Justin Rader celebrates winning the No-Gi World Championship as a black belt in 2010. Photo: John Lamonica
The next competitor to be hand-picked to compete that the prestigious ADCC event in Beijing, China this October is that of midwest black belt under GMA member Rafael Lovato Jr, Justin Rader. This is the third time he has been invited and although he’s been out of the competition scene this past season, he is ready and willing for this no-gi event.
Via his facebook he announces:
Hey guys, I wanted to officially announce that I have been invited back to compete at this year’s ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships in the under 66kg division on October 19-20 in Beijing, China!! I’m very honored and humbled to be invited back, and promise to be in the best shape and put on the very best performance possible, giving everything i have. This will be my third time to be invited, and I’ve got my eyes on winning it this time!
Not only that, but I will be competing alongside my instructor, Professor who also received his invitation, and my teammates Jared Dopp and James Puopolo, to make the largest American team that has ever competed at the ADCC!! I’m super motivated, super pumped, and can’t wait to represent my country alongside my brothers once again at this tournament!
If you’re wondering where Justin has been the last year, he explained to GRACIEMAG:
“Earlier this year, I completed my practice hours for my dietetic internship through OUHSC January 31. It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders, and I can now devote myself to teaching and training Jiu-Jitsu more than ever before. I decided to take a little time off the competition scene, especially in the gi, for a couple of reasons. First, I have a goal to make my pro MMA debut this year, and devoted more time to training my striking and putting my skills all together here at Lovato’s School of BJJ and MMA, and so most of my training has been doing that. I have also continued to help Professor Rafael and my teammates get ready for their tournaments and I’ve been there to coach, but my training has been for that goal. I have also taken my strength and conditioning to a whole new level, and I’ve really focused on having a lot more fun with my training as opposed to always training for this or that competition or opponent. It’s been nice, but I was also excited to get back into competition with my most recent super fight with 10th Planet’s Denny Prokopos. The time away was good for me, but its been too long and I’m glad to be back!”
His debut MMA fight will be before the ADCC event and we will keep you updated on his preparation for both.
