The April 21 date for Arizona’s maiden women-only Jiu-Jitsu tournament, Copa Bela, is fast approaching. Promoted by the Gustavo Dantas purple belt and creator of INSPIRE: All Female Open Mat in Arizona Kristina Barlaan has devoted her time and effort to creating events to help promote the growth of women’s Jiu-Jitsu. One of the major draws for the inaugural event is the brown/black belt absolute division, which is awarding $1000 to the champion. With the early-registration discount deadline coming up on April 9, the pro division is starting to take shape with two world champions already in the mix.
Featherweight brown belt Mackenzie Dern will be looking to take the $1000 prize pro absolute jackpot. Photo: Mike Calimbas.
Fresh from her 2012 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship victory, Mackenzie Dern (Gracie Humaita) is looking to take home the prize despite being carrying the size disadvantage of being a featherweight. Having earned here way to compete at the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu World by winning the San Diego trials, Tracey Goodell (Atos) is a fierce and aggressive addition to the bracket, a challenge to anyone even as a lightweight. With two weeks left for registration, the pro division is sure to draw in more world class competitors in the days to come.
Early registration for the 1st Copa Bela ends April 9, and final registration ends April 16. For further information or to register, please visit www.gdjjevents.com.
