Grand Master Mansor and the black belts present at Pride XVI Photos: Pride
In honor of one BJJ Grand Master, the Pride XVI had a special taste. There was a long line waiting, not only an event t-shirt, but also an autograph, directly from the red belt Grand Master Mansur. The high rank and 72 year old was always smiling and treating each person with kindness, showing one more time why he has 9 degrees on his belt.
Who attended in the morning, had the great chance to watch more than 100 children, the new BJJ generation showing why this sport keeps growing in their good steps.
Competitors from almost 50 schools enjoyed the Sunday September 16 at the York College, NY, to support one of the most successful championships on the East Coast. With Gi and No Gi divisions, the event keeps attracting new competitors, kids, teens, adults, master and seniors, male and female, looking for an organized tournament. In front of everyone and with all black belts present a lined hierarchy, the promoters Eloy Santos and Milton Regis explained what Grand Master means to the history of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and how he deserves to be honored not only as grand master but also as a life example. To consolidate the ceremony, Mansur received the beautiful plaque from Melissa Regis.
A wedding proposal on the mats
During the afternoon when the adults entered on the mats to complete the event, we also had some great surprises, especially when the black belt Rafael Carneiro, after winning his division ran and got down on one knee and proposed to his girlfriend. Well, after she said yes both received applause from the audience and the fights didn’t stop.
Another great point of the tournament was the promotion to participate in the US Open, October 6 and 7, 2012. The raffle winner was a blue belt female, Elizabeth Opas, from Kioto. Elizabeth will be traveling to San Jose, California, to compete with all expenses paid. The next Pride already is scheduled for Sunday February 24, 2013 and soon we will be announcing the new location.
Great showing of the gentle art
In the Kids division, Budokan took first place, Kioto BJJ 2nd and Serra BJJ third place. In the adult division, Renzo Gracie was on the top of the podium, Kioto in second place and Vitor Shaolin, third.
The photos and the individual results will be posted at the official website lipridebjj.com.
