WEEKEND RECAP: AJP BRINGS ITS MATS AND ACTION TO MEXICO, BELGIUM, AND SOUTH AFRICA

In another action-packed weekend, the AJP brought its tournaments to three different countries around the world, giving athletes yet another chance to test their skills while easing travel expenses. This time around, Mexico, Belgium, and South Africa were chosen to host the events, setting up the organization’s internationally recognized mats in its territories. Without further ado, let’s check out the highlights from each championship!

AJP Tour Monterrey International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024: Mauro Lemus and Adolfo Tamayo submit to conquer the Professional gold in Mexico

On Saturday, March 9th, the Gimnasio Nuevo León opened its doors to colored belts from many countries around the world, setting up the AJP mats as a battlefield upon which they could hone their skills as they strive to take another step in their journey through Jiu-Jitsu.

Hailing from Ecuador, brown belt Mauro Lemus (Alliance) was a standout at the tournament. In the 69kg division final round, he went toe-to-toe with the local Manuel Vazquez (Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu) in a very balanced duel that took almost the entirety of the regulated time. Neither side managed to score any points, but Mauro kept his eyes on the prize and saw his chance in the final minute of the match, landing a timely submission and taking the title.

Another highlight was the Mexican purple belt Adolfo Tamayo (Bujutsu). Facing his countryman Yahel Gomes (Gran Fraternidad Marcial) for the 120kg division gold, Adolfo used all of his skills against his foe, scoring multiple times throughout the match. Yahel held his own most of the time and even dished out some attacks, but Adolfo cut his momentum short midway through the duel with a winning submission, taking the win and his rightful spot atop the podium.

Check out the full results here!

AJP Tour Brussels International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024: David Cartwright takes the Open Weight gold in Belgium

On that same Saturday, the Sporthal ULB Erasmus became the stage upon which athletes from all over the world put their training to the test as they sought gold, glory, and the points they needed to climb the AJP rankings. One such competitor was the UK’s David Cartwright (Apex Jiu-Jitsu HQ), who worked hard to conquer the hardest prize of all: the Open Weight title.

After facing a setback in the Master 1 85kg division, losing in the final by a very narrow score, David steeled his resolve and made his way back to the mats, this time gunning for the Open Heavyweight gold. His journey to the title, however, was not an easy one, as the French competitor Ilyes Barafane (GFTeam) stood in his path and was ready to put his ambitions to rest. The match was a close call, with both sides attacking and defending proficiently during the five minutes of regulated time. When the clock ran out, David rose as the champion with a 2-0 score.

Check out the full results here!

AJP Tour Johannesburg International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024: Joel Preller keeps the Professional gold in South Africa

On Sunday, March 10th, the Johannesburg International brought the fires of competition to the Walter Sisulu Hall, welcoming one and all to step up to the battlefield and show they have what it takes to be called a champion in the AJP. Many champions were indeed born that day, but one of the biggest was the local purple belt Joel Preller.

Representing Pesfa in the tournament, Joel gave his all in his pursuit of the 69kg division gold. His first obstacle was Angola’s Wilker Paulo (Gracie Barra Sandton), who met the local in the semifinal and gave him a run for his money over the five minutes of regulated time in a match that ended in a 3-3 score. Having scored last, Joel advanced to the final and faced another Angolan athlete, this time Anderson Carmo (Focus Jiu Jitsu). Much like the first one, the scoreboard soon found itself tied at 3-3, but Joel was more comfortable this time around and found his opportunity to lock a submission halfway through the match, taking the gold medal and leaving no room for doubts when it comes to his skills.

Check out the full results here!