overall grappler satisfaction.
Brandon Quick
Renan Chavez
Igor Santos
Alejandro Siqueira
Stephen Hall
Eric Lincoln
Joshua Lauber
VOTE NOW FOR REFEREE OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Submission of the Year Finalists
The purpose of this award is to recognize the best submission in a BJJ/Grappling match that we were able to capture in the state of Texas during the 2012 year.
Criteria for Selection: Not only smooth, but also very technical and worth remembering. This submission should stick out in your mind for many days after the fact. Consideration given to matches in advanced/expert divisions and of course ones we were able to record.
Julian Vega (Elite MMA) vs. Spenser Gilliam (Solis MA) – (video)
Spenser Gilliam (Solis MA) vs. Levi Mowles (BQuick) – (video)
Lora Hallock (Paragon) vs. Tessa Simpson (Gracie Humaita) – (video)
Victor Pozas (No-Gi BJJ) vs. Davin Ordinario (Solis MA) – (video)
Cruz Ybarra (BTT) vs. Jordan Burton (GB Texas) – (video)
Raul Jimenez (Gacho / Alliance) vs. Jason Soliz (TX3C ) – (video)
Robert Yamashita (Elite MMA) vs. Raul Jimenez (Gaucho / Alliance) – (video)
Gustavo Carpio (Marra Senki) vs. Donald Park (Gracie Humaita) – (video)
Fabiana Borges (Gracie Barra) vs.Christy Thomas (Relson Gracie) – (video)
Chris Spicer (Relson Gracie) vs. Nael Chavez (Enlightened Warriors) – (video)
VOTE NOW FOR TEXAS SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA BJJ Match of the Year Finalists
This award will decide what the TXMMA Community saw as the most notable match that we were able to capture this year.
Criteria for Selection: We picked matches we were present for so there would be video to refer back to with the voting process. We chose the matches based on significance or how exciting they were. Consideration was given to matches in advanced/expert divisions and of course the match had to be related back to Texas in considering some of the bigger tournaments.
Roman Hernandez (Arsenal) vs. Emmanuel Martinez (Atos) – (video)
Clay Copeland (TPC) vs. Julian Vega (Elite MMA) – (video)
Carlos Diego Ferreira (Team Ferreira) vs. Rafael Lovato (Lovato) (video)
Braden Masters (Genesis) vs. Reed Shelger (Paradigm) – (video)
Albert Hughes (Genesis Jiu Jitsu) vs Peter Runez (Peak Performance) – (video)
Justin Rader (Lovato) vs. Pablo Silva (Gracie Barra) – (video)
Gustavo Carpio (Marra Senki) vs. Travis Orr (Gracie Humaita) – (video)
Julian Vega (Elite MMA) vs. Alvin Tillman (Warriors for Christ) – (video)
Roman Hernandez (Arsenal) vs. Patrick Sturgeon (SMAA) – (video)
Albert Hughes (Genesis) vs. Chris Westfall (Lutter) – (video)
VOTE NOW FOR TEXAS BJJ MATCH OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA No-GI Match of the Year Finalists
This award will decide what the TXMMA Community saw as the most notable match that we were able to capture this year.
Criteria for Selection: We picked matches we were present for so there would be video to refer back to with the voting process. We chose the matches based on significance or how exciting they were. Consideration was given to matches in advanced/expert divisions and of course the match had to be related back to Texas in considering some of the bigger tournaments.
Brandon Mullins (GB Texas) vs. Jason Soliz (TX 3rd Coast MMA) – (video)
Carlos Diego Ferreira (Team Ferreira) vs. Bill Cooper (Paragon) (video)
Gustavo Carpio (Marra Senki) vs. Spenser Gilliam (SMAA) – (video)
Erik Wanderley (Gracie Barra) vs. Colton Smith (AFC/SMAA) – (video)
Travis Tooke (Team Tooke) vs. Renan Chavez (Zion MMA) – (video)
Chris Westfall (Lutter) vs. Julian Vega (Elite MMA) – (video)
Jason Soliz (TX3C) vs. Victor Silveiro (GFT) – (video)
Albert Hughes (Genesis) vs. Hector Munoz (Paragon) – (video)
Domingo Pilarte (Revolution) vs. Cameron Graves (Tooke) – (video)
Michael Perez (Team Lloyd Irvin) vs. Julian Vega (Elite MMA) – (video)
VOTE NOW FOR TEXAS NO-GI MATCH OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Women’s Match of the Year Finalists
This award will decide what the TXMMA Community saw as the most notable match that we were able to capture this year.
Criteria for Selection: We picked matches we were present for so there would be video to refer back to with the voting process. We chose the matches based on significance or how exciting they were. Consideration was given to matches in advanced/expert divisions and of course the match had to be related back to Texas in considering some of the bigger tournaments.
Jordan Gaza (Gracie Barra) vs. Lora Hallock (Paragon) (video)
Tammy Griego (Gracie Barra) vs. Danielle Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ) (video)
Lora Hallock (Paragon) vs. Gabriella Mueller (Alliance) – (video)
Danielle Alvarez (Alvarez BJJ) vs. Lora Hallock (Paragon) – (video)
Lora Hallock (Paragon) vs. Ketra Bartek (Gracie Humaita) – (video)
Ketra Bartek (Gracie Humaita) vs. Gabriella Muller (Tem Gaucho) – (video)
Stephanie Cantu (Revolution) vs. Sarah Boyd (Genesis) – (video)
Sarah Boyd (Genesis Jiu Jitsu) vs Laura Uyeda (Westside MMA) – (video)
Lora Hallock (Paragon) vs. Tessa Simpson (Gracie Humaita) – (video)
Fabiana Borges (Gracie Barra) vs.Christy Thomas (Relson Gracie) – (video)
VOTE NOW FOR TEXAS WOMEN’S MATCH OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Youth Match of the Year Finalists
This award will decide what the TXMMA Community saw as the most notable match that we were able to capture this year.
Criteria for Selection: We picked matches we were present for so there would be video to refer back to with the voting process. We chose the matches based on significance or how exciting they were. Consideration was given to matches in advanced/expert divisions and of course the match had to be related back to Texas in considering some of the bigger tournaments.
Justin Rebolloso (Alvarez) vs. Matthew Hernandez (Paragon) – (video)
Cain Menn (Paul Thomas BJJ) vs. Justin Rebolloso (Alvarez) – (video)
Julie Rodriguez (Paul Thomas) vs. Kayla Deleon (Revolution) – (video)
Austin Dill (GFT) vs. Cole Crossthwaite (video)
Jay Gloria (Alvarez) vs. Austin Dill (Paradigm) – (video)
Justin Rebolloso (Alvarez) vs. Matt Hernandez (Paragon) – (video)
Cain Menn (Paul Thomas) vs. Charlie Pineda (Tooke) – (video)
Phillip Carmona (4OZ) vs. Cain Menn (Paul Thomas BJJ) – (video)
Mark Lozano (RPBJJ) vs. Zach Wallace – (video)
VOTE NOW FOR YOUTH BJJ MATCH OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Tournament of the Year Finalists
The purpose of this award is to recognize the best overall tournament of the 2012 year that was held in Texas by Texas-based promotions.
Criteria for Selection: The best tournament of the year should be decided upon based on overall size of the tournament (# of competitors), the level of the competitors, the significance of the tournament, and the overall running of the tournament (i.e. on time, good paced, no major issues, etc.).
2012 Battle of H-Town
Texas International Grappling Festival 2012
Gracie Grappling Cup – San Antonio
MatShark Worlds
Europa Torque Tournament 2012
2012 Summer Classic
F2W/WGC Texas State Championship
AGF Fall Classic
BJJ Classic – Dallas
2012 Austin Open
VOTE NOW FOR TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Non-Local Tournament of the Year Finalists
The purpose of this award is to recognize the best overall tournament of the 2012 year that was held in Texas by out of state promotions.
Criteria for Selection: The best tournament of the year should be decided upon based on overall size of the tournament (# of competitors), the level of the competitors, the significance of the tournament, and the overall running of the tournament (i.e. on time, good paced, no major issues, etc.).
IBJJF Houston Open
IBJJF Dallas Open
Grapplers Quest – Houston
S7 Dallas
NAGA World Championship
NABJJ Lone Star State Jiu Jitsu Championship
Newbreed Ultimate Challenge
NABJJ Texas Nationals
VOTE NOW FOR NON-LOCAL TOURNAMENT OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Tournament Venue of the Year Finalists
Don Coleman Coliseum – Houston, TX
Bob Knight Fieldhouse – Duncanville, TX
St. Thomas University – Houston, TX
Legends Sports Complex – Spring, TX
Delco Center – Austin, TX
Berry Center – Cypress, TX
Texas Women’s University – Denton, TX
Factory of Champions – San Antonio, TX
NYTEX Sports Centre – Richland Hills, TX
VOTE FOR TEXAS BJJ TOURNAMENT VENUE OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Seminar of the Year Finalists
Nova Uniao Worlds Training Camp (6/12)
Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida at Guy Mezger CSC (7/12)
Robson Moura + Bruno Bastos Seminar at NDMMA (2/11)
Roger Gracie at Rilion Gracie Academy (7/12)
Carlos Machado – 5 Brothers Training Camp (10/12)
Leticia Ribiero Women’s Grappling Camp (6/12)
Deoclecio Paulo at Rubicon Fightsport
Royler Gracie Seminar – Gracie Humaita Austin (3/7)
7 GB Black Belt Super Seminar w/ M. Feitosa and F. Almeida – Austin, TX (4/12)
Rickson Gracie Seminar – LX Jiu-Jitsu (6/12)
VOTE FOR TEXAS SEMINAR OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA Favorite GI Brand of the Year Finalists
Do or Die Hyperfly
Moya Brand
Shoyoroll
Keiko Raca
Inverted Gear
Koral
Atama
DOM Fight Gear
Fenom
Da Firma Kimono Company
Ouano
VOTE FOR TEXAS BJJ SPONSOR OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA BJJ Sponsor of the Year Finalists
Fear Tapping Out
Wu Gear
Redemption
Honor Fight Gear
DOM Fight Gear
Cruz Combat
Revolotus
VOTE FOR TEXAS BJJ SPONSOR OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA YouTube Video of the Year Finalists
Shoyoroll x Budovideos.com x WANTVSNEED Presents: World Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2012 HL (link)
SHOYOROLL x A&P x BUDOVIDEOS x WVSN – 2012 PAN Championship (link)
Kurt Osiander – Escape from Side Control (link)
Essence of Jiu Jitsu Training II (link)
Rolled Up Episode 32: Draculino – Where the old school meets the new school (link)
Greatest BJJ Match ever! “Buchecha” Almeida vs Rodolfo Vieira 2012 worlds (link)
VOTE FOR YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE YEAR!
2012 TXMMA BJJ/Grapping Community Service Award
This award is in recognition for outstanding community service in 2012. Consideration given to those mentioned during our end-of-the-year nomination period.
UFFL Grappling – Fight for Cash
Alvarez BJJ – Komen Race for the Cure / Mission Arlington
Enlightened Warriors – Youth Program
VOTE NOW FOR THE BJJ/GRAPPLING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD!
2012 BJJ/Grapping Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is in recognition for the following individuals’ lifetime achievements in furthering the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu specifically within the state of Texas. Achieving this official award places the winner into our TXMMA Hall of Fame.
Tim Mousel
Alvis Solis
Eric Williams
William Vandry
Tony Torres-Apponte
Joseph D. Shelley
Carlos Machado
VOTE NOW FOR THE BJJ/GRAPPLING LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD!