The 2023 Salvador Fall Open was the final tournament in Brazil prior to the Brasileiros, the third major gi tournament of the year. Consequently, there were many high level black belts competing in the event to sharpen their techniques ahead of their next big challenges. The top team of the Salvador Fall Open was team Nova Uniao, who went home with gi and no-gi team titles.

Gabriel Costa of Dream Art put on the best performance of any competitor at the Salvador Fall Open. He competed in three divisions; medium-heavy and absolute in the gi and medium-heavy no-gi. Between these divisions Gabriel had a total of nine matches, finishing seven of them by submission for a 77.78% submission rate. Of his seven submissions, six came from chokes from the back. With the wins, Gabriel secured the points he needs to compete at the World Championships in June.

In the lightweight division, Lucas Maquine of Fratres Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu made his IBJJF black belt debut. Lucas was promoted to black belt following a second place finish at the 2023 Europeans. “My black belt debut went very well, doing my jiu-jitsu and my game, being smart, and creating good opportunities in the fights to be champion,” explained Lucas. “I had a total of five fights with one submission and four wins by points. I fought with an aggressive forward game and I was always looking for the submission. My next IBJJF commitment is Brasileiros.”

The female standout of the Salvador Fall Open was Jeane Rafaelly of CheckMat. Jeane commented on her day, stating “Yesterday I had four fights, one in my weight category and three in the open weight. In my weight category, I finished my opponent with a kata gatame. In the first open weight fight I finished with a  kata gatame as well. The second open weight fight I finished with a foot lock and in the final I finished a kimura. I am very happy with my performance in this championship and the next stop is the Brasileiros. I’m very anxious because this is the first time I’m going to fight the Brasileiros as a black belt. It will be a great challenge and I’m ready.”

Leonardo Gonçalves of Gracie Barra and Eliza Vasconcelos of The Brothers BJJ Pernambuco won the no-gi absolute divisions. Leonardo won three matches while Eliza won two to secure absolute gold.

2023 Salvador Fall Open team results:

1. Nova Uniao

2. CheckMat

3. Gracie Barra

2023 Salvador Fall Open No-Gi team results

1. Nova Uniao

2. Gracie Barra

3. South Zone Team