Michael Langhi on the attack at the 2012 Rickson Cup in Japan (personal archive photo)
A regular on the mats in Lisbon, the lightweight Michael Langhi wants to recapture his throne at the European Open, an IBJJF tournament set to begin this Thursday when the white and blue belts take to the mats in competition.
After taking bronze in 2012 (the final, a barnburner, was between Roger Satoshi and JT, both of whom are absent this year), Langhi is physically and technically ready to tap out anyone in his way.
“I’m prepared. I’m going to stick to my usual style of going on the attack and seeking the finish, as Rubens Cobrinha taught me to. Of course sometimes that won’t be possible, but anyone who knows who I am knows that I fight for the finish. I am making some changes to my game, though; trying to improve in all the different facets. I’m positive I’ll be showing a Langhi better than before and with plenty of desire to win,” said the teacher for team Alliance who won in 2009 and 2011 and took runner-up after closing out in 2010.
At GRACIEMAG.com’s request, Langhi took a look at his opposition.
“The lightweight division is always stacked. Though not all the big names from the world scene are in it, I did see Vinicius Marinho on the list. He’s a tough athlete who I’ve faced twice in black belt finals at the Brazilian Nationals. And there are always the guys who are coming up the ranks and hungry to win. I’ve got my eye on everybody and worried about all of them but I still expect to close out the division with my teammate Gabriel Goulart,” said Langhi, who offered a glimpse of his plans for the rest of the season.
“My greater objective for 2013 is to be the best I can be, on and off the mat. I feel that’s what all athletes want. I want to improve with every day, be a better athlete and teacher,” he said in finishing. Watch the Sao Paulo native’s finishing style at the 2012 Rickson Cup.
