The inaugural IBJJF New Haven International Open was held at the Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven, Connecticut. Many east coast based competitors came out to the gi and no-gi event including Maria Malyjasiak, Italo Moura, Igor Feliz, Devhonte Johnson, and Max Gimenis. The following competitors took first place in their respective divisions.

Israel Almeida of GF Team competed in the lightweight category in the gi. “I had two fights. I won the first on points and finished my final with an armbar. I’m feeling great and ready for the next competition. I want to be able to show my jiu-jitsu to everyone and work hard to be World Champion!"

The male gi open class winner was Italo Moura. Italo placed second in the middleweight division but came back to the open to claim gold. “I had 5 fights total, winning four of them and getting three submissions. I felt good and I played more on top. I was able to do stuff I’ve been practicing at the gym. I’m focusing on my wrestling and my top game.”

In the female open class, Maria Malyjasiak was the champion. In addition to competing she also coached teammates throughout the day, making her results all the more impressive. "It was an exhausting day coaching my teammates through their matches. I am happy I managed to win two of my matches in the open class against tough opponents.”

Unity Jiu Jitsu had a great showing at the event. On Sunday, Edwin “Junny” Ocasio won no-gi light feather gold. “I felt amazing, both mentally and physically, like I never have before! I had two matches and I finished them pretty quickly. I fought Hiago Gama in my final, which I was happy about because I know how good he is. I did not get to showcase all the new techniques I have been working on, but that's ok. It keeps my opponents guessing. I think I performed well, but my standard is high. So I will aim to do even better next time. From here on out, I'll be laser focused on No-Gi Pans and No-Gi World’s."

Felipe Cesar Silva, another Unity representative, won medium-heavy gold. “I won my first match 8 x 2. In the semi-final I won 25 x 2 and then I closed out with Jefferson in the final.” Unity would take first place as a team without the gi.

2022 New Haven International Open team results:

1.  Renzo Gracie Academy

2.  Nova União

3.  Double Five

2022 New Haven International No-Gi Open team results:

1. Unity Jiu Jitsu
2. Alliance
3. Renzo Gracie Academy