The Nashville Spring Open took place on Saturday April 22nd and Sunday April 23rd at the Williamson County AG Expo Park in Franklin, Tennessee. The event belonged to Alliance, who won the team title for the second time. Guilherme Augusto and Melissa Stricker both put on excellent performances for the Alliance team as they both won double gold in the gi.

Guilherme had two matches at ultra heavy and three in the open class to win his two gold medals. He’s been very active so far in 2023, winning gold at the Dallas and Oklahoma City Opens and taking double bronze at the Pans. Melissa Stricker didn’t have any matches at medium-heavy, but competed in the open class alongside three other competitors. She secured two wins and helped propel Alliance to the team title.

Diego Pato is another competitor who has been very active in 2023. He maintained his high work rate at the 2023 Nashville Spring Open, winning a gold medal in the featherweight division with two victories. He’s currently the #2 ranked light-featherweight athlete in the world.

Unity Jiu-Jitsu was another team with an excellent showing in Nashville. Team leader Murilo Santana won his only match at medium-heavy to take gold. No-Gi World Champion Sebastian Rodriguez competed in the heavyweight division, also winning his only match to secure another gold for Unity.

In the no-gi divisions, the standout competitor was rookie black belt Steffen Banta. Steffen went 5-0 on the day. In the final of the super heavy division, Steffen had a twenty five second leg lock finish, his most impressive victory of the day.

2023 Nashville Spring Open team results:

1. Alliance

2. Luiz Palhares Jiu-Jitsu

3. TAC Team BJJ

2023 Nashville Spring Open No-Gi team results

1. Zenith BJJ

2. Gracie Barra

3. Team James Clingerman