2023 IBJJF World Masters Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship

2023 IBJJF World Masters Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Competition

Each day thousands of people flock to Las Vegas Nevada with aspirations of winning it big with the slots or card tables, or to see one of their favorite performers at one of the many casinos on the strip, but this year August 31st to Sept 2nd, The Las Vegas Convention Center hosted the 2023 World Masters Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Competition where hundreds of Athletes from around the world collided to put on one of the most anticipated and entertaining Jiu Jitsu tournaments of the year.

Many Athletes competed, very few went home with a medal. I want to highlight a few favorites of mine coming out of New Braunfels, Texas that did bring home a memento. Mark House, Aldo De La Garza, and Darryl McEachin, all in their mid-late 40s or 50s, competed and brought home the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Title. Mark House of New Braunfels, Texas impressively brought home the World Championship gold in both the Master 6 blue belt super heavyweight and Master 6 blue belt open divisions. Aldo De la Garza, also of New Braunfels, brought home the gold in the Master 3 blue belt ultra heavyweight division. Both Mark and Aldo train in New Braunfels, Texas with Double Five Jiu-Jitsu at the New Braunfels Training Center under Black Belt Eduardo Avelar of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Darryl McEachin, another resident of New braunfels, brought home gold in the Master 6 brown belt in the very competitive heavyweight division. Darryl currently trains in New Braunfels with Dalua Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Jean “Dalua” Cartagena. These three jiu jitsu combatants trained very hard and for a very long time to earn the title of World Champion. All three of these competitors will continue to work hard throughout this and next year with the hopes to repeat next year in Las Vegas. Congratulations to these world champions.

*Aldo De La Garza raises his World Championship Gold Medal at the 2023 IBJJF World Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada.*

*Darryl McEachin Proudly wears his World Championship Gold Medal.*

*Mark Arlen House Competes for the gold at the 2023 World Masters Jiu Jitsu Tournament in Las Vegas, NV*

*Mark Arlen House center in blue Gi proudly wears the gold medal while posing with his competitors.*

As the fall season struggles to gain control over the summer heat, Katy, Texas hosted the 2023 IBJJF Houston Open Championship. Many entered the competition but few walked away with hardware. Two competitors I would like to highlight from this tournament are both Aaron Morris and Leroy Montoya. Both black belt professors at A Force BJJ in San Antonio, Texas. Aaron Morris is the chief instructor at the academy. He entered the tournament in the master 1 black belt feather weight division. Aaron fought only one match this tournament, but completely dominated his opponent by submitting him within the first 30 seconds of the contest with a ripping ankle lock. Aaron has his eyes set on dominating the Waco Open and then the No Gi World Championship in Las Vegas, NV this coming December.

Leroy Montoya of A-Force in San Antonio was set to have his first fight since being promoted to Black Belt. The anticipation of his first match was unnerving only to be squashed by a no-show by his competitor. He was moved into the semi-final match against a very tenured Black Belt and the #1 seed in his division. The match started with fireworks, both competitors fighting for control of the ankle and an ankle lock submission. After a couple minutes of ground fighting, Leroy fell victim to the ankle lock and was forced to submit. Overall it was a good showing from Leroy in his first Black Belt match. Leroy has his sights on the upcoming Waco, Texas Open and then the World Masters No-Gi Championships in Las Vegas in December. Best of Luck to Leroy Montoya.