The IBJJF traveled to the Pacific Northwest for the 2023 Portland International Open on Sunday July 2nd. These events started back in 2019 and have continued to grow and showcase the level of jiu-jitsu in the area. Brazilian Top Team, who have a strong presence in Oregon, took home gi and no-gi first place trophies.

Maria Ruffatto, one of BTT’s top black belt representatives, was the standout athlete of the event. Between the gi and no-gi absolute divisions, Maria went undefeated with victories in both divisions.

“I didn’t have matches in my weight class so I just competed absolute. I had one match in the gi. The girl was very good and it was hard to pass her guard. I got a reverse triangle with a little less than ten seconds left in the match. I also had one no-gi fight that I finished with a closed guard armbar. Our team got first place overall gi and no-gi. We’re super stoked about it! This week I will be competing at American Nationals gi and no-gi, my first one as a black belt. It’s always a pleasure to compete against the best in the sport because I know I will absorb a lot of experience and knowledge.”

Andreza Morais of Ares BJJ was another athlete who won gold with and without the gi. She commented on her excellent performance in Portland.

“I fought in gi and won by six points. I felt really good in the fight and managed to apply the positions I’ve been working on. In no-gi I had a fight too and got the toe hold submission in 36 seconds. I’m looking forward to competing at American Nationals, Pan No-Gi, and Worlds No-Gi. I will probably compete in some opens before Pans and Worlds No-Gi to get ready.”

The male black belt open class champion in the gi was Harryson Pereira. The Ataque Duplo athlete’s best result in a 2023 major tournament came at the Brasileiros, where he earned a bronze medal. He returned to competition in Portland following the major gi tournaments of 2023.

“It was a good championship. I was champion in the heavyweight division, but didn’t have any opponents. I then signed up for the absolute where I had three fights and managed to get the submission in two of them. My next championship will be the American Nationals in Las Vegas.”

In the lightweight division, Atos Jiu-Jitsu’s Daniel Sathler won gold. The 21 year old black belt competed in both his weight class and the open, looking to gain more experience ahead of the many tournaments he plans to compete in soon. Since his black belt promotion about a year ago, Daniel has stayed active, competing in open tournaments and major events.

“I’m very happy with my performance. I was able to not only submit my matches but also control my opponents, something that I’ve been working on a lot at the gym. I also got to test myself for the first time in the black belt open class division. I got the submission in the first match and lost by an advantage in the semifinals against a medium-heavyweight. It was a great match where I could use strength with technique. At the end of the day all of this will be important for my evolution and I look forward to competing more often in the absolute division not only in the opens but in the Grand Slams also! I’ve been focusing on gi and no-gi at the academy, but as No-Gi Pans and No-Gi Worlds are coming up I’ll be taking off my gi and focusing 100% on no-gi training so I can perform well in no-gi too.”

2023 Portland Open team results:

1. Brazilian Top Team

2. Cascao Jiu-Jitsu

3. Carlson Gracie Team

2023 Portland Open No-Gi team results:

1. Brazilian Top Team

2. Gracie Barra

3. Carlson Gracie Team