5RJJ Community

This past weekend the record was shattered as 3200 competitors made their way to the Bren event center in Irvine California for the 2012 Pan American Games, making it the biggest jiu jitsu event in history.

Pan-Ams 2012 - the Five Rings JJ Crew
Back row: Coach Eric, Noah, Nick, Robert, Louisa, Will, Xavier
Front row: Jessica, Jerico, Coach Tom, Coach Korbett, Dan
Not in picture: Nathan and Andy

Over 45 athletes competed at the Revolution Tournament on March 17, 2012, in Bonney Lake, WA, under the Ribeiro Lovata NW flag.

Folks came from four sister academies:

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is fundamentally rooted in the traditions and values of ‘a familia’: the family (in Portuguese).  The Ribeiro brothers, Saulo and Xande, have demonstrated throughout their careers that filial bonds can be used to motivate, drive, and inspire each other to greatness.  The many generations of the Gracie family have helped to spread knowledge and passion for the ‘gentle art’ throughout the world.  Rafael and Guillerme Mendes are siblings on the cutting edge of the sport.  Each of these families shares a love for the community of BJJ.  Sometimes it is represented by their competitive spirit, incomparable instruction, or willingness to promote the art.  Most often, it is all of these things.

Xande and Saulo Ribeiro