The Coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on various sectors of society. In Jiu-Jitsu, the IBJJF had its main events postponed – World, Brazilian and Pan – and has not organized a tournament since February (Kansas and London Open). However, on September 19, in Austin, Texas (USA), the IBJJF will return to competitions. In addition, the federation also announced that the Pan Championships will be held between October 8th and 11th in Orlando, Florida, USA.
The events will have several health control rules for athletes and everyone involved in the tournament. The presence of public will not be allowed and each athlete can only take one coach – besides the mandatory use of face shields and masks. The three competitions will have a maximum number of competitors.
According to the IBJJF protocol on the official website, there is no information on Covid-19 tests for athletes.
Filipe Faria, director of IBJJF, told TATAME about the choice of cities in Orlando, Austin and Oklahoma to host the first championships in this new beginning:
“We are super excited to see the athletes back in action on the mats. We have taken some new measures such as the absence of an audience and some others, we are working for everyone to have a great experience during the championship with the highest level of safety possible.”
Important names of Jiu-Jitsu registered for Austin Open are: Xande Ribeiro, Isaac Doederlein, Thiago Macedo, Márcio André, Manuel Ribamar, Nathalie Ribeiro, Igor Paiva, among others. .
IBJJF health recommendations:
We are very happy to announce that registration is now available for the Pan Championship 2020.
Date: October 8*, 9*, 10, 11.
Early Registration Deadline: Sep 2nd
Final Registration Deadline: Sep. 28th
Location: Silver Spurs Arena – Orlando – FL
Please visit ibjjf.com for more information.
Pre Schedule will be posted soon.
Points are NOT required.
Limited spots available.
Limited occupancy. No spectators allowed.
Competitors can only enter the venue on the day they are competing.
Competitors can bring one companion only.
Schedule will be done with extra time in between divisions.
Mats will be mopped and barricades wiped down every hour.
Face covering required at all times.
Staff to wear mask and face shield.
On social media, important Jiu-Jitsu chanpions questioned the fact that the borders are still closed and several athletes, who returned to Brazil during the pandemic, will not be able to compete. Check out some messages that were published in the IBJJF post about the announcement of the event!
Gabi Garcia – “I really want to compete! I think we need this! But I put myself in the place of athletes who are in Brazil! I think I would be very sad! Two sides of the coin!”
Max Gimenis – “The borders are closed, and the virus is still there, and seriously, I was detected with Covid last month. I left isolation this week, thank God I went through this, but we know how many people died, is it worth it to expose all athletes and students?”
Anna Rodrigues – “This is difficult, @ibjjf. Without Brazilians this Pan will be invalid! But you are not prepared for this conversation.”
Ana Schimitt – “What do you mean, Pan? With this situation in the world … Brazilians are not even free to train properly, let alone enter the USA!”
Gabriela Fechter – “I am happy to see the world coming back. But I am very sad to be part of a large majority that cannot travel and fight.”
