BJJ class with 50% girls!

I had something to look forward to this week when my friend Taya Leemeijer dropped me a line to say she would be in Sydney. I met Taya last year when we faced eachother at the Australian Women's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu League competition on the Gold Coast. Originally training in Australia, Taya is now one of the ladies of Evolve MMA in Singapore (a Renzo Gracie Academy), where I was lucky enough to visit and train earlier this year.

Drysdale seminar and private lesson

With world champions Robert and Sophia Drysdale in town for a couple of days, how could you not take the opportunity to learn a few moves? Robert took a 2 hour gi seminar on Saturday morning at Gracie Oceania which was well received by students, and Sophia spent time with our women's team on the Sunday morning teaching some of the finer points that has made her a leading competitor in BJJ.

IBJJF Melbourne International Open results

The most striking thing about this tournament was the lack of competitors. Initially scheduled as a 3 day event, I expected a turnout similar to the annual Pan Pacific competitions (800+). Melbourne Open didn't even get to 200! What's going on?

Speaking to some of the competitors and coaches in attendance, they cited the fact that Pan Pacs was just held (people have other commitments), the competition was not well marketed, and that people were hesitant to compete at a new competition.

There were some great matches on the day, including the brown and black belt divisions, and the women's blue belt open. Here are some photos and news from our team trip:

Why you should attend seminars

I can't tell you how often I get asked this question. I can't tell you how many people are waiting for someone to give them an answer to this question before they attend a seminar.

With Xande Ribeiro, Mendes Bros, Robert Drysdale, Luanna Alzuguir and Sophia McDermott in Sydney around now, for all the people that have asked me this week "Why should I attend a seminar?" here are my thoughts:

Combat Gi Shoyoroll exclusive!

Its great when small businesses support local competitors, and even better when those businesses are run by guys that share your passion for jiu jitsu! I received a special surprise when Combat Gi sent me a beautiful limited edition Shoyoroll Yang gi this week (I had previously spoken to Combat Gi about how many gis I go through a day, and how I prefer black gis) - but wait, there's more!

Combat Gi has offered iheartbjj.com readers an exclusive $25 discount on the blue Shoyoroll Americana - this is only valid this Friday and Saturday and for whatever sizes are left in stock!