2019 IBJJF World Championship at the Walter Pyramid

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation will be holding the world championship at the Walter Pyramid at CSU Long Beach starting Wednesday, May 29 until Sunday, June 2.

What is unique about this event is that blackbelt competitors can register without having a previous world title. However, if a blackbelt has not retrieved a world title, they can qualify to compete by earning 80 or more points in other IBJJF tournaments. A blackbelt must get first, second, or third place in order to accumulate points on their record.
All levels will be competing and are categorized by age, weight class, and belt ranking.

The IBJJF is partnered with the United States Anti-Doping Agency to ensure athletes are not using drugs while competing. Selected athletes are tested and if a drug test is found positive, the USADA informs IBJJF and the athlete can not participate in any IBJJF tournament until further action is taken.

Competitors comes from all around the world, but one black belt in particular trains out of a gym in Signal Hill called Checkmat Headquarters. Marcus “Buchecha” Almeida, originally from São Paulo, holds a record of 128 wins and 12 losses. 53 percent of his wins are by submission and 38 percent by points. Almeida will be competing in the IBJJF championship on Saturday, June 1. If he moves on to the quarter finals, he will be competing on Sunday, June 2, as well.

Tickets, registration, location, and more can be found on www.IBJJF.com.
By: Celeste Basich