Tournament Recap – Gracie Grappling Cup Waco

By TXMMA Staff | Photos by Felix Rodriguez, Mike Calimbas Photography

Gracie Grappling Cup plays host to Grandmaster Relson Gracie as a red belt for the first time; Josh Lauber promoted to first degree black belt

WACO, TX, September 5, 2013 – The Gracie Grappling Cup tournament series returned to Waco, TX this past weekend with Josh Lauber, Michael Campos, Chris Spicer and crew all there a support the very special tournament occasion with Grandmaster Relson Gracie presiding over the tournament for the first time since being promoted to GJJ/BJJ red belt just a few months ago.

Likewise this Texas trip for Grandmaster Relson Gracie also marked another special occasion as he recently presented Josh Lauber of Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu San Antonio with his first degree rank on his black belt. as a testament to all of his hard work defending the art and teaching diet, self-defense, sport and Gracie philosophy throughout the years.

“I was very Honored to receive my first degree on my Black Belt from Grandmaster Relson Gracie,” said Lauber about his promotion. “I cannot express the thanks and praise I feel for this man and the many gifts that Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Has given me. Thanks to all my students, association, and my family without whom it would be impossible to do this Jiu-Jitsu thing! I appreciate you all!”

Gracie Grappling Cup – Tournament Highlights

As is customary for Gracie Grappling Cup events, many of the highlights centered around the kids division of the tournament. Gracie Grappling Cup has made it a point to focus on fostering a safe competitive atmosphere for the younger practitioners of the sport and it clearly showed as GM Relson Gracie and son Rhalan Gracie were on the mats refereeing for much of the day.

“Not only that, but he (Relson) spent all of his time between matches talking with the kids, building them up as well,” according to one parent making the trip from Paragon in Dallas to have her daughters compete.

As for the rest of the tournament it also featured some highlights in the black belt division with some excellent competition between Rhalan Gracie, Carlos Diego Ferreira, and Alex Martins amongst others.

At the end of the day Carlos Diego Ferreira took home the $1,000 cash prize for his first place finish but there were of course exciting matches as well. Check out the results, pictures, and video below for more highlights from this edition of Gracie Grappling Cup in Waco.

Make sure to check out the registration page for the Nov. 2^nd Gracie Grappling Cup in San Antonio as well.

Gracie Grappling Cup – Waco Team Results – August 31, 2013

Kids Team Champions

1st Place – Relson Gracie (65 pts)

2nd Place – Ohana (32 pts)

3rd Place – Evolve BJJ (17 pts)

Adult Team Champions

1st Place – Relson Gracie (145 pts)

2nd Place – Fit & Fearless (25 pts)

3rd Place – Strike and Submit Martial Arts (15 pts)

Gracie Grappling Cup – Photo Gallery

Make sure to visit the complete event gallery, now available for print purchase on www.mikecalimbas.com/BJJ.

Gracie Grappling Cup – Select Match Videos