About two weeks ago – September 8th and 9th, 2012, the guillobel brazilian jiu-jitsu team went to the most important North American bjj tournament, to be one of the teams to represent the Ribeiro Jiu-jitsu Association in this event.

In  The American Nationals, the best teams, associations and academies in the nation gather to compete for the prestigious title of north American champion. This year this single event became two: American Nationals with Gi and No-Gi. Two tournaments that belong to the International Brazilian Jiu jiutsu Federation (IBJJF), with distinct scores and prizes for each, held in different days (Saturday 09/08/12 and Sunday 09/09/12).

Guillobel Brazilian jiu-jitsu took 6 competitors, a fraction of the Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu Association Team, but was responsible for 40% to 50% of the points earn by the association on both days. The Ribeiro Jiu-jitsu Association, that belongs to two multiple times world champion brothers Saulo and Xande Ribeiro, took first place on team points becoming for the second time the best team in the nation.

The Guillobel BJJ founder Sensei Paulo Guillobel was at the tournament along with Sensei Antonio Antonioli and all the other instructors of Ribeiro Association to represent the team and raise the 1st place trophy of both events, beating Gracie Barra team, Alliance, Check Mate and others.

“I’m very honor to raise this trophy for our team in the name of my Senseis and friends Saulo Ribeiro and Xande Ribeiro. I was certained that our team would do well, but winning both days was an amazing experience.” Said Sensei Paulo while being interviewed after getting the title for the team.

Jason Hughes, Andre Pontes, Aron Goldsman, Chris Whalen, Greg Tyson and Micheal Coppola were the names of the competitors that represented San Clemente and Guillobel BJJ. Jason Hughes, a purple belt at 38 years old, was the biggest name of our team. He brought to San Clemente 4 gold medals, winning all the fights by submission. Andre Pontes, also a purple belt, brought 2 gold. Chris Whalen, a 39 years old blue belt won one gold and one silver. Greg Tyson at 43 years old won one gold, Aron won one gold and one bronze and Mike Coppola at his first major tournament got bronze. With this performance our team was responsible to score 86 points alone for Ribeiro Jiu jitsu team.