Washington D.C. Military Jiu-Jitsu Open

Saturday, August 2, 2008

I must admit I was a bit disappointed when the alarm went off at 05:30 AM on the 2nd of August 2008. After all, my hopes of bringing two fighters for each of the 6 weight classes had been completely crushed over the three previous days. They had dropped like bugs being hit with RAID. “ My boss put me on call” , “my girlfriend is in town” , “if it is only going to be with Gi” , “Last minute change in my work schedule” along with the honesty of, “ No kitchen pass from the wife” were just a few of the responses I had gotten. No, I was not going to have 12 fighters, I was only bringing two – Sean Christopher (Chub Chub) and  Brian Baggett. As I drove to the rally-point I questioned If TEAM-CHOCO should be going at all. But I took a deep breath and remembered my promise, “If only one of you can make it we will drive in a car instead of the van, but we will go.” And has the day unfolded I was glad that I did! 

The number of competitors was small. But because it was an all military competition, enthusiasm was very high. Most were Army, but the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and even the Coast Guard were represented. Because of the small numbers the competition director decided to run the tournament “Old School” and not separate by belt level, but only weight class. He added an absolute division, and he also decided to make everything double elimination to give everyone plenty of mat time.

Things started off a bit slow but it was clear that all the competitors where there to win. No fast track to the finals – every fight was hard and competitive. As the day went on the TEAM-CHOCO wins started to pile up and before I knew it, Brian was fighting for 3^rd place in his weight class and Sean was in the finals. Not bad for a school who only brought two students.  Brian was up first and took the early lead scoring with a takedown and passing the guard. As the fight continued a small mistake, compounded with fatigue, lost Brian the fight on points keeping him from attaining his 1^st BJJ medal.  Next up was Sean who had been doing great for someone who said they would never fight Gi again. His opponent outweighed him by more then 30 lbs and had great Gi technique. Sean fought hard and smart, but had to accept silver when the dust settled. The absolute was next and both TEAM-CHOCO members were invited to take part. Again the wins started to pile up as both Brian and Sean demonstrated great BJJ from standing, top, and bottom position showing the diversity and depth of their fight game. Again Brian (170lbs) was not able to make it to the podium, but put on a true BJJ clinic against the fighter who took home the silver medal in 170lbs. Dominating him from the word "Go!". After submitting 4 straight opponents, Sean found himself in the finals against the same fighter who had kept him from gold earlier in the day.  Sean went in hard and fast attacking with a flying arm bar off the whistle. The big man defended well and recovered from attack. Sean continued to fight hard, but fatigue became an even bigger opponent and once again Sean received a silver medal for his efforts. He also won the opportunity to taste his breakfast for the second time as he quickly made his way to the nearest trash can after the fight, but after eight matches there was no shame. The coordinator put out the sign up sheet for a NO-Gi absolute. Most of the fighters were too tired or injured to even entertain the idea (Sean included). Unlike Brian who wasted no time in putting his name on the list - again showing his determination to win. And win he did! Ending his day with a total of nine fights and a silver medal in the NO-Gi absolute! 

Congratulations Brian and Sean, you both did great!!!