3rd American Cup Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

I haven’t attended that many Jiu Jitsu tournaments but of the 4 that I’ve watched my nephews compete at this was the best!
The tournament for the kids divisions were scheduled to start at 1pm on Saturday, but the actual matches started at 1:30pm to account for those struggling to make weight in their division or for late registrations. They don’t have to do this but I think it’s very nice of them, especially since their rules state that a competitor can only weigh in once and is disqualified and they were considerate of traffic, parking and the fact that there was another festival across the street. The event was at Los Gatos high school and the track was made available for those who needed to cut some quick pounds and there were a few folks using it to their advantage too!
Once the first competitors stepped onto the mat, the Tournament seemed to run like clock work. From what I saw as a spectator this event was flawless, refereeing was top notch and the Medals were VERY generous! The medals themselves were awesome! Heavy pieces of metal with the event logo on it. These medals Dwarf the other ones that my nephews currently have in size and in quality.
There were a couple of vendors in doors with shirts, sweatshirts, Gi’s and DVDs AND they took credit/​debit cards! The vendors selling the acai (sp?) stuff made a KILLING! I ordered like 4 of those containers in the 5 hours I was there and I saw several repeat customers as well at $ 7.50 per serving I’m sure they walked away from this event happy! As they should cause that stuff was GOOOOOOOOOOD!
The referees in the competition were great! They were very attentive to the kids making sure that once a submission was initiated that nothing went beyond where it should and if it went even close to that point the refs would end the match, giving the submission to the competitor. A few parents were in disagreement that their child did not tap, but seriously do you want your kid going home with a broken arm or would you like him/​her unconscious? I’ll assume that’d be no to both.
Before each and every single match began the competitors were told to shake hands and bow to show respect to each other. After the match they also bowed and embraced, in my opinion this shows the kids that being aggressive to compete is okay but to also leave those feelings on the mat. The embrace of your opponent signifies the end of aggression and that you’re no longer opponents but just two people going through a life experience.
Excellent jobs Referees and awesome job on putting this event together Claudio Franca!
Oss!!!