News

The competition circuit reached three distinct continents this past weekend. Over three-thousand ahtletes took to the mats to display their skills and represent their respective academies. Reigning champions and rising stars highlighted the weekend's competition with specific athletes capturing their share of the global jiu-jitsu spotlight.

 

Seoul Open

Henrique Almeida | 2026 Seoul International Open

 

The KBJJF hosted the Seoul International Open for the first time since 2019. The event drew over 1,000 competitors to Suwon, South Korea for a fantastic jiu-jitsu competition. Korean Jiu-Jitsu is undeniably on the rise, as displayed through championship performances and world-class athletes this weekend.

 

Henrique Almeida captured the international jiu-jitsu spotlight with an impeccable quadruple-gold performance in Seoul. Henrique represented Evolve MMA with five Gi victories and three No-Gi victories, totaling eight submission finishes. Henrique’s stunning performance highlighted the immense talent competing within the Asian Jiu-Jitsu competition scene. Eight submissions, four gold medals, and a defining event for Henrique Almeida.

Minho Yoon represented Korean powerhouse team Wire Jiu-Jitsu at the Seoul Open. The former Asian Champion and European bronze medalist secured featherweight gold this weekend. Minho remains a strong contender in featherweight international competition, while leading Wire Nowon as an athlete and coach of the ascending team.

Fellow Wire Jiu-Jitsu athlete Jaeyoung Lee secured lightweight gold in the Gi this weekend. Jaeyoung has secured Milan and Seoul Open titles this year, representing the rising level in Korean Jiu-Jitsu.

Kai Takasugi of Alma Fight Gym Homies secured the light-featherweight gold in Seoul. Kai has proven himself on the international competition scene, and tops the podium with three victories this weekend.

On the female side, Hee Joo Choi stood out with an open class title. The female black belt open class bracket featured high-level athletes including Eonju Im, Izabel Seki, and Yeongyeong Son. In the end, it was Hee Joo Choi who secured the breadcutter finish in the finals to claim the gold medal.

Izabel Seki of Team Nogueira Dubai put on a strong showing this weekend. Izabel secured lightweight gold in Gi competition, and returned with a double-gold performance in No-Gi. The former Brasileiro and European medalist has proven her game under the brightest lights, and returned to action in Seoul with great success.

 

New York Summer Open

Devhonte Johnson | 2026 New York Summer Open

 

The competition circuit returned to New York for the second time this year. Over 1,000 athletes took to the mats in New York, to display their skills and contend for the weekend spotlight. Standout performers and academies showcased the immense talent of East Coast Jiu-Jitsu.

 

Alexandre ‘Lele’ Manara secured double-gold in the male double-gold category. Lele earned three victories in the open class while besting Juan Magallanes to earn the ultra-heavyweight title. Through his four matches, Lele earned three submission finishes. The Lotus Club representative earned his fifth and sixth Open event gold medals of the 2026 season this weekend.

Devhonte Johnson reigned supreme in No-Gi action. The Unity Jiu-Jitsu standout secured ultra-heavyweight and open class titles with three victories. The former World No-Gi, Pan No-Gi, and European No-Gi Champion remains a threat to anyone in the world.

Reigning World Championship silver medalist Natan Chueng returned to no-gi action this weekend. Natan secured two victories in the medium-heavyweight division to earn the gold medal. Natan’s game seems to be reaching new levels in 2026, as he continues to deliver standout performances. 

Gabriel Nascimento of The Match Champ earned the first Open event gold of his black belt career. Through his first three competitions at the highest level, Gabriel has earned a pair of bronze medals, a silver, and a New York Summer lightweight title. 

In color belt action, Enzo Lopes secured double-gold in the male brown belt category. In Grand Slam competition this season, Enzo has secured European double-bronze, Pan silver, and Pan bronze proving his level amongst world-class prospects. 

On the female side, Larissa Dias secured the open class title with two victories. Larissa remains undefeated in 2026, as she continues to prove herself as one of the top pound-for-pound female Gi athletes in the world.

Olivia Schauer outdueled Naomi Sharp to secure the medium-heavyweight gold medal. Olivia continues her remarkable run that began with a Pan bronze and Asian Championship title. Olivia has now won three consecutive Open event medium-heavyweight golds.

Gabriele Schuck secured double-gold in the female no-gi category. The Double Five competitor earned two victories in the medium-heavyweight division before adding a second pair of wins in open class competition. Through her four matches, Gabriele secured four submissions to stamp herself as a standout performer this weekend.

Adriana Gutowska of Relson Gracie secured triple-gold in brown belt competition. Adriana secured five victories with five submission finishes in gi competition, and returned the next day to win the no-gi open class division. Her New York Summer Open performance certainly turned some heads, as she showcased phenomenal technique and finishing ability all weekend.

 

Juiz de Fora Open

Alliance Black Belt Champions | 2026 Juiz de Fora Open

 

Over 1,200 athletes converged in Juiz de Fora to compete for divisional titles and their share of the jiu-jitsu spotlight. A fantastic collection of black belt champions headlined the event, setting the tone with intense competition. The CBJJ event certainly showcased the world-class talent on the Brazilian competition scene.

 

Cleison Santos of Alliance made his mark on the Juiz de Fora Open. The featherweight standout secured weight class and open class gold medals this weekend. Cleison’s highlight performance was reminiscent of his 2026 Brasileiro silver medal outing that showcased his deep skillset. 

Felipe ‘Filipinho’ Assis returned to action after his recent double-gold performance at the Vitoria Open. Filipinho secured the heavyweight gold with a win over Lukas Cardoso, before moving into the open class division where he earned two more victories and a silver medal. Filipinho has maintained excellent form throughout 2026, a year that witnessed him secure his first Grand Slam event title at Pans.

Pablo Oliveira continued his rapid ascension through the black belt ranks this weekend. The rookie black belt and reigning Pan and European bronze medalist has seemed unstoppable on the open circuit. Pablo’s medium-heavyweight triumph this weekend marks four open event titles in 2026.

Leo Santos, another Alliance standout, secured the lightweight gold medal in gi competition. Through two matches Leo secured two finishes and captured his first gold medal of 2026 in commanding fashion.

Pedro Vieira of Alliance had a strong outing in both gi and no-gi competition. Pedro earned a silver medal with two victories in the medium-heavyweight gi division. He then returned the following day to secure the heavyweight gold with a pair of victories in no-gi competition.

Gisele Menzes of GF Team stole the show in the female black belt category. Her open class run included two victories and a fantastic armbar in transition from mount. Gisele appeared to be in top form at the Juiz de Fora open this weekend.

Other notable champions in Juiz de Fora included Darlan Casaca, Andre Fernandes, Pablo Cruz, and Eduardo Sousa. 

 

The CBJJ action continues next weekend with the Fortaleza Winter Open. Stay tuned to official IBJJF Channels as the jiu-jitsu community’s focus shifts towards Jiu-Jitsu Con on September 3rd.