We had a great time at the NY Open this weekend!! First of all it’s always great to support the IBJJF tournaments because of the caliber of competitors and the camaraderie between BJJ’ers.  This is the closest tournament of it’s kind to our school, so every year when it rolls around {pun intended} whether we are competing or not, we make the trip down to support the Federation.

This tournament marks the first time that a student from our women’s program has competed. Jackie Candee, age 41, was first up in the Blue Belt Master division in the Light-Feather weight category.  Candee’s opponent Lollienette Ismael from Relson Gracie Brasil pulled guard straight out of the gate. The match was even with no points or advantages, until Ismael tried to sweep and then pull off an omoplata but Candee was able to capitalize during this time and score an advantage by attempting a guard pass. Candee pulled out the -W- in the last 20 seconds of the match. Jack (as we call her), we are so incredibly proud of you for putting in the work and motivating all of us to challenge ourselves.  A special moment that we will remember is being able to see your Husband, Mom, and two kids congratulate you afterward.

Next up was Denise Discepolo, also first time competitor, in the Purple Belt Master division in the Light weight category. Discepolo’s opponent Louise Ganitis from Lotus Club NYC attempted a quick take down but ended up having to work for a sweep and was then able to pull off a kimura from north south. Both competitors agreed to meet again in the the Open Class.  Second match, Discepolo pulled off a quick take down then while attempting to pass the guard, Ganitis made multiple submission attempts and was able to finish the fight via triangle.

A few special shout outs to: Master Luigi Mondelli head ATT CT / Kore Martial Arts BJJ instructor, Michelle Ingels of Perfecting Athletes for nutrition, acupuncture and general wellness support, Paulina Indara – co-owner of TCMA for conditioning training, Denise Discepolo – women’s BJJ program instructor and co-owner of TCMA, Stephanie Murata, Gezary Katel and Ismael and Ganitis for being great competitors.

For tournament results, please visit IBJJF NY Open April 21, 2012 complete results.

Friday, March 30, 2012

We are headed up to Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT to watch Bellator 63.  Join us in supporting American Top Team fighters Dan Cramer, Ryan Quinn and Ben Saunders.   We still have one ticket left in our section, if you’re interested please give us a call at 203.540.5020.  Check out the complete fight card.

Special thanks to (Sensei) Paulina Indara and  (Sempai) Michelle Ingels for supporting these amazing athletes in preparation for their fights. If you are interested in training like a pro or want to become one, we suggest contacting Pefecting Athletes to see what it takes.

Don’t forget to check out the televised bouts which are LIVE! at 8:00 pm on MTV2 and HD on EPIX.

We are headed to the New York Open on Saturday Feb. 4, 2012 to compete in the New York Open 2012. Check here for schedule information.  Best of luck to all competitors from TCMA, Kore Martial Arts and affiliate schools.