The Los Angeles Winter International Open has officially concluded, with elite competitors capturing the event spotlight. Top-tier athletes demonstrated their commitment to consistent activity and the evolution of their competitive mindset. Exceptional performances were abundant across both the juvenile and adult divisions, showcasing masterful jiu-jitsu en route to securing their International Open medals.

Tarcísio Santos

Tarcísio Santos entered the LA Open for his second tournament at the black belt level. Tarcísio captured lightweight gold with three victories, including a final win over the always tough, ‘Dudu’ Granzotto. The Marcio Andre product then joined the open class bracket for another four matches against veteran competitors. Tarcísio concluded his day with a finals rematch against Dudu Granzotto, securing a points victory and a double-gold performance. Tarcísio is building potent momentum early in his black belt tenure, setting the stage for emphatic Pans and World Championship campaigns.

 

Tayane Porfírio

Alliance standout, Tayane Porfírio, joined the super-heavyweight black belt division, securing the gold medal through two matches. After defeating Michelle Dunchus in the semifinals, Tayane cemented her gold medal performance with a textbook armbar finish over Erin Quillen in the final. Tayane continued her day in the open division, taking out Diosana Frigo in the semifinals to meet the smaller, yet extremely talented Mariana Rolszt. The Alliance athlete ultimately earned the victory, securing a double-gold performance at this weekend’s LA Open. This marks the beginning of the 2026 season for Tayane, a proven veteran with significant expectations for the remainder of the year.

 

João Nicolite

João Nicolite of Brasa CTA, took home two gold medals in no-gi competition.  The open class offered João with a pair of tough competitors, beginning with a victory of Joab Oliveira in the semifinals. João earned his second gold on the day by capturing a heel hook finish in the finals.  The Brasa CTA athlete commences his 2026 season on a high note, as he prepares for the remaining competition this year.

 

Yasmyn Castro 

Yasmyn Castro of Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu took home the black belt light-featherweight gold.  Yasmyn looked phenomenal through two matches, submitting both opponents with supreme efficiency. Her performance at the LA Open showcased her dangerous guard play and elite finishing ability, proving her game is truly elite.  The Marcio Andre student appears to be in top form as she prepares for her Grand Prix superfight against Ashlee Funegra later this month.  

 

Felipe Goulart

Felipe Goulart achieved a double gold performance in Los Angeles over the weekend. He began in the adult brown belt featherweight division where he defeated Tal Pistiner for the gold medal. The featherweight competitor then challenged himself in the open class for two initial matches, defeating Atos and CheckMat athletes to set up a finals closeout with fellow AOJ competitor, Dominic Manno. Felipe concludes his LA Open performance with two gold medals, and substantial momentum to build upon heading into the remaining 2026 competition schedule.

 

Chloe Pereira

Chloe Pereira returned to action this past weekend after an incredible performance at the European Championships. Chloe looked sharp in the roosterweight semifinals, before falling short in the final against Juliana Gomes. Nevertheless, Chloe bounced back strong, capturing two more victories and the open class gold medal. Chloe displayed her resilience and winning mentality en route to a silver and gold medal at the 2026 LA Open.

 

Jesiah Tubby

Jesiah Tubby looked stellar through two matches in the adult brown belt medium-heavyweight division. A first-round submission over David Huynh set up an intriguing bout with the dangerous Caleb Nascimento. The two have met previously with Caleb claiming victory; however, Jesiah proved his ability by claiming a redemption win in the final. Jesiah showcased solid standing strategy and impressive guard work, nearly securing the back as time elapsed. Jesiah looks forward to the remaining 2026 season and future gold medal performances.

 

Jacob Holman 

Jacob Holman, representing Marcio Andre Jiu-Jitsu, competed in the adult purple belt middleweight division. Jacob completed a two-match run, culminating with a beautiful armbar finish in the final to capture the weight division gold. The Marcio Andre student then went on to secure the open class gold medal following two more commendable outings. Jacob departs Los Angeles with a pair of gold medals, and supreme confidence as he progresses through his 2026 season.

 

Maliya Castillo

Maliya Castillo of TRUJITSU completed a three-match run to finalize an impressive double-gold gi performance at the purple belt level. Maliya began her day by defeating Tiffani Pope in the super-heavyweight final to earn her first gold of the day. Moving into the open class, Maliya defeated Rhyanna Prata of CheckMat in the semifinals to set up a rematch of her weight-division final against Tiffani. The TRUJITSU athlete captured her third victory of the day, securing another gold medal. Maliya exhibited consistent control and a relentless spirit throughout her standout performance.

 

Myles Joaquin

Myles Joaquin represented Sektor BJJ in the adult purple belt no-gi divisions. Myles secured medium-heavyweight and open division gold medals across four matches. Myles appeared in peak form, showcasing his high-level guard play to disrupt and entangle his opponents. His leg entanglement and footlock pressure, alongside beautiful choi-bar setups, proved to be too much for his competition. Myles’ double-gold performance marks an impressive start to the 2026 campaign.

 

Kenneth Urena 

Athlas Training Team standout, Kenneth Urena, entered the adult blue belt lightweight division. Kenneth completed a three-match winning streak to capture the gi lightweight gold medal. Returning the following day, Kenneth secured a pair of gold medals in no-gi competition. His five no-gi matches showcased his dynamic athleticism and technical proficiency across all areas. Over the weekend, Kenneth secured multiple submission finishes, including lapel and rear naked chokes, while displaying intricate guard play and dominant pressure. With three gold medals in hand, Kenneth departs Los Angeles riding a significant wave of momentum.

 

Nurgazy Bagyshbekov

Nurgazy Bagyshbekov of AOJ delivered a commanding performance in the gi this past weekend, securing adult blue belt medium-heavyweight and open division gold medals. Across his six matches, Nurgazy secured four submissions while conceding zero points. His showing exemplified the technical mastery and winning mentality befitting a champion.  Nurgazy’s consistent evolution generates excitement for his remaining 2026 competition schedule.

 

Katerina Starodub

Gracie Barra’s Katerina Starodub impressed in the juvenile divisions, claiming lightweight silver and open division gold medals. Katerina secured a semifinals victory in the lightweight division before falling to fellow Gracie Barra athlete, Gwyneth Cavada. The juvenile open class light division witnessed Katerina secure two submissions en route to claiming the gold medal, including a redemption victory over Gwyneth Cavada. Both Gracie Barra athletes depart the LA Open with gold and silver medals, showcasing their talent and competitive spirit.  Katerina displayed impressive submission and backtake systems throughout her LA Open performance.

 

JP Tran

JP Tran continued his remarkable ascent through the juvenile divisions, capturing three gold medals throughout the weekend. The AOJ phenom has maintained peak condition since returning to the states as a European Champion last week. JP targets additional IBJFF major and open gold medals, while simultaneously preparing for his highly-anticipated superfight at the Grand Prix event in just a few weeks.

 

Mharya Ayres

Mharya Ayres commenced her 2026 campaign at the LA Open, beginning her juvenile blue belt career after her promotion late last year. Mharya captured four medals over the weekend, beginning with her gi medium-heavyweight division where she claimed victory over Sway Moorehead in the final. A rematch in the open class witnessed Sway avenge her loss over Mharya, with the latter receiving the bronze medal. Mharya returned to action in Los Angeles for her no-gi competition where she captured two wins in the medium-heavyweight and her second gold medal on the weekend. The AOJ athlete began the no-gi open class with a third victory over Sway Moorehead before defeating Zibiah Balares in the final via armbar for another gold medal. Mharya showcased solid wrestling and top control leading to efficient finishing systems, ultimately ending the weekend with a single bronze alongside her three gold medals.