New York City has long been the East Coast hub of Brazilian Jiujitsu. Decorated athletes like Marcelo Garcia, Gordon Ryan, the Miyaos, Gianni Grippo and more have lived, trained, and operated academies in the city and call it their home. New York has also hosted many big tournaments like the IBJJF Nogi Pan-Ams, as well as annual Winter Opens, Spring Opens, Summer Opens and countless local tournaments such as Kasai Grappling, The Good Fight, Tap Cancer Out, and Grappling Industries to name a few. The opportunity to compete, grow and develop as people and grapplers was abundant in New York, that is until the Pandemic hit.

 Not so long ago, in the days of social distancing, BJJ was suddenly considered mildly illegal. Friend groups of grapplers were forced to secretly assemble in back rooms and garages on spare mats, or in vacant gyms with garbage bags taped over the windows (true story) to get the training we yearned for.
               
Those days are like a bizarre fever dream in comparison to the back to normal status we’ve worked toward these past years. “Normal” being used loosely regarding New York, of course. Yet we are not so far removed from those strange days. The effects of the Pandemic on New York City and on the BJJ scene here are perhaps stories for another time.

 That isn’t what this is about. Rather, this is about celebrating the return of competitive BJJ to NYC this past weekend.


  


 February 18th marked the return of competitive BJJ within the 5 boroughs of New York City. There have been competitions within the surrounding tri-state area, but notably lacking in the city itself since the Pandemic began. With so many high-level academies in the immediate area it’s shocking that we waited this long to see a tournament return. That tournament was Grappling Industries, held in the Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center in Brooklyn, and might I add the venue was fantastic. The mats were placed atop indoor astroturf which made an excellent surface to warm up on, as well as an easy place to lay down between matches. The venue was maybe even too comfortable as a woman bellowed over the PA system: “This is NOT your home, you may NOT smoke pot in the men’s bathroom!” shortly after 4:20pm, though there lacked any 10th Planet grapplers to scapegoat as suspects. The tournament also went off with relatively few delays even with its sold-out, max capacity crowd of athletes.




 In between coaching and cornering my own teammates, I got to talking with some of the other grapplers and viewers in attendance. I caught up with a white belt competitor representing the Johnny Karate team, Everett, who had this to say about the feel of the tournament: “This is my second tournament ever, but right off the bat the first thing that hit me was that the ambience is so much better.” Being able to compete in the city was instrumental to his comfort and confidence that day. 


Devon, a blue belt hailing from the Renzo Gracie Bay Ridge academy had this to say for the return of competition in NYC: “I feel pure energy today. This is what we have been waiting for. Waking up to compete and coach in our own backyard. Getting to see all the homies from other local academies and the best part, there is some tough competition out here today. The absence was too long and now it’s time for NYC to show out.” 


                                                 

A first time white belt competitor, Miles, noted the special shift that occurs when a team goes to a tournament together as a unit as opposed to the more laid back social interactions within the gym: “The people you just randomly see or say hi to in the gym really become your teammates in the competition setting, that was honestly my biggest takeaway, and your coaches really become your coaches.” 


When asked for his thoughts on the absence of tournaments in the city these past few years, Anthony, a black belt from Fabio Clemente’s academy reflected and delivered: “I suppose I’d say I understand why it was banned from the 5 boroughs in the first place. Most NYC businesses and venues require proof of vaccination. My guess is that it came back because vaccinations have become optional for healthcare jobs, therefore it’s no longer a big deal if anyone isn’t vaccinated. So, I guess I feel that I’m comfortable with tournaments returning now, and I get why it was not allowed before, and agree with how it all has happened.” 




Another white belt, named Lindsey came to support her teammates that afternoon who were competing and to see what the day was about: “This was the first grappling competition I’ve ever gone to. As someone new to the sport I haven’t given much thought about competing, but my God, the energy in the room is thrilling. It feels like this pleasurable static electricity. It’s so cool to see all the different styles of game and coaching in one room.  But one of my favorite parts was watching the kids — it’s amazing to see someone 22 years younger have far better technique! All in all, an A+ way to spend a Saturday, highly recommend, but they should sell beer!”

 Among the crowd of amateur athletes were also some professionals, or dare I say, “celebrity grapplers.” AJ Agazarm was spotted roaming through the crowd while chatting on his cell phone, ADCC champion Ffion Davies was in attendance that day, as well as Matheus Diniz assisting his students towards their own victories.

 In total, 1,019 participants represented 91 different academies at the tournament. This is a strong argument for competitions returning to the 5 boroughs. Grappling Industries is scheduled back in Brooklyn this June and I’m predicting another stellar turn out. Hopefully more tournament promotions take note and come back into New York City. Nature is healing.