For the third time in the organization’s history, the IBJJF hosted the New Haven Open at the Payne Whitney Gymnasium in Connecticut. With nearly twice as many points as the second place team, Nova Uniao emerged victorious as the overall team champions.

The black belt open class champions of the event were Italo Lima of Ares BJJ and Larissa Dias of R1NG BJJ. Italo’s day started in the heavyweight division, where he won his first fight with a perfectly executed cross choke from the mount. He then met Enderson Dias in the final, where he would end up losing the match and taking silver in the division. The 2023 American National Champion would return to the open class, however, where he’d win two more matches to win absolute gold. It was Italo’s sixth IBJJF gold medal of 2023.

2022 IBJJF World Champion Larissa Dias returned to competition for her fifth event of the year. Prior to New Haven, Larissa had taken gold at the Pans, Atlanta Winter Open, and Orlando Summer Open tournaments, along with a silver medal at the Worlds. The R1NG BJJ representative had two open class matches, winning both in dominant fashion to secure another 2023 gold medal.

Dream Art’s Gabriel Costa was another standout competitor in New Haven as he won a gold and a silver medal at the event. He won four matches between the medium-heavy and open class divisions, continuing his streak of great performances this year.

2023 New Haven Open team results:

1. Nova Uniao

2. Renzo Gracie Academy

3. Atos Jiu-Jitsu