This years competition was a big jump up from last year. There was a much larger spectator crowd and sixty more competitors over last year. The base is really building with some of the white belt divisions having over forty competitors. And what a great day.

A few organisational ‘tweaks’ allowed the day to run more smoothly than ever before with the comp winding up by 5pm. For any who have been to other tournaments, you will understand what an amazing achievement this is! I have seen tournaments with less competitors and more mats, not finish until late in the evening. And we have a few more ideas that we hope to put in place to make next years run even better still.

There were always the few small fires to put out on the day (all behind the scenes) and these were mostly due to the odd competitor ticking off the incorrect box on their entry form and ending up in the wrong division; as well as a few very late entries that arrived on the day of the comp itself. But apart from those few hiccups, everything went perfectly.

Rigan Machado commented that it was the best-run tournament he has ever seen. And he’s seen a few – so that’s high praise. He also commented that the atmosphere was the friendliest he has ever seen and feels that this is the direction more people have to take if they want their schools (and the sport of BJJ) to grow.

Once again, we made best use of the day by making presentations of new belts to the three newest Will-Machado Black Belts: Steve Perceval, Tony Morris and David Hart – all great competitors and very knowledgeable BJJ coaches. For myself personally, this was the highlight of the day; the crowd, all BJJ-savvy fully appreciated the importance of the presentation – it was absolutely fantastic!
As Steve Perceval was one of the three to receive his black belt – in true BJJ tradition, he passed his old (well-worn) brown belt on to long-time student – Richard Sargeant!

The next day, Rigan Machado taught seminars at Dominance MMA in Richmond. The mat was packed for both the advanced and beginners seminars. Rigan brought out a few techniques and ideas from his ‘private stash’ and left everyone buzzing with excitement. No doubt there will be some surprised people when these competitors return to their respective schools this week!

An awe-inspiring talk was presented to the school-owners at Café Grace in Richmond by Frank Monea on the Sunday; laying the foundation for greater growth and prosperity in the year to come. I have already had tremendously positive feedback from several of the school-owners on how they felt that talk alone was more than worth the effort and expense of making the trip to Melbourne. Frank came down and had a meeting with me this morning and brought with him some ideas for the continued growth and development of BJJ Australasia as an organization. I anticipate some serious growth and some very positive changes for many of the schools over this coming year.

I know everyone had a great time – and thanks so much to all those people who have taken the time to provide me with feedback on the event. Best wishes all,
Till next time,
John Will

Photos are currently being uploaded and will be sorted and categorised in the next few days:

Click here for 500+ shots from the day >>

This weekend saw the coming and going of the Machado Nationals. A gathering of all those privileged enough to be part of the Machado BJJ organisation in Australia and NZ.

For someone like myself this is more about catching up with friends that have been found and forged through the blood, sweat and tears that come with the joy of BJJ. There is a certain honesty to the relationships you have with people that you have trained with, competed against, and grown with for so many years.

As is always the case the tournament was a great success and the technical level within our organisation is a testament to those teaching with passion every time they step on the mat. But more impressive still is the amazing level of respect and benevolence everyone has for one another. I have never been more proud to be part of this group.

The day was special again for myself in receiving my black belt from John Will (and Rigan Machado) along with two great patrons of the art and friends, Tony Morris and Steve Perceval.

Those that know me, know I am not the most emotional of people and likely attributed my very brief speech of “Thanks….” to that, but the truth is it was the exact opposite. It is a very hard thing to assimilate the emotions of reaching a milestone that took almost 11 years and always seemed far off in the distance. It just kinda sneaks up on you. And in that moment “Thanks” was all I could get out of my swirling head. Without crying

There are a few people that deserve a mention. First and foremost, John Will. He has inspired and guided me to become a better person as well as a better BJJ player and teacher. He is an amazing coach and person. and has my gratitude for setting me on this path.

Three other people are an amazing force in BJJ alone and my three most amazing friends. John Simon, Cam Rowe and Murray Ballenden. I am blessed to be able to have such gifted people with me on the mat. But more importantly such good people. Not only have they kept my BJJ honest, but myself as well.

So to these four, go my utmost respect and gratitude. Thank you.

“little” Dave Hart – DMMA

Only a day or two to go before our Championships.
Everything is going well with preparations – especially with regard to the prize-packs for place-getters. This years packs are exceptional – with great globe shoe vouchers, backpacks, heaps of clothing, Virtus Gi’s and other goodies. Most of this was hunted up through the efforts of my wife Melissa.

So far, we have 270 competitors. We are still receiving entry forms – although technically speaking these forms should have been received a week ago. Nevertheless, they are coming in – which is great. The $10 entry fee discount that we offered for early registration has been taken up by 90% of the school owners, who were organized enough to take advantage. The others will see their students paying the extra $10. (Any effected: talk to your instructors!!!)

The draw will be done on Thursday of this week – and any late-entries received after that date, will be placed into some of the ‘bye-slots’ that I will build into the draw. There are always one or two who rock up on the actual day and ask who they should hand their entry form to. To these people – I say: TALK TO YOUR INSTRUCTOR!!!

Next year we will initiate an ‘at the door entry form tax’ – to discourage last second entries. Still, 90% of the school owners have worked it all out and are on top of things.

Rigan Machado is very excited about his trip over and has some great training ideas for those attending his seminar on the Sunday at Dominance MMA in Richmond. I can’t wait!

I look forward to seeing everyone there – please come up and say hello on
the day if you get a chance.
Best wishes to everyone,
JBW

All competitors this weekend will receive one of our new BJJ – The mat is my ocean wristbands this weekend. They will be on sale there for all spectators also. After the weekend is over, they will be available on our website here – but only in packs of 10.

The embossed inscription will read:
“I’m a shark. The mat is my ocean. Care for a swim?”
The price will be $45 for a pack of ten.
Give them to your BJJ mates!

In amongst the never-ending small things that need to be finalised for the nationals on Saturday, Melissa Will has managed to find time to secure brand new sponsorship!!

http://www.platypusx.com/

This is very exciting news for competitors as Platypus will be supplying products from their “Code of Silence”, “Pimpit Fight Team” and “Metric Clothing” lines. There may also be products for sale on the day.

Please take the time to visit their site (www.platypusx.com) and check out our latest supporter!

Things are shaping up well for the upcoming championships. We have had some great help from our sponsors – and have been able to put together some great prize packs for place-getters.

- Download the Competition Entry form >>

- Download the comp-2008 poster PDF >>

- Download the Competition waiver >>

- Download the competition rules >>

Rigan Machado has planned some fantastic seminars for the Sunday afterward – see attached poster for details. There is no need to pre-book – first 50
there for each session are good to go.
Coloured Belts: 10 AM
White Belts: 12 Noon
Dominance Academy on Bridge Road in Richmond

Accommodation: Check this link for a site offering good deals on Accommodation in Albert Park, where we are having our competition:
http://www.cheaperthanhotels.com.au/Australia/Melbourne/Albert-Park/

Best wishes to everyone,
I look forward to seeing you there.
John Will

South Australia recently had it’s first ever official State Championship for BJJ. This was an official qualifier for the AFBJJ Australian Cup which helped draw competitors from far and wide. There were over 90 participants and some very hotly contested divisions. Adelaide Will-Machado affiliate Matt Jones (ISO Health) took along 7 participants from team ISO Health. It was an exciting day with a good number of competitors and the ISO Health results were as follows…

- Lachy C: Silver; Adult White Belt: 67-73kg (biggest division of the day with 19 competitors)
- Wes P: Silver; Adult White Belt: 79-85kg
- Alan K; Bronze; Adult White Belt: 49-67kg
- Kieran V; Bronze…Adult White Belt: 85-91kg

Events BJJ will be holding their inaugural BJJ Comp, The Sydney BJJ Challenge, on Sunday 28th September 2008.

All entry forms (entry and waiver) with money (cheque or money order) must be received by Thursday 25th September 2008.

There are all divisions for Kids and Adults. The Tournament is being held at the Five Dock Leisure centre, Cnr of Queens Rd and Williams St. Kids competition begins at 9am. Adults divisions begin at 11am.

Entry forms are available for download via our website www.eventsbjj.com

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to let me know..

We hope to see you all there.

Regards,

Elvis Sinosic
Events BJJ