One of the UK’s most accomplished Brown belts, Sam Gibson (Carlson Gracie London) recently traveled out to the Finnish National Open to take his chance at winning their top prize. Alongside winning the gold medal in the Brownbelt Featherweight division, Sam won €800 towards his travel and entry fee to the IBJJF World Championships in 2 weeks’ time.
Hi Sam, was the prize on offer at the Finnish Open your main reason for choosing to compete there?
The prize money was the main reason I chose to compete at the Finnish Open, it’s a huge incentive. I would usually choose to compete at IBJJF events, as they have the most prestige and attract the highest level opponents. But the chance to reach my goal of fighting at the worlds this year was the major attraction.
Do you think other countries, such as the UK, should have a similar system?
What i saw in Finland was amazing the level of organisation. The competitors and the prize money all made this tournament one of the best in Europe. The system they use is a very good example of how a governing body can be used for the good of the sport.
I know the UKBJJA has started a ranking system to help send top competitors to major events, so I hope all the UK teams really get behind this to ensure it becomes a reality.
How were your fights? What did you think of the level of the opponents in Finland?
Everyone there wanted to win their trip to the worlds, so the fights were always going to be tough. The level in Finland is really high, so I’m glad I was able to put in a good performance. In the first fight I was caught on top in a leg drag for most of the match and won by just 2 advantages. In the final I was looking to take my opponents back with a berimbolo then saw the opportunity for a toe hold and I took it!
Will you have the opportunity to train in the US before competing?
I will be meeting my good friends and training partners River Dillion and Taylor Pearman who are already out in San Diego. We will be training with Clark Gracie and Dean Lister for a week before the competition, perfect preparation for the biggest tournament in the world!
What are your expectations for the World Championships?
I fought at the Pan Ams earlier this year and just missed out on a medal position. I got through to the quarter finals, and then lost a tough fought match to Issac Doderlain – who I consider to be one of the best in the world. I felt well matched, but I made a mistake toward the end. I’m looking forward to a rematch. I believe I have the ability to win, but it’s all about what happens on the day.
How do you find balancing being an instructor with being a high level competitor? Do you find this challenging?
I make sure I train at least two tough sessions a day with drilling in-between. I teach privates and classes everyday so my schedule is pretty packed. Without the income from teaching I wouldn’t be able to live the lifestyle I do.
Whilst it is time consuming, I find teaching very satisfying and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I recently taught my first seminar and have another coming up soon. It has taken me years to develop a modern style of BJJ and I take a lot of pleasure in being to share that with people across the UK.
Anyone you would like to thank?
My biggest thank you will always has to be to my coach Richard Martin, as without him I would not be where I am now. I came to him as a mediocre purple belt and couldn’t imagine the success I would have under his guidance. Also to my Sponsors Faixa Rua and Saviour Tea for all the help they give me. Finally, to all my team mates at Carlson Gracie London, they are a constant source of inspiration.
