In September, I traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete at this year’s IBJJF Master World tournament.
After submitting my first opponent via a triangle choke from guard, I won the semi-final by Brabo Choke. On to the final…
I pulled guard early and attempted a few sweeps. He was able to flatten me out in my half guard for one advantage point. We each received an advantage point for submission attempts. This put the final score at 0-0 with him ahead two advantages to zero.
Second place in the World Master 7 Heavyweight division out of eleven.
After submitting the quarter final opponent via reverse arm bar in the open division, I had to face an opponent with a very tough guard. I tirelessly tried to pass his guard the entire match. At one point he scrambled underneath and took my back, putting me down 4-0. I escaped and accumulated 4 total advantage points in my pass attempts, but still had a zero in the points column.
Near the of the match I finally passed his guard right into triple mount. Unfortunately there was only one second remaining and you need three seconds to secure a score. Had I scored, I would have advanced to the finals.
Losing the semi-final landed me in third place out of nine for the absolute division.
I consider myself very blessed to be able to compete and to have the support of many teammates, family, coaches and friends. But, the best supporter of my Jiu-Jitsu addiction is my better half, Jodi Mallas. She has spent many an hour in tournament venues patiently waiting for me to coach someone or compete. All she asks in return is that once in a while we take a vacation that has an ocean beach and tropical temperatures. 🙂
Photo credit: Katy Petty Photography.