{"id":588,"date":"2014-02-05T16:38:06","date_gmt":"2014-02-05T15:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.art-of-bjj.com\/en\/?p=588"},"modified":"2016-09-04T14:59:54","modified_gmt":"2016-09-04T13:59:54","slug":"feedback-ibjjf-2014-european-open-lisbon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.art-of-bjj.com\/en\/feedback-ibjjf-2014-european-open-lisbon\/","title":{"rendered":"Feedback on the IBJJF 2014 European Open in Lisbon"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"IBJJ<\/p>\n

The IBJJF European Open<\/strong> was the main BJJ event in Europe<\/strong> of the beginning of 2014. The tournament was a great success with more than 2000 competitors, some Brazilian jiu-jitsu\u2019s worldwide stars<\/strong> and a stadium constantly crowded out. However I won\u2019t talk about results (other websites did it well!). I rather invite you to discover the tournament\u2019s Lisboet atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Lisbon in Brazilian jiu-jitsu\u2019s colours<\/h2>\n

In the city centre, far away from the gym, you begin to feel it. Starting the day before the competition, you can see groups of competitors at the bend of the historical centre\u2019s streets. Caps on the head \u201cAmerican style\u201d, hoodies with logos from the academy or a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brand, cauliflower ears, the \u201cfighter\u201d style is proudly showed off and people are relaxing.<\/p>\n

Getting closer to the gym, the atmosphere is completely different. Faces are closed and concentrated, the walk is hasty. The continuous flow of visitors in the neighbouring streets indicates the way to the stadium (no need for signs! By the way there were none…).<\/p>\n

Team spirit first<\/h2>\n

Even as a spectator you can feel the \u201cpress\u00e3o\u201d once you enter the gym! On the mat but also in the grandstands where teams fly the academies\u2019 flag and fiercely support their friends who are fighting.<\/p>\n

\"IBJJ
\nThere are many Brazilian jiu-jitsu celebrities walking around the mat, in the \u201cblack belts only\u201darea. Among them Victor and Braulio Estima, Carlson Gracie Junior, Roger Gracie and Caio Terra<\/strong> present to coach (with intensity) all their students, regardless of their class, belt color, age, or sex. Very friendly too, they pose with pleasure with every fans for a picture.<\/p>\n

The tournament\u2019s star<\/h2>\n

One of the tournament\u2019s main events was the black belts open class<\/strong>; especially the semi-final between Jackson Sousa<\/strong> (Checkmat) and Yuri Simoes<\/strong> (Brasa Caio Terra and former Checkmat) where tension was extreme.<\/p>\n

However at the same time the public got passionate for Paolo Amodeo<\/strong><\/a>. This Italian blue belt, who was amputaded one leg after an accident, won the bronze in his category with technically impressive fights. The public gave it back to him with standing ovation after all his victories.<\/p>\n

\"IBJJ<\/p>\n

A corollary to the slam\u2019s ban?<\/h2>\n

I am wondering about the rule relating to slam\u2019s ban<\/strong> after watching the competition three days long. I saw many times fighters pulling closed guard and hanging a long time on their opponent<\/strong> who stood up and therefore blocked the game (on 3 mats at the same time the second day!). If it\u2019s logical to forbid the slam because it\u2019s dangerous, wouldn\u2019t it be appropriate to sanction the lack of combativeness from the ones who take advantage of this ban?<\/strong><\/p>\n

One should keep in mind that Brazilian Jiu-jitsu\u2019s first objectives are effectiveness and realism. <\/strong>In a real fight situations or MMA fights the guy who pulls closed guard and keeps hanging on his opponent will be slammed. So we shouldn\u2019t encourage fighters to play with rule?!<\/p>\n

\"IBJJ<\/p>\n

Brazilian jiu-jitsu\u2019s spirit<\/h2>\n

I will retain from this first time at the IBJJF European Open that beyond the competition, it first gathers people passionate by Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Each one has a place there: female, juvenile and male competitors are on the same pedestal. A friendly spirit where I had the chance to catch up with people I met during my last trip and to make new unforgettable meetings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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