The IBJJF returned to the Round Rock Sports Center for the Austin Summer International Open on Saturday July 16th and Sunday July 17th. The jiu-jitsu scene in Texas has been growing every year. Many elite competitors have relocated to the Lone Star State, making the local tournament scene even more competitive. Ares, Brazilian Top Team, CheckMat, LEAD BJJ, Double Five, GF Team, Gracie Barra, and Six Blades Jiu-Jitsu all have locations in Texas and all brought big teams to Austin.

Nathiely De Jesus made her highly anticipated return to the competition mats in Austin. She competed in the open class, winning two matches to claim gold. Nathiely’s first match was a semi-final against Jessica Buchman of TAC Team BJJ. The multiple-time World Champion scored points via sweeps, guard passes, and mount attacks that eventually led her to an armbar finish. The final was against Jessica Guedry of Paragon BJJ Austin. Jessica defended Nathiely’s early attacks well, fending off an armbar early in the match. Nathiely ended up back in her guard, where she used her favored lasso position to setup her next attack. She tilted her opponent to the side and attacked her arm, finishing with a belly down armbar to secure the open class gold in a dominant return to competition.

The standout competitor of the adult male black belt divisions was Manuel Ribamar, who won double gold in the gi and his weight division in no-gi. In the gi, Ribamar competed in both the middleweight and absolute divisions. “I had two matches, one in the division and one in the open class. I felt in good shape since I cut back down to middleweight and I also had two submissions. I feel that I’m gaining back the pace of the division and I'm excited for what’s next.” Ribamar won another two matches the following day in the no-gi medium-heavy division, capturing his third gold medal of the weekend.

2019 World Champion and CheckMat representative Matheus Gabriel had a total of four fights and four submissions between his gi and no-gi divisions. Matheus competed at lightweight in the gi on Saturday and won two fights, the first via mounted triangle and the final with an armbar.  On Sunday he competed in the no-gi middleweight division, again finishing both of his opponents en route to gold. Matheus’ first submission was an inside heel hook and his second was a flying armbar.

In the black belt adult male featherweight division, it was Sam Nagai of CheckMat who went home with gold. Sam is known for his fast-paced and aggressive jiu-jitsu, a style he put on full display at the World Championships less than two months ago. In Austin, he submitted both of his opponents. His final was a 28 second armbar finish. “I had two fights and I finished both so I’m really happy with my performance and ready for the Orlando Open!” Sam will be competing in another tough featherweight division next weekend in Orlando.

2018 World Champion Amanda Canuto won gold in the gi at lightweight and placed second in no-gi at feather. Igor Schneider also had a great performance, winning ultra-heavy gold in gi and no-gi.

2022 Austin Summer International Open team results:

1.   LEAD BJJ

2.   GF Team

3.   Gracie Barra

2022 Austin Summer International No-Gi Open team results:

1. Brazilian Top Team
2. Alliance
3. CheckMat

2022 Austin Summer International Kids Open overall team results:

1. LEAD BJJ
2. Pablo Silva
3. Gracie Barra