Students and coaches from True Believer Jiu Jitsu were busy in late April with several competitions. Some traveled to New York to compete in the IBJJF Spring International Open 2019, while others remained in Pittsburgh to compete in the local Grappling Industries submission-only event. Regardless of where individuals competed, True Believer Jiu Jitsu is proud of each competitor for representing the tribe and taking on the challenge of competing in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

IBJJF New York Spring International Open

The IBJJF New York Spring International Open was held at the Nat Holman Gym on April 27 and 28. One major highlight for True Believer Jiu Jitsu was Coach Aaron Hannan’s performance, as he placed second in the adult male featherweight division at purple belt during the no-gi event. Coach Hannan went on to the finals of the bracket, losing by points in a highly technical, competitive match.

True Believer blue belt Allie Pennetti also competed at a very high level in the no-gi event, earning bronze in her division after several excellent matches. Full results for the New York Spring International Open can be found here, and full no-gi results can be found here.

Grappling Industries Submission-Only Pittsburgh

True Believer had a great local showing at the Grappling Industries submission-only event, held at the Greentree Sportsplex on April 27. Several team members competed for the first time, while others stepped up to help coach. Below you’ll find a list of individual medalists from True Believer Jiu Jitsu, as listed by Grappling Industries.

Bryan Nguyen — First Place — Gi adult, male, white belt, -145 lbs
Dylan Witte — Third Place — Gi adult, male, blue belt, -155 lbs
David Gabig — First Place — Gi adult, male, blue belt, master, -170 lbs
Adam Zaffuto — Third Place — Gi adult, male, blue belt, master, -210 lbs
Allie Bolea — First Place — Gi adult, female, blue belt, -135 lbs
Bryan Nguyen — First Place — No-gi adult, male, beginner, -145 lbs
Taylor Stine — Third Place — No-gi adult, male, beginner, master, -170 lbs
Dylan Witte — Second Place — No-gi adult, male, intermediate, -155 lbs
David Gabig — Second Place — No-gi adult, male, intermediate, master, -170 lbs
Adam Zaffuto — Second Place — No-gi adult, male, intermediate, master, -210 lbs

The team at True Believer Jiu Jitsu is extremely proud of all the individuals who challenged themselves by competing and represented the school at this event. For a full rundown of the results, you can go here.