This year’s IBJJF Masters Worlds in Las Vegas was a remarkable experience for Haven Jiu Jitsu. Our team put in incredible performances, showcasing their dedication and hard work both on and off the mats. Here’s a recap of some highlights from our athletes over the weekend.
Day 1 Highlights
Jess kicked things off with one of the cleanest SLX guard pulls of the tournament. She had a tough opponent and, despite an excellent start, ended up getting caught in a choke. It was a hard-fought battle, and we’re proud of her efforts.
Dave looked sharp in his match, moving well until he got caught in a straight ankle lock, which unfortunately popped his foot. It’s never easy to deal with an injury, but Dave showed the resilience we’ve come to expect from him.
Corey had an incredibly close match. Had it lasted 10 seconds longer, we believe he would have taken the win. That’s the nature of competition—timing is everything, and Corey’s match was a razor-thin contest.
Hannah had an excellent run, winning her first match by decision. In her second match, she gave it everything, and again, had the match lasted just 20 more seconds, she likely would have secured another victory. Her grit and determination were clear to everyone watching.
Jason had a massive division, competing in five matches and finishing 4-1. He submitted two of his opponents and dominated with his scoring, racking up over 15 points in every match. His finals match was a heartbreaker, losing by just 1 advantage in the last 10 seconds. Nonetheless, Jason’s performance was stellar, and we are incredibly proud of him.
Omar frustrated his opponent into a slam from closed guard in his first match, securing the win. In his second match, he displayed some of the best scrambles of the tournament, escaping a tight armbar and omoplata before narrowly losing by an advantage. His effort and technique were truly inspiring.
Kung Fu Jerry made the podium, securing third place in the Masters 86 purple belt division. His perseverance and focus brought well-deserved success to his competition.
Day 2 Recap
Day 2 was another action-packed day for Haven Jiu Jitsu. Our athletes continued to battle with passion and intensity.
Ryan put on a clinic in his first match, showing his technical mastery before dropping a close second match. His performance was a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Dustin followed a similar path, winning his first match with his usual high-paced style before narrowly losing in his second match. Dustin’s intensity is always a thrill to watch, and he left it all on the mats.
Brett started his match strong, securing a quick two-point takedown. However, he eventually got caught in a knee bar. Despite the setback, Brett’s tenacity and effort were evident throughout.
Josh fought hard once again, earning a third-place finish at Worlds for the second year in a row. His signature grind-it-out style was on full display in each of his matches, and it’s always a privilege to see Josh compete.
Dan had an impressive showing for his first time competing at Black Belt and after a long break from competition. He punched-choked his first opponent unconscious, won his second match, and lost an extremely close third match. Dan’s return to competition was nothing short of amazing.
Joe also had a solid performance in No-Gi, going 1-1 and earning himself a second-place medal at Jiu Jitsu Con. Joe’s continued improvement and success make us all proud.
A Special Shout-Out
Our very own Kung Fu Jerry had a little surprise in store for us by sticking around for the Absolute division. This “old bear” took second place in the Absolute, further proving that age is just a number. We’re beyond proud of Jerry’s tenacity and success. Special shout-out to our Geneva affiliate—he represented Haven Jiu Jitsu with pride.
Proud of Our Team
All in all, it was an amazing experience at Masters Worlds. Every competitor fought with heart, determination, and the skills that our team has worked so hard to develop. I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of you. A huge thank you to our team back home who helped everyone get to the level necessary to compete on the world stage. Your support is invaluable.
Great job, everyone! I can’t wait to see what’s next for us. See you all on the mats!
