Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Open

Brazilian jiu jitsu competitors get a chance to strut their stuff

Martial artists around Cape Town are limbering up for the Brazilian jiu jitsu and submission grappling tournament called the Mother City Winter Open on Saturday, 29 June at the Renzo Gracie Academy in Buitengracht Street. Registration closes on Friday, 28 June 2013. 

Formed as an adaptation of judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu is a combat sport and self defense system that focuses on ground fighting and applying maneuvers to gain physical advantage. The Mother City Winter Open is for men and women trained in the art at all levels of grading – the levels are marked with different coloured belts, white being a novice and black being advanced – and fighters will be divided into weight classes for the 5 - 7 minute bouts.

Competitors also have the choice to compete in two divisions, gi or no-gi, which means that they can either fight wearing the kimono-like judo suit to give them a technical edge, or fight without it for faster, slipperier battles (this is usually reserved for advanced fighters).  Points are given for different maneuvers, like takedowns and back grabs; a position must be held for three seconds to score. The winner is determined by number of submissions, points or advantages.

The tournament is a great opportunity for those who want to see what the mixed martial art entails and perhaps to get encouragement to sign up for a class or two.  

Registration for Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu Open

Participants can register for the tournament at their respective jiu jitsu schools or at Renzo Gracie Academy in Cape Town for R150p/p before Saturday, 22 June 2013. Entries received between Sunday, 23 and Friday, 28 June 2013 will cost R200p/p, and registration closes on that Friday at 8pm. There will be no registration on the day.

Weigh –in (without gi) starts at 8:30am on competition day, and all fights are regulated according to International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (IBJJF) rules. Spectators are welcome to come along and cheer for their favourite fighters.

---

Powerful women get in the ring to raise funds and empower other women at Warrior WomXn boxing event.

If you envy the fit and nimble, why not take up boxing at the Armoury Boxing Club in Woodstock, or if you and exercise get along like a house on fire, try tai chi for a more zen alternative.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, connect with us on LinkedIn and check out our Pinterest boards for updates.