The Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Centre was the site of the 2023 Pan Pacific Jiu-Jitsu Championships. This year’s edition of the event was the fifth in the organizations history, and showcased the growing talent in Australia.

2022 World Champion Thalison Soares returned to IBJJF competition for the first time since the Asian Open back in July. He won two fights in the light-featherweight division to become the 2023 Pan Pacific Champion.

“It’s always good to compete in Australia and perform for the Australian community, the country I chose to be my home and that welcomed me so well,” explained Thalison. "I had two fights where I was able to display my jiu-jitsu so well, using a lot of good passing and back attacks. I’m staying active so I can start the 2024 season in my best version.” Thalison is ready to hit the ground running next year, as he plans to compete at the European Championships in Paris in January.

Immersion Mixed Martial Arts athlete Nikki Lloyd-Griffiths was the female adult black belt double gold champion. She described her experience at the 2023 Pan Pacific, stating, “I had four matches, two in my weight category and two in the open weight. I had three submission wins and a points win.” Nikki went on to explain each match, starting with the medium-heavyweight division. “In the first match I tried some passing, eventually getting to the mount and finishing with a choke. I played guard in the second match and won via triangle armbar. In the open weight I finished my first opponent with a triangle armbar in under fifty seconds and then won the final 7-2.” Nikki would also go on to win double gold without the gi after getting two more wins.

Yonekura Daiki of Igloo BJJ was the male black belt no-gi absolute champion. The light-featherweight won three matches to take home open class gold.

2023 Pan Pacific adult male team results:

1. Australian Elite Team

2. de Been 100% Jiu-Jitsu

3. Gracie Barra

2023 Pan Pacific adult female team results:

1. Australian Elite Team

2. Immersion Mixed Martial Arts

3. Will/Machado

2023 Pan Pacific masters team results:

1. Dominance

2. Australian Elite Team

3. Marcelino Freitas BJJ

2023 Pan Pacific juvenile team results:

1. Evolve MMA

2. Gemina

3. High Rollers

2023 Pan Pacific novice team results:

1. Dominance

2. Australian Elite Team

3. CheckMat

2023 Pan Pacific No-Gi team results:

1. Australian Elite Team

2. Dominance

3. Absolute MMA Australia