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Nova Uniao AZ wins the 2012 All America’s Tournament in California

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:58:44 +0000

This past weekend, Nova União traveled with 27 competitors (7 kids, 20 adults) to Carson, CA to compete at the 2012 All Americas Jiu-Jitsu Tournament promoted by the NABJJF. Despite having a smaller team than those with the home field advantage, Nova União was able to secure the 1st place trophy in the adult divison with 20 competitors and 18 medals. Every single point counted as Nova União won with just a one point lead over 2nd place. This accomplishment was the product of a great over-all team effort which includes all the coaches, assistant coaches, training partners, and all the hard work and preparation put forward by all the competitors.

The stand-outs of the Team include Josh Rodriguez who had 7 matches throught the day to place 2nd in his weight and 3rd in the Open, John Owning who won his division and was able to rack up over 50 points within 3 matches and land 2 submissions, and David Larson who even though had a rough day at his weight, was able to come back ready and composed to make it all the way to the finals of the Open Class and secure important points for the Team. Special thanks go to ALL the competitors who competed in the Open Class to try to help win the Team those extra points necessary: Mark Thrun, Heath Flicker, Brain Wade, Jon Wagner, David Larson, Josh Rodriguez, and Jennifer Bann.

Here is a breakdown of the Team’s results:

Kids Division

White

Coree Thrun – 1st place Jr Teen/Medium Heavy

Sierrah Thrun – 2nd place Jr Teen/Rooster

Isabella Romero – 3rd place Jr Teen/Light

Grey/Yellow

Sebastian Janik – 2nd place Jr Teen/Medium Heavy

Adult Divison

Brown

Jon Wagner – 2nd place Adult/Heavy, 2nd place Adult/Open

Purple

Issa Able – 1st place Adult/Light

Heath Flicker – 2nd place Senior/Feather, 2nd place Senior/Open

Blue

John Owning – 1st place Adult/Medium Heavy

Alex Centner – 1st place Adult/Super Super Heavy

Josh Rodriguez – 2nd place Adult/Feather, 3rd place Adult/Open

David Larson – 2nd place Adult/Open

White

Robbie Stahl – 1st place Adult/Heavy

Matt Grier – 3rd place Adult/Super Feather

Tynysha Thrun – 3rd place Female/Rooster

Mark Thrun – 1st place Senior/Heavy, 3rd place Senior/Open

Charles Bann – 1st place Senior/Light

Brian Wade – 1st place Senior/Rooster

Daniel Parks IV – 3rd place Senior/Medium Heavy

Nova Uniao AZ @ All Stars Jiu-Jitsu Tournament

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:40:24 +0000

The All Stars Jiu-Jitsu tournament took place in San Jose, California on January 23, and Nova Uniao was well represented by Nava BJJ & GD Jiu-Jitsu in Northern California, capturing 9 medals with 5 competitors and only two points away from making to the podium at 3^rd place. Check out the results:

Paul Nava – 2^nd (Black Belt/Medium Heavy/Senior 2) & 1^st place (Open)
Gary Hatch – 3^rd (Blue Belt/Middle/Adult) & 2^nd (Open)
Arnold Monterroso – 2^nd (Blue Belt/Light Feather/Adult) & 3^rd (Open)
Brandon Walker – 1^st place (White Belt/Medium Heavy/Adult)
Jose Bufanda – 1^st place (White Belt/Feather/Adult)
Daniel Rodriguez – 2^nd place (White Belt/Light Feather/Adult)

Nova Uniao AZ will be back in action on January 29^th in Carson, California to compete at the All America’s Tournament with 27 competitors (20 Adults and 7 Kids). Stay tuned for the results next week.

Team GD wins the 2011 AZSBJJF Ranking

admin — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:24:48 +0000

2011 was a great year for Team GD! Since the AZSBJJF has created the School Rankings, Team GD has won for the third year in a row the adult division, and the Kids Team, led by Steve Rosenberg, jumped from the 7th & 8th place (2009 & 2010) to in 2011 the first place, proving once again that hard work pays off! Check out the full results here.

7th AZ International Open on March 3rd and 4th,2012

admin — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:58:43 +0000

The 7th AZ International Open of BJJ will take place on March 3rd & 4th at the Phoenix College (North Gym) located at 1202 W. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 8013.

This event was SOLD OUT last year, so registration was closed early. Don’t wait until the last minute to register!

BLACK OPEN CLASS DIVISION is back! There will be a Black Belt Open class division paying $3000 in Prizes! First place winner will receive $2500, while the 2nd place will receive $500. BJJ Fans will enjoy a weekend of competition and watch high caliber black belt matches with some of the best competitors in the world.
The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition will offer kids, juveniles, Adult (Male and Female), Masters and Senior Divisions.

IMPORTANT: Registration will be closed for the Kids division after 280 competitors. Registration for Juveniles, Adults, Masters, seniors, and Women will be closed after 500 competitors.

GD Jiu-Jitsu Events will be offering FREE tournament T-Shirts to ALL competitors!

SPECTATOR FEES: Saturday $10, Sunday $10

Each competitor must fill out the registration form online. Pre-registration fee is $60 for the adults and juveniles (16-17 yrs) or and $50 for the kids division until Monday, February 20th. After this date, $70 for adults and juveniles and, $60 for the kidThes.

All registrations must be received by Monday, February 27th by 11:59 pm. No registrations after this date. Registration fees are non-refundable. No exceptions.

The brackets will be released before the tournament. On Friday, March 2nd, the brackets will be available online at our website.

Adults Division – The tournament is single elimination. Medals will be awarded to the 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place of each division. Athletes will not compete for the third place. Two bronze medals will be given

Kids Division – Every competitor will receive a 3 1/2″ medal. This is a single elimination tournament, but if the child loses in the semi-final, they will compete again. Top 4 are guaranteed in the podium.

The top 5 schools in the adult and kids division will receive team trophies.

If you have any questions on this tournament please email azopen7@registrationsupport.net or call toll free 855-490-8880.

FULL INFO @ GDJJEVENTS.COM

Abu Dhabi Pro Cup Trials Results (San Antonio, TX)

admin — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:06:40 +0000

Aaron, Josh and Alex

The Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Cup Trials took place in San Antonio, TX on November 28, 2011. Nova Uniao Arizona had a very good showing. In the Blue Belt Division, Josh Rodriguez and Aaron Wilson won their respective divisions (143 & 163 lbs), and at the Light/Open, Aaron took 3^rd place, and Josh lost his final match securing the silver medal, both had 7 matches each! Also in the Blue Belt division, Alex Centner took double bronze (Heavy & Open). Kristina Barlaan took 3^rd at the purple/black light weight division. At the Brown/Black division, GD Jiu-Jitsu North PHX Instructor, Jon Wagner, took double bronze. The 202 lbs and the Open Class. Good Job Guys!

Josh Rodriguez (Lopez JJ)

Aaron Wilson (Nava BJJ)

Team Nova União USA to Gather in Arizona for Special Weekend

admin — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:05:41 +0000

With significant results at IBJJF tournaments over the past couple years, it’s not hard to see that the Brazilian-based, Jiu-Jitsu team, Nova União, is continuing to grow and expand in the US. With GMA Gustavo Dantas at the frontline of the Team’s organization, some may say that expansion was inevitable. One of the first 3 Andre Pederneiras Black belts to venture into the US in 1999, 12 years later the Nova União USA pioneer continues his efforts and is set to present the very first Nova União Jiu-Jitsu Invitational on December 3, 2011. With the tournament being open to only Nova União members, Dantas hopes to further build and strengthen the Team bond and comraderie with all its affiliates under one roof. The tournament will also serve as a way to introduce Nova União’s “New School” members to its legendary “Old School” Champions, inducting its first two honorees into the Team’s Hall of Fame: Robson “Robinho” Moura and Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro. Between the two fighters, Robinho and Shaolin hold a combined number of 10 IBJJF World Championship Titles. In a very competitive Black belt division, securing a spot on the podium is difficult enough, but aquiring multiple Gold medals is simply beyond amazing.

“I credit a lot of my success to Robinho and Shaolin. When I was still active in competing and living in Brazil, Shaolin was one of my biggest influences and role models. I have never met someone who is so focused and hard-working. When Robson moved to the US, we started to work with each other more and he quickly became one of my main sources for Jiu-Jitsu instruction. He knows so much Jiu-Jitsu and his knowledge is always innovative and expansive. Because of their role in my Jiu-Jitsu, my students have also been able to benefit and find success in their own journeys. I’m happy that I can give back to them for all they have done for me and my students and for all they have accomplished,” states Dantas.

The next day, December 4th, the celebration of Jiu-Jitsu will continue with the first ever Super Fusion Seminar featuring Robson Moura and Gustavo Dantas, along with Special Guest instructors, Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro and Bruno Bastos, who has been competing in the Adult divison since he was 14 and is currently the most active Black belt in Nova União. Unlike the tournament, the Fusion Seminar will be open to ALL schools. Seminar participants will be able to learn from and train with World Class instructors who each have extensive knowledge in competition specific Jiu-Jitsu.

Click here for more information http://www.strongvon.com/nuinvitational/m_tournament_main.jsp?page=home.html

Team GD Jiu-Jitsu @ 3rd Southwest Classic

admin — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 07:25:58 +0000

Team GD Jiu-Jitsu once again reigned supreme in the Arizona Jiu-Jitsu scene at the 3^rd Southwest BJJ Classic. With a group of 44 adult competitors, the team managed to claim 47 medals (19 gold, 14 silver, and 14 bronze) taking the top spot amongst the team competition. Team GD’s kids were on top of their game as well. With 22 kids, they brought back 19 medals, also taking first in the team competition.

The team had tons of great competitors, but a few stood above the rest. At white belt Duane Mullen achieved his first ever gold medal in the largest division, adult/light weight. Duane is fresh of earning the Team GD hardest worker award. At blue belt, John Owning (Sponsored by VXRSI)had and incredible 7 matches to win his weight and take second in the open weight, while the young Alex Bacon (Sponsored by AGGRO Fight Gear) showed why he is one of the team’s hottest prospects, winning the adult/feather weight. The purple belt standout was Christian Broadnax (Sponsored by Many Weapons), who battled through 6 matches to take second in the adult/light weight and get the gold medal in the open weight. Jake Gaston proved his worth at brown belt by winning the masters/feather weight category against some tough competition. And finally, Paul Nava won his first ever match at black belt to contribute to the team.

Full results available at http://strongvon.com/southwestbjj3

Team GD Jiu-Jitsu captures 25 medals at the U.S. Nationals

admin — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 05:56:00 +0000

Heilman, Gustavo and Wagner

Team GD Jiu-Jitsu/Nova Uniao took to the mats this past weekend at Cal State Dominguez Hills, bringing back 16 medals in the gi and 9 in the no gi competition. The standouts of the team were Jonathan Wagner, and Ryan Heilman. GD Jiu-Jitsu North PHX Instructor, Wagner, grabbed gold in the brown, adult, heavy, gi division, submitting all of his opponents. In the brown belt, feather weight, division, Heilman took gold in the gi and no gi, submitting all of his opponents in the no gi. In the Blue Belt No-Gi Division, Arnold Monterroso won the adult/Light feather, and George Polynin took the Master/Feather.

Full results for gi at http://www.ibjjf.org/results/2011american.htm. For no gi go to http://www.ibjjf.org/results/2011americannogi.htm

GD Jiu-Jitsu at the 2011 Vegas International Open

admin — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 05:27:39 +0000

One of the standouts of the team, John Van Buren

Picture: Jerry Roberts (Graciemag.com)

With 40 competitors coming from Arizona , Nova Uniao took to the mats and came out shining. With the help of GD Affiliates Nava BJJ, Lopez JJ, GD Jiu-Jitsu Prescott and Tigers Lair AZ, the team took second at the IBJJF Las Vegas International Open for the second year in a row, proving Nova Uniao is a force to be reckoned with. The standouts of our Team at white belt were Nicholas Mills (Nava BJJ), Katrina Teer (GDJJ HQ), Robert Johnson (GDJJ Prescott), and Charles Bann (GD HQ), all taking gold in their respective divisions. At purple those who stood out were the 2011 AZ State Champions, Jonathan Van Buren (GDJJ HQ) and Issa Able (GDJJ HQ). Van Buren took first in the light feather division while Able brought home the light weight division. Van Buren was mentioned at the Graciemag.com article about the event by reporter Deb Blyth: Jonathan Van Buren of Nova Uniao in Phoenix, Arizona, beat Ty Yung of Gracie Humaita with a submission at light featherweight. Jonathan had three matches for the day. He won his first two via points. “It feels really great to win gold,” he says, “All my hard work paid off.” Jonathan competes as much as he can. He’s been training in Jiu-Jitsu for three years and his favorite move is the omoplata. “I go for it all the time,” he says, “I’m always looking for the arm.” Jonathan has won gold a few times at Gustavo Dantas’s Arizona tournaments and took silver at the 2011 Worlds as a blue belt. “I got my purple belt a week later,” he says. This was Jonthan’s second tournament as a purple belt and he went home a gold medal winner.

Finally, at brown the big name of the team was Jacob Gaston (GDJJ HQ). Congratulations to everyone, full results below.

GD representing Nova Uniao on the podium

WHITE BELT ADULT

ROOSTER

THIRD Brian Wade Nova União
THIRD Daniel Rodruiguez Nova União

LIGHT FEATHER

FIRST Nicholas Mills Nova União
SECOND Kevin Duran Nova União
THIRD Jason Robert St Arnold Nova União
THIRD Raymond Calderon Nova União

LIGHT

THIRD Carlos Contreras Nova União

MEDIUM HEAVY

THIRD Brandon Walker Nova União

HEAVY

THIRD Daniel Gobel Nova União

SUPER HEAVY

FIRST Amean Galindo Nova União
WHITE BELT ADULT FEMALE

LIGHT FEATHER

SECOND Jennifer Bann Nova União

FEATHER

FIRST Katrina Joanne Teer Nova União

WHITE BELT MASTER

LIGHT FEATHER

FIRST Anthony Loreta Nova União

LIGHT

THIRD Nolan Daniels Nova União

MIDDLE

FIRST Robert Johnson Nova União

ULTRA HEAVY

THIRD John Villalobos Nova União

WHITE BELT SENIOR 1

LIGHT

FIRST Charles Bann Nova União

BLUE BELT ADULT

LIGHT

THIRD Aaron Wilson Nova União

MIDDLE

THIRD Damien Aaron Nitkin Nova União

HEAVY

SECOND David Larson Nova União

OPEN CLASS

SECOND Damien Nitkin Nova União

THIRD Aaron Wilson Nova União

BLUE FEMALE

LIGHT

SECOND Jennifer Monroe Nova União

BLUE BELT MASTER

FEATHER

THIRD David Collins Nova União

LIGHT

SECOND William Edward Morrow Nova União

MIDDLE

THIRD Joe Gonzalez Nova União

THIRD David Glenn Barnes Jr Nova União

SUPER HEAVY

SECOND Marzo Facanha Carneiro Nova União

OPEN CLASS

THIRD Marzo Facanha Nova União

BLUE BELT SENIOR 1

FEATHER

SECOND Vincent Ortega Nova União

MEDIUM HEAVY

SECOND Dan Krpata Nova União

OPEN CLASS

THIRD Vincent Ortega Nova União

PURPLE BELT ADULT

LIGHT FEATHER

FIRST Jonathan Van Buren Nova União

LIGHT

FIRST Issa Able Nova União

BROWN BELT ADULT

FEATHER

SECOND Ryan Hunter Heilman Nova União

LIGHT

THIRD Micah Phillips Nova União

OPEN CLASS

THIRD Ryan Heilman Nova União

BROWN BELT MASTER

FEATHER

FIRST Jacob Gaston Nova União

MIDDLE

FIRST Marcelo Bezerra Rios Nova União

OPEN CLASS

SECOND Marcelo Bezerra Nova União

BLACK BELT ADULT

LIGHT

SECOND Steven Rosenberg Nova União

HEAVY

THIRD Ranson Keola Sheperd Nova União

BLACK BELT MASTER

SUPER HEAVY

SECOND Luis Carlos Frota Campelo Nova União

BLACK BELT SENIOR 1

HEAVY

FIRST * Rhodisley Wilson Rosa Jr Nova União

OPEN CLASS

SECOND Rhodisley Wilson Rosa Jr Nova União

2011 AZ State Championship featured on Gracie Mag #173

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:43:11 +0000

Featured GD Jiu-Jitsu competitors: Dominick Koeller and Issa Able

Check out the full coverage of the 2011 AZ BJJ State Championship in Gracie Mag #173. Now Team GD Jiu-Jitsu has been undefeated in the Adult Division for the past 10 AZSBJJF Events (Since June/2008)! Rush to the bookstore to get your issue or click here to subscribe.