For the first time in the organization’s history, the IBJJF hosted the St. Louis International Open in St. Louis, Missouri. The midwest jiu-jitsu scene, much like other regional scenes throughout the world, has continued to grow and expand in recent years. Rodrigo Vaghi BJJ, TAC Team BJJ, and Gracie Humaita, who have long been important associations in the midwest, brought the most competitors to the event.

The female open class champion in St. Louis was Ana Brandao of Havanti BJJ. The 2021 Brasileiro bronze medalist had a great performance, despite not competing in an IBJJF event since early 2023.

“I had three fights, one in the division and two in the absolute. The last IBJJF championship I participated in was the European. I was very anxious before the fights for having gone so long without competing. It was my first open here in the USA. Despite the anxiety of returning to competitions, I was able to impose my game and strategy in the fights. I was able to start the matches in front and keep control of the fights, knowing that I was going to fight very strong girls. The strategy was to always start in front. The goal is to be at the Orlando Open, Chicago Open, Jiu Jitsu Con, and the Toronto Open.”

TAC Team BJJ took first place overall as a team. Super-heavyweight Ashur Darmo was one of the team’s best athletes of the weekend. Ashur spoke about his two open class victories that gave him the absolute gold medal.

“The first fight was against CJ Murdock. I took him down, passed his guard twice, and then submitted him with a collar choke from the crucifix position. In the semi finals my opponent bowed out due to injury. Then in the final I fought Pedro Zapata and it was fun because he's 300 lbs but moves fast. He missed a drop seoi nage throw that put me in half guard. From half guard I got an advantage for punch choking him until I nearly passed. We scrambled back to the feet. I defended another throw that got me on top. I passed the guard then got knee on belly before I submitted him with a cross choke from there.”

Ashur’s two submissions and absolute gold came after a two year hiatus due to injury.

2023 St. Louis Open team results:

1. TAC Team BJJ

2. Rodrigo Vaghi BJJ

3. Gracie Humaita