Three FUJI Athletes reach the finals at the 2023 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships
The 2023 IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships were held at Long Beach State University in Long Beach, California in what is known as “The Walter Pyramid.” The event was held over this past weekend beginning on June 1st with the conclusion of the event on June 4th.
Team FUJI Athletes performed exceptionally well. Three Team FUJI Athletes were able to reach the podium for a total of 4 medals between them. All three athletes wore the Sekai 2.0 BJJ Gi from FUJI Sports, the official competition BJJ Gi of FUJI.
Victor Hugo of Six Blades Jiu Jitsu had a stellar performance in two divisions. First, competing in the Male Super-Heavyweight Division Victor won his first two matches by points. He did not surrender a single point in these two matches as he came out with a dominant performance against Pedro Moura by a score of 7-0. His next match would be more of a challenge against Luis Oliveira as he would win by a score of 2-0. Heading into the semi-final round, Victor would secure his victory with a rear naked choke submission. He would defeat Marcus Ribeiro in the finals to secure his first gold medal of the weekend with an armbar.
Victor would also compete in the Male Open-Class (or absolute) Division as well. Coming out hot once again Victor showed he could do it all with two more submission wins to kick off his run in the Absolute Division. Vinicius Lessa was submitted with a gi choke and then Luis Oliveira with a triangle choke. Victor then entered into arguably his toughest match of the tournament against the seasoned veteran, Kaynan Duarte. Neither competitor was able to score a point during the match. Victor was able to pick up the win with an advantage scored. He was faced off in the finals against Erich Munis, once again winning by submission this time with a knee bar.
Amy Campo of Zenith BJJ is the next Team FUJI Athlete to reach the finals at this year's IBJJF World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. She also competed in two divisions at this year's event; Female’s Medium-Heavy and Open-Class Division. Amy came out the gates hot in the Medium-Heavy division submitting Graciele Fava by Rear Naked Choke. Her next match in the semifinals against Ana Vieira would not be an easy one as it would lead to a referee's decision. Amy gets the approval of the referee’s and would move to the finals where she would meet Maria Malyjasiak. Amy would win the finals match with her second submission of the day once again utilizing the rear naked choke to secure her first world title!
In the absolute division Amy finished with a dominant performance against Elisabeth Clay. Amy defeated Elisabeth by points 17-0 and would move on to semifinals where she met with Ana Vieira once again. Just like the first match between the two, this one was going to be a battle. With an even score of 2-2, Amy would unfortunately be defeated by an advantage.
Janaina Maia de Menezes (also known as Janaina Lebre) competed in the Female Lightweight Division. Her opening match would be against Thamires Monteiro who Janaina would defeat by points 5-0. In the next round she faced off with Sabrina Ataide. It was a very tough match from start to finish with no points scored throughout. Janaina would receive the blessing of the referee’s decision moving on to the semi finals. She would defeat Brianna Ste-Marie in yet again another very tough match for her. No points scored by either competitor, Janaina would win by an advantage. In the finals, Janaine would be halted by Ffion Davies on points. She would finish the weekend with a silver medal.
The FUJI Team wants to take the time to congratulate all three competitors on their performances. We are proud to have dedicated, hard working, passionate, and professional athletes supporting and representing the FUJI brand. Be sure to give these three competitors a follow on social media: Victor Huge (@victorhugojj), Amy Campo (@amycampofighter), and Janaina Lebre (@janainalebre).