The city of Salvador, Brazil, played host to an exhilarating weekend of gi and no-gi jiu-jitsu action on September 30th and October 1st, 2023. The Salvador Spring Open brought together top athletes from across the region to showcase their skills on the mats. Team Nova Uniao brought athletes of all levels and brought home both the gi and no-gi team titles.

Among the standout individual performers was Lucas Gualberto of Dream Art. The medium-heavyweight athlete demonstrated his skillset and put on a remarkable performance. Gualberto shared his experience, saying, "I had two fights in the medium-heavy division and submitted my first opponent, securing my place in the final. In the final, I secured victory by points. It was a great experience to compete again in the northeast of Brazil. Jiu-Jitsu is growing rapidly in this region, and it's an exciting time to be a part of it. My next challenge is at the Curitiba Open next weekend. My primary goal is to test and refine my jiu-jitsu skills, preparing for the Grand Slams next year."

Yuri Nadine, an athlete representing MJAM team, also showcased her talent at the Salvador Spring Open in the absolute category. Despite having no competitors in her weight class, she eagerly embraced the challenge of competing in the absolute division. Nadine discussed her experience, stating, "This time, there was no one in my category, but I stepped into the absolute division, where I had two fights. I secured a victory by referee decision in one match and, in the other, I won with a submission, utilizing a choke. My next competition is set to be the BJJ Pro Curitiba, and I'm excited to continue testing my skills against tough opponents."

In the highly competitive male black belt absolute gi category, Anderson Kauan of InFight JJ emerged as the champion. For the no-gi divisions, Leonardo Goncalves of Gracie Barra and Marilia Freire of The Brothers BJJ Pernambuco won absolute gold. Overall, the Salvador Spring Open demonstrated the thriving jiu-jitsu scene in northeastern Brazil, one that will grow in the coming years as the sport continues to to reach greater heights.

2023 Salvador Spring Open team results:

1. Nova Uniao

2. GF Team - Jiu Art

3. Gracie Barra

2023 Salvador Spring No-Gi Open team results:

1. Nova Uniao

2. Gracie Barra

3. GF Team - Jiu Art