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(Houston) – On Dec. 4th 2010 Houston area BJJ players had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural Graplers World War.  Zebra Tournament Systems of Texas teamed up with Leanardo Xavier (tournament director) to put on this local tournament that had an international feel to it. The event was held at the Berry Center, arguably on of the best venues in Houston to hold a BJJ tournament.

Xavier was very hands on in the operations of the tournament and very strict on how it should be run.  Only players, officials and media where allowed inside the barricades, coaches had to shout instructions from outside.  This kept the areas around the mats manageable and organized.  One thing you didn’t see that has become almost customary at BJJ events in town were coaches (and sometimes grapplers) running across the mats from match to match.  To that extent, there was a strict policy of who was allowed on the mats.  Only officials and grapplers were allowed, not even media could be on the mats to take pictures (to that extent, we we’re unable to get as many pics as we normally do, but we understand the reasoning none the less).

The referees for the tournament were all trained by Xavier himself. Fight Medics were on hand for the event, providing their now customary outstanding service to the players.  Also in attendance was TapoutT magazine and ESPN 97.5 “In The Cage” host Adam Villareal to announce the action and TXMMA columnist Mike Calimbas.

Several local MMA fighters hit the mats as well, including WGC Welterweight Champion Alex Cisne, Terrance Ferguson, Jimmy Flick, Dustin Ordinario, Tim Buchanan and Raul Jimenez to name a few.  MMA fighters in attendance to watch the action included Silverback MMA’s Coach Tony, Jose Santibanez, Dale Mitchell and Scotty Juarez along with Paradigm’s Mike Bronzoulis.

Also of note was the impromptu no-gi super fight between Gold Team MMA’s Jorge “Macaco” Patino and Hector Munoz.  Macaco was able to outlast Munoz for the victory and capture the beautiful silver bullet trophy.  We’ll have pictures and a recap of the fight up early next week.

Everything was done first class for this event, from the set up at the Berry Center, to the production and awards; and the feedback from grapplers and fans alike was all positive.  If you didn’t have a chance to make it out for this one, you should consider signing up for the next one.  The tournament was well run, well organized and efficient.

RESULTS

(*prize amount is for credit to purchase Zebra or Fuji products)

PICTURES