Luccas Lira Black Belt Debut Victorious in Orlando

The International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) held its return competition in Orlando, Florida on July 25, 2023. The focus of this section is on the no-gi part of the black belt competition.

One of the highlights of the competition was Luccas Lira’s launching as a black belt. Lira had actually been extremely effective as a brown belt and had actually high expectations put on him. He did not dissatisfy, as he contended in the super-heavy department and won both of his matches against the very same challenger with a heel hook.

Another noteworthy rival was Lucas Brito, a previous trainee of Felipe Pena who has actually been on an upward trajectory in the sport. Brito had actually won numerous gold medals in current IBJJF circuit competitions. In the light-weight department, Brito beat 2 veterans, Matheus Galvao and Leo Silva. His success against Silva was especially excellent, as he had the ability to pull guard against a guard-playing professional and took the back for a submission by rear-naked choke.

In the open weight class, Jorge Escudero Barba redeemed himself after 2 frustrating losses in the gi department. Barba dominated the open weight class by sending Alexandre Vieira and Angelo Claiborne, both popular names in the IBJJF circuit.

Other winners in the black belt departments consisted of Alexandre Vieira (featherweight), João Victor de Oliveira (light-weight), Lucas Brito (middleweight), Mathias Luna (medium-heavyweight), Luccas Lira (super-heavyweight), Diego Dias (ultra-heavyweight), and Jorge Andres Escudero Barba (open class). Thamires Monteiro declared success in the female black belt open class department.

Overall, the IBJJF competition in Orlando showcased excellent efficiencies by both recognized black belts and increasing stars in the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.