The US Nationals went off on the 14th of May. And I want to extend a " Job well done" to the event Promoter Brian Cimmins, without who's assistance our staff couldn't have been on hand.
This event as so many do, had a few gliches. But the distinguishing factor was the way that Brian Cimmins and his staff kept things moving along.
The event itself was very entertaining. One of the most spectacular was the Grappling of Regis Lebre ( Saulo Ribeiro/Maxercise). Which is saying alot because of the enormous amount of talent on hand.
The Childrens Divisions were about the largest that I have seen in some time.But the 2005 GQ US Nationals I will break down a little more in depth as I start with the Cruiserweight Division.
With such notables as Leo Dalla ( Lloyd Irvin), Justin Garcia (Jungle Gym), and Sean Spangler 6 time Grapplers winner (Kobra Kai), and Rick Macauley (Balance Studios) this was a battle all day. But it seemed all day as if Jamie Cruz ( Renzo Gracie) was on a collision course to the Finals, as he beat Sean Spangler 2-0. But the Final was a battle that went back and forth. But in the end Rick Macauley (Balance Studios) was able to get the upper hand and defeat Jamie Cruz (Renzo Gracie) 4-2. To win the Grapplers Quest.
After the match Rick said that it was the tghest match he had been involved in for quite sometime. I'm also trying to get to Las Vegas to compete. Who knows maybe these two will meet there again. It would only give fans a great match to watch.
The whole day Regis paralleled Igor Gracie. He defeated Keith Florian (Boston Brazialian JJ) by tapping him out after being down 10-14. In the next round Mike Fowler ( Lloyd Irvin) took Regis to the limit only to fall short 2-0.
Then the finals roared in as Igor Gracie (Renzo Gracie) squared off against Regis Lebre. The match went back and forth as both fighters tried to gain control. But in the end it was Regis Lebre ( Saulo Ribeiro/Maxercise) who came away with the victory 5-2 in the Welterweight Division.
On the Woman's side it seemed to be a run-away train, in the form of Kizma Buttons ( Ground Zero). This West Virgina native has been rolling along for almost two years.
Going into the 2005 Arnold Gracie Worlds this young lady had not been scored on in 15 months. That ended at the Arnold Classic when she was scored upon. But she won every match. As she did here at the 2005 GQ US Nationals. She came away with 3 Belts. The Womans Gi Heavy, No Gi Heavy, and the Absolute No Gi. Kizma has an invitation to ADCC
for the Alternate match. Seeing as how she is from West Virginia maybe we will see her at the GQ in Richmond Virginia on July 9th.
Many schools were represented with such notables as Maxercise, Lloyd Irvin, Yamasaki, and Team Odyssey, a Royce Gracia school.
The Odyssey Team came away with too numerous to mention Belts. And a support following, that was unequaled and extremely pronounced by a sea of blue, Team Odyssey shirts that covered a quarter of the West side bleachers. It truly was an awesome sight. And with all that support more than one student stood out, But young fireball Alex Taylor (Team Odyssey) was able to capture Three Belts. On the Woman's side Marissa Talley ( Team Odyssey) was in the thick of it in the No Gi Absolute where she was defeted by Kizma Buttons ( Ground Zero).
The Event Promoter Brian Cimins did a masterful job as the normal quagmire's of such a large tournament tried to deter the event schedule.
I wish all the event's I've been to, had the insight to move things around so that they would flow steady and smooth for both the Athlete's and the Fan's.
I want to extend a resounding Thank You to Brian Cimins for all his work and effort. It was a very nice event and we plan to cover it on a regular basis.
Untill next time.. We will see you at the Kumite Classic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on May 28th.
Levi................
