Just off the heels of the IBJJF FloGrappling Grand Prix on Friday March 3rd, another IBJJF event went down in Texas on Saturday March 4th and Sunday March 5th. The Dallas International Open was the second open event in Texas this year, where there were fantastic performances from Diego “Pato,” Yan “Pica Pau,” Emily Fernandez, and Guilherme Augusto, among others.  

2021 World Champion Diego “Pato” returned to competition in Dallas following his second place finish at the Europeans. Pato competed with and without the gi. At featherweight, Pato won gi and no-gi gold with three victories. He also placed 3rd in both the gi and no-gi absolute divisions.

Yan “Pica Pau” Paiva was the adult male black belt open class champion. The Dallas Open was Yan’s third event of the year. He took gold at the Memphis Open and silver in Austin, a pace he hopes to keep up throughout the year.

“I felt really good in Dallas. I had a few tight matches against tough opponents. At this level we can’t make mistakes. If you blink, you’re late, and your opponent is one step ahead. So I’m very happy with my performance and I felt my game was pretty solid. I’ve been working so hard and studying a lot. After my three knee surgeries I had to change and fix my game and it actually made me improve my jiu-jitsu. I’m back in the game again, feeling healthy and strong. I moved to Texas and it’s been three months since I decided to focus 100% on my athletic career again. I’m focused on the big tournaments and ready for the biggest challenges. I’m doing an incredible preparation with Six Blades Fort Worth and Warehouse Jiu-Jitsu. I can’t wait to show the world our work!”

Another Texas-based competitor, Emily Fernandez of LEAD BJJ, also won open class gold in the gi. Prior to competing in Dallas, Emily had won gold at the Waco, Austin Winter, and Oklahoma City Opens as a black belt. She commented on her absolute gold medal performance in Dallas.

“I felt very comfortable in my matches. I was happy that I was able to show some of the techniques that I’ve been working in the academy with my team. So far in 2023 I’ve been pretty successful. At all three tournaments I’ve competed in this year I’ve been able to win the absolute division. I’m confident to continue this success in the remaining season, as I’ll keep working hard with my team. I’m excited for Pans coming up in a few weeks, the perfect test for Worlds in June.”

The no-gi open class champions were Guilherme Augusto of Alliance and Ana Nascimento of Fight Sports.

2023 Dallas Open team results:

1. LEAD BJJ

2. Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu

3. Gracie Barra

2023 Dallas Open No-Gi team results

1. Gracie Barra

2. LEAD BJJ

3. Brazilian Top Team