IBJJF Chicago International Open

This Sunday our team will travel down to Chicago for the first ever IBJJF tournament in the Midwest. The tournament reached full capacity and is going to be the biggest and grandest tournament I've ever attended, no doubt. I am eager to compete, and watch my fellow teammates compete as well.

We have all put countless hours of hard work on the mats, and with that we have come a long way. Some of us suffering through injury, plateaus, and just everyday problems that come with life, but quitting is never an option at GRBJJ. We've all had that moment where we just want to say, "ok, that's enough". We've all had the moment where we almost reach the breaking point, but decide to push onward instead of quitting. We all understand that through suffering comes reward. That's what will set us apart from our competition.

Win or lose, though, I am proud to be a part of GRBJJ and the Carlson Gracie Team because of everyones hard work and undying love for the sport and art. It's great to be a part of such a family, with the greatest Professor ever, Clint Crabtree.

My game plan for the tournament is really simple - I am entering the adult Division 18-34, so everyone in the division is going to have that advantage on me. I'll still stare them down with tenacity though, and take the match to them from the opening seconds. There will be no cowering away just because I am younger, and there will be no fear just because maybe they are a little stronger. I'll have to make them remember the day they fought that freshly 17 year old kid from GRBJJ.

Obrigado to all my training partners, and good luck to all of you while competing.

Bobby


"He who hesitates, meditates in a horizontal position"

"Don't back down because your opponent is bigger, step up because he IS."

"You've got to have the most heart during those given minutes, you don't have to be better all the time."

"Remember where you came from, how you got here, and who helped you achieve this, all while you are holding the gold medal around your neck."