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The weekend witnessed four events across two continents. Pan Kids highlighted the action from Kissimmee, Florida. Next-generation prospects contended for titles at the year’s premier kids competition. On the other spectrum of competition, top Master athletes set their sights on gold medals at the Master International - South America. The Orlando and Portland Open events rounded out the competition schedule this weekend, and delivered remarkable performances from elite athletes. 

 

Pan Kids

The 2026 Pan Kids attracted 3,000 young warriors to compete under the brightest lights. There was certainly no shortage of remarkable performances, with next-generation prospects claiming their respective Pan titles.

AOJ captured the overall team trophy with 437 points. The top youth program in the world sent 100 athletes to the 2026 Pan Kids, and placed 77 of them atop the podium. One of the strongest adult competition teams in the world claims a deep collection of elite talent in the kids and juvenile divisions, a frightening reality for opposing organizations. The young prospects hailing from AOJ’s Costa Mesa and Mission Viejo academies are proof of the association’s unwavering dedication and professionalism in molding young champions.

Gracie Barra earned second place in the overall team standings with 366 points. The international powerhouse association placed 104 athletes atop the podium in another successful team outing. The Gracie Barra kids competition team stands as proof of a promising future for one of the world’s largest associations. 

Alliance’s 206 points was enough to earn them the third and final spot atop the Pan Kids podium. Each of the 55 athletes who reached the podium played a significant role in their team’s success, as Alliance maintained a narrow nine-point lead over CheckMat. Alliance has proven its ability to foster young athletes into adult champions, as they boast no shortage of next-generation prospects.

Ariel Barbosa, Stevie Ortiz, Elias Kim, Icaro Moreno, Arthur Fontes, Ace Mendes, Ayla Mendes, Alek Mendes, and Kyara Barral were among the fascinating collection of athletes who delivered standout performances. 

The top kids competition in the world exhibited the skill, competitiveness, and tenacity befitting potential champions at the adult level. The future of jiu-jitsu is certainly in capable hands, as proven by another fascinating Pan Kids competition.

 

Orlando Summer Open

Just before the kids competition commenced in Florida, the adults claimed their opportunity to showcase their skills. There were a number of standout performers, headlined by world-class black belts.

Larissa Dias of Elementum Jiu-Jitsu certainly made her presence known. The three-time World Champion secured the open class title with a beautiful barataplata finish in the finals. Larissa continues a dominant 2026 season that has witnessed her capture fourteen gold medals including Pan and World Championship titles. With each competition, Larissa’s stock in the top pound-for-pound discussion continues to rise.

Former No-Gi World Champion Wallisson Oliveira claimed silver in medium-heavyweight before bouncing back with three victories to secure open class gold in gi competition.

Thiago Saboia of Alliance was the highlight performer in no-gi competition. Thiago earned submissions over each of his three opponents en route to claiming double-gold.

Moussa Kadi captured open class gold in no-gi brown belt competition. The Unity prospect celebrated his brown belt debut by standing atop the podium, a familiar feeling for the reigning purple belt double-gold No-Gi World Champion.

The Orlando Summer Open served as a fascinating precursor to Pan Kids competition. With multiple World Champion athletes taking the mat alongside elite color belt prospects. Florida was certainly blessed with captivating jiu-jitsu all weekend long.

 

Portland Open

Portland hosted IBJJF Pacific Northwest action this weekend. Standout black belts claimed their moment atop the podium, alongside notable color belt prospects.

Marcos Petcho secured his share of the weekend spotlight. Marcos captured four gold medals across six matches proving both his skill and durability. 

Olivia Schauer returned to action after claiming an Asian title recently. The Tony Passos athlete earned double-gold with three victories in gi competition.

Ian Batista of CheckMat earned double-gold in brown belt gi competition. The prospect secured two victories in both his weight class and absolute bracket.

Lia Knox-Hershey made her purple belt debut in Portland over the weekend. Lia secured silver in lightweight competition, and bounced back to claim the open class title. Her impressive purple belt debut included five victories in gi action.

Portland provided great action in both gi and no-gi competition, proving the rising level in the Pacific Northwest jiu-jitsu scene.

 

Master International - South America

Master competition joined the weekend itinerary. Brazil hosted the Master International event that produced impressive results from a number of proven veterans. 

Bruno Bressan captured six submissions in eight matches to become the Master 1 black belt double-gold champion. Bruno showcased his balanced style alongside his dangerous submission arsenal to deliver a standout performance.

Serena Gabrielli dazzled in Master 2 competition. The Flow representative secured the absolute title with three victories, despite entering as the sole roosterweight competitor. 

Another Master 2 champion, Jake Mackenzie, captured four victories in the middleweight division.

Alexandre Molinaro claimed four victories in the Master 1 lightweight division to secure his Master International title.

Thaynara Conceicao earned double-gold in female Master 1 action, capturing four victories on the day.

There were so many fantastic performances in Brazil over the weekend, serving as a testament to the immense skill in the Masters divisions. Division champions are surely looking forward to the World Master Championships in early September.

 

Looking ahead on the schedule, the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu Con event is just around the corner! One of the largest and most exciting jiu-jitsu events in the world is set to return to Las Vegas, September 3rd through 5th to celebrate our wonderful sport. Stay tuned to official IBJJF channels for news and information on upcoming events!