On Saturday June 25th, jiu-jitsu athletes from around the world gathered in Spain for the IBJJF Madrid International Open. The gi and no-gi divisions took place on the same day, as Cicero Costha Europe, Gracie Barra, CheckMat, Nova Uniao, GF Team, and ZR Team Association all had representatives in the black belt divisions. The following black belts took home gold medals in Spain.

The black belt adult male open class winner was Catriel Oliveira. The GF Team heavyweight won two matches to capture open class gold. In his first match he defeated Jakub Najdek of CheckMat. He then moved on to the final, where he defeated Marek Bujlo of Brasa Poland via an armbar setup from the collar and sleeve position. “I had three matches total with one submission by armlock in the open class. It’s amazing to be back competing. I’m looking forward to fighting again at London Open. I want double gold. I’m always looking for exciting matches with tough athletes around the world with support from my gym, JDA Training Center,” said Catriel. He also won no-gi heavyweight gold the same day, besting Vegard Randeberg in the final.

Martin Alonso of Academie Caio Terra won featherweight gold after defeating Jobson Gustavo Apolinario of ZR Team and Christopher Kriebel of Nova Uniao. “I had two matches. The first one was with a Brazilian black belt. I won via armbar from the back. The second match was with a competitor that came from the United States. I managed to secure a bow and arrow choke from the back. Overall I felt good. I had some good exchanges to secure the back. I’m looking forward for the next one.”

Jed Gary Sang-Hue of Grand Union Jiu-Jitsu won the male no-gi open class. He defeated Jakub Najdek of CheckMat in the final. The female no-gi open class gold went to Raquel Ferreira da Silva. Raquel defeated CheckMat’s Rafaela Rosa in the final after dropping a match to her earlier in the day in the featherweight division.

Madrid International Open Team Results:

1. Gracie Barra
2. CheckMat
3. Mathias Ribeiro Team

Madrid International Open No-Gi Team Results:

1. Coracao Valente Academy of Jiu-Jitsu
2. CheckMat
3. Mathias Ribeiro Team