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This is the latest instalment of the incredible Jiu Jitsu Damashi series from Japan. These are semi-regular “mooks” (magazine/books) that feature the cream of the crop from the BJJ world giving interviews, doing techniques, and generally cavorting around on the mats.

Despite all text being in Japanese, it is truly an international magazine–a large percentage of people interviewed are Brazilian, some Americans, etc.

They pulled out all the stops for this one.

Magazine features:

• Rafael Mendes
• Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles
• Michael Langhi
• Andre Galvao
• Robson Moura
• Renzo Gracie
• Lloyd Irvin
• Fabio Gurgel

Techniques from JT Torres and other top Lloyd Irvin students, as well as Gurgel, Cobrinha, Royler, Galvao… incredible!

The three-hour DVD is packed full of awesome jiu jitsu footage including:

• All Japan Masters and Seniors Open Tournament
• Grappling Tour Spirits (with K-Taro Nakamura cleaning up)
• A one-off fight between Rafael Mendes and Katsuya Toida, enigmatic Japanese grappler, at Deep X (a submission grappling event in Japan)
• Another Jiu Jitsu Jamboree
• Roberto Souza of Bonsai BJJ cleaning up at the ADCC Pro Asia Trials
• and more!

If that wasn’t enough, there are video techniques from:

• JT Torres
• Jarod
• Nagapan
• Rafael Mendes
• Hiroki Baba
• Renzo & Royler Gracie

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Sei que andei ausente, fora do campo de visão de meus míopes leitores, mas, como vocês bem sabem, para quase todas as coisas, incluindo esta, há sempre boas explicações…

As semanas que antecederam este breve hiato foram pesadas, porém, depois de depositado no solo o fardo, o alívio não tarda…

Dias 15 e 22 de outubro, coincidentemente, duas quintas-feiras, participei de dois eventos distinto sobre literatura (sim, eles existem, e cada vez em maior número).

O primeiro, em Jahu, cidade que organiza pela primeira vez um festival literário, o HILDA, batizado com o nome da mais ilustre filha da cidade no âmbito das letras, a escritora Hilda Hilst.

Estação do Som, Jahu

O segundo, na sua 43ª edição, foi a SEMANA CASSIANO RICARDO, em São José dos Campos, homenagem ao poeta homônimo, natural da maior cidade do Vale do Paraíba.

Fundação Cultural Cassiano Ricardo, São José dos Campos

Ambos os eventos traziam variada e extensa programação, incluindo música, dança, teatro e demais atividades convergentes com a literatura. Ambos os eventos organizados com esmero e profissionalismo. Ambos, divulgados amplamente, incluindo jornais, rádios, sites, TV e com excelente material impresso (folders, flyers, jornais e revistas).

Em Jahu, o fato de ter como secretário de cultura alguém como ANDRÉ GALVÃO faz toda a diferença. André, diferente dos secretários municipais que conheço, não faz política para si. Conhece muito de política cultural e promove-a de maneira equânime e ousada. Na retaguarda, conta com pessoas comprometidas com a arte em cada uma de suas expressões, como a mega competente SÍLVIA CARINHATO, curadora da literatura na cidade.

André Galvão, eu e o Carlton

Galvão, Sílvia Carinhato e os escritores locais

Já em São José dos Campos, a Fundação Cultural Cassiano Ricardo, em sua atual gestão com CLÁUDIO MENDEL na direção cultural, vive um período renascimento na cena local. É claro que lá eles contam com um reforço extra, BEATRIZ GALVÃO que mesmo à paisana bota pilha na pasmaceira geral, com especial atenção à poesia.

Valéria Silvério da FCCR e Beatriz Galvão

Tudo perfeito se não fosse um detalhe:

ONDE RAIOS ESTAVA O PÚBLICO? EM QUE BURACO SE METEU O LEITOR?

É sabido que a literatura não tem o mesmo apelo popular das demais artes. Ainda podemos argumentar sobre o fato de que, talvez, o tal público leitor, ainda que diminuto, contente-se com a simples LEITURA e não esteja interessado em discuti-la ou conversar com escritores.

Ok?

Mas há acaso alguma explicação para o fato dos professores, os que, em tese, deveriam fomentar a leitura entre os futuros leitores, estarem ausentes destes eventos?

Justifica-se de alguma maneira a falta de comunicação e parceria entre as secretarias de cultura e as de educação na organização e divulgação destas iniciativas?

E os estudantes, onde estariam eles? No Orkut ou assistindo Malhação?

Aposto na disseminação de eventos literários (concursos, palestras, oficinas, bate-papos e workshops) pelo interior do estado de São Paulo. Sei que da parte dos escritores há boa vontade e, muitas vezes, até mesmo altruísmo para sujeitar-se a longas viagens em precárias Kombis oficiais e a mirrados cachês. A atitude de alguns deles beira ao sacerdócio.

Definitivamente, a literatura é feita de pessoas. São algumas poucas, mas são valentes e abnegadas, e eu, tenho a sorte de ter várias delas por perto.

Quero agradecer o tratamento especialíssimo que me foi dispensado:

• À atenção, o bom papo e a gentileza do Secretário de Cultura de Jahu ANDRÉ GALVÃO, que dividiu comigo uma pizza, idéias e algumas cervejas;

• À simpatia da querida SÍLVIA CARINHATO;

• Finalmente, ao carinho e força de BEATRIZ GALVÃO.

OBRIGADO!

Hannette Staack will remember that on this day she became two-time ADCC champion of the over 60kg category, when she insisted on a kneebar till the headstrong Penny Thomas tapped.

Luana Alzuguir will also remember fondly here campaign in the under 60kg. In the final, Alliance’s golden girl (the only gold-winning team member this ADCC) beat a game Sayaka Shioda by 3 to 0 by taking the Japanese grappler’s back.

On this day, Marcelo Garcia lost for the first time in the ADCC at his weight. Pablo Popovitch will remember the last 30 seconds of the under 77kg final, when he put all he had left into passing the three-time champion’s guard to take first place. Popovitch will remember that this was the third final in a row between the two, in the world cup of grappling. It’s 2 x 1 for the Alliance rep, but 2011 isn’t that far off.

Rafael Mendes will also remember the final minute of the under 66kg decider. He’ll recall how the match was drawn at 4 to 4, already in overtime, when he managed to make it to Cobrinha’s back, to make it 7 to 4 and take the gold. Before that, Rafa will remember that he submitted two-time champion Leo Vieira.

Xande Ribeiro will remember the strategy that put the brakes on the revelation of the event, Gerard Rinaldi, winner of the west coast USA trials, who dispatched favorites left and right in making it to the under 99kg final. Despite his disappointment in the absolute, Xande will cherish his second title in the event.

Fabricio Werdum will remember the title he conquered at home. The second championship that he controlled the over 99kg category of and the stands of the Pavilion that he galvanized. The fans he lent to friends while they competed.

Braulio Estima will have the greatest memories of the Sunday, September 27, that he spent in Barcelona. He’ll remember the dream day he spent in the same gymnasium a certain Dream Team enchanted the world in 17 years earlier. Braulio was nearly perfect. In the under 88kg category he caught the foot of Lovato. Then, he clamped a sightly triangle on Andre Galvao, for the gold.

In the absolute, the dream turned to reality. In less than a minute, he extended the arm of Finland’s Janne-Pekka. Then, he squeezed on the neck of Marcelo Garcia and scored 7 to 0 over Vinicius Magalhaes.

When asked about the final of the absolute, Braulio will remember that he went after Xande from the start, that he nearly got the finish with a beautiful triangle and later with an arm attack. He’ll also remember that Xande’s bad luck was his good fortune whenhis adversary gave up, betrayed by an arm injury.

When asked speak of his time winning his weight and the absolute categories of the ADCC, repeating the feat of Ze Mario (1998), Mark Kerr (2000) and Roger Gracie (2005), perhaps Braulio will break into tears like he did in the gymnasium in Barcelona. It’s also possible that time will bring Braulio to believe in his own achievement, which he hadn’t managed to do yet as he exited the Badalona Municipal Pavilion.

Um parque de diversões agita a região de Barcelona onde está situado o hotel dos atletas do ADCC 2009. Os barcelonenses lotam o local e se divertem na roda gigante, no bate-bate, no bungee junping invertido, que promete sensações extremas. E comem. Comem muitos churros, cachorros quentes e maçãs do amor. Por mais que procure, o Blog não acha nenhum atleta entre as milhares de pessoas que curtem a noite de quinta-feira.

Uma volta na Monumental garante bela vista da orla

Espalhados pelo saguão do hotel Hilton Diagonal Mar, os atletas do ADCC 2009 lutam contra o sono para igualar o fuso horáro. Marcelo Garcia e a esposa Tatiana estão tranquilos: “Agora é só esperar”, sorri o mineiro, antes de ser mais uma vez assediado por uma série de fãs japoneses.

O bate-bate (ou autochoque)

Rafael Mendes e André Galvão saem para comer no centro comercial em frenbte ao hotel, onde a organização tem um convênio com um restaurante de frutos do mar. A estrela da Atos JJ, que veio à Espanha sem nnhum companheiro de equipe (fora Galvão), ainda está dois quilos acima do peso. Já André está tranquilo: “Estou apenas 800 gramas acima”, revela.

Marcelinho tenta driblar o sono no saguão

No jantar, encontram os irmãos Xande e Saulo Ribeiro. O segundo é só sorrisos e brinca com o fato de estar inscrito entre os gigantes de mais de 99kg. Com o prato já vazio, Saulo ri: “Já disputei todas as categorias, tenho um título até 88kg e outro até 99kg, agora resolvi tentar acima de 99kg. Já lutei em todas as divisões, menos até 66kg, até porque essa é do Royler”.

Saulo, Kid Peligro e Xande relaxam após o jantar

Quem também chega para comer é Kron Gracie. Acompanhado apenas de um amigo que não larga o telefone e discute com algém em uma lingua inintelegível, o filho de Rickson admite: “Já lutei umas competições sem kimono, mas essa vai ser a primeira de verdade” reconhece, com o semblante tranquilo. E os adversários, Kron? Difíceis? “Se não fosse, não seria uma competição importante como é”.

Kron, no peso, espera a comida chegar

De volta ao saguão do hotel. Robert Drysdale e Ronaldo Jacaré estão lado a lado, mas não conversam. O réptil é direto quando perguntado sobre a vez em que os dois já foram da mesma equipe: “Eu treinava em Manaus e ele em São Paulo. Eramos do mesmo time, mas não da mesma equipe. Nunca treinamos juntos”.

Jacaré pronto para a superluta

A pesagem acontece às 11:00AM dessa sexta-feira (6:00AM no Brasil). Em seguida, será realizada a reunião de regras. Siga ligado no Blog para saber das últimas notícias do ADCC 2009.

O comitê do ADCC acaba de divulgar as chaves para o evento que começa amanhã.

Até 65 podemos ter o atual campeão Rani Yahya contra o talentoso americano Jeff Glover já na segunda luta.

O outro finalista de 2007, Léo Vieira, está do outro lado da chave, com Rafael Mendes e Jeff Curran, entre outros.

Cobrinha se encontra do mesmo lado que Rani, mas só se encontrarão numa eventual semifinal.

Marcelo Garcia na segunda luta de 2007, contra Kurt Pellegrino. Dessa vez ele pode ter Kron Gracie como seu adversário na mesma fase. Foto de Luca Atalla

Marcelo Garcia vs. Kron Gracie na segunda luta até 76kg? É o que poderemos assistir, caso os dois passem pelo primeiro compromisso. Pablo Popovitch está do outro lado da chave.

É muita fera junta, e difícil pensar em prognósticos, mas esperem Tarsis Humprheys contra André Galvão nas semifinais até 88kg. Do outro lado, o finalista de 2007 no peso acima Bráulio Estima tem que encarar algumas pedreiras, entre elas o islandês Gunnar Nelson e Rafael Lovato Jr para conseguir chegar à finalíssima.

O atual campeão até 99kg, Xande Ribeiro pode fazer um clássico do Jiu-Jitsu contra Márcio Pé de Pano na semi. Enquanto o campeão do absoluto de 2003, Dean Lister, tem do seu lado os campeões das seletivas brasileira (Glover Teixeira) e americana, no east coast (Gerardi Rinardi).

Entre os mais pesados, Fabrício Werdum joga como favorito até a semifinal, onde pode cruzar com os mais leves Saulo Ribeiro e Rômulo Barral, se esses passarem pelos seus gigantes da primeira luta.

Jeff Monson está do outro lado, e pode tentar repetir o feito do ADCC 2001 quando raspou Tom Erikson. Cyborg encara o vencedor da seletiva do East Coast, Tom De Blass, na estréia.

No feminino o nível está bastante equilibrado e veremos se a jovem Luanna Alzuguir cumpre as expectativas após o título mundial de Jiu-Jitsu deste ano e chega à finalíssima. Entre as mais pesadas, as favoritas Hannette Staack e Lana Stephanac podem se enfrentar na semifinal.

ATUALIZAÇAO: Analisei algumas chaves na pressa, e errei a fase de encontro de alguns atletas, como Tarsis e Galvão, Xande e Pé de Pano e Werdum contra Saulo ou Barral. Onde estava semifinal é quartas de final. Já corrigi.

- Could you tell us a bit about your preparations for ADCC?

I’m training hard as usual, At night I do the physical preparation with Camões, in the morning I practice grappling with the help of Josuel Distak and with my practice partner and ADCC champion, Ronaldo Jacaré. Everything is just fantastic, and I hope to get back from Barcelona with  a new title to my career, if it’s God’s will. I’m feeling well prepared to do it.

- Are you doing any kind of special training in your routine ?

Yes! I’m focusing on the explosion and speed at morning time. At night I am also doing the physical practice according to my morning training.

- What do you expect from yourself in this championship?

I hope to win the Champion Title, but I know it’s not that easy. ADCC Championship  holds the best athletes.  Actually,  in my opinion, ADCC is a more complex and different competition. Thanks God, I’m well prepared and ready for any kind of situation on the mat.

- How do see your career now on days?

Every day I see that I’m in the right direction. I’m grateful for all that I conquered along my career, in the Jiu Jitsu World and MMA, where I have the best coaches and training partners, this gives me the motivation to seek my dreams and goals, I  still have a lot to learn, God has blessed me, and I´m thankful for all.

- How ADCC Championships will add to your career?

ADCC is a worldwide high level championship, it´s good to be included in a huge organization like this, and it always brings good things too, sponsorships, the growth of the athletes in the Fight world, etc.

- How do you see yourself inside the Jiu Jitsu world?

I always  seek to learn more and more, Jiu Jitsu gives me this option, there’s always something to improve, I like that, since when I began practicing I tried to evolve in the sport.

I believe I  have achieved a lot, and I see others Athletes conquer and involved.

- Any message you like to share with your fans and friends?

I would like to thank you all for everything,

I  also would like to thank my sponsors, Vulkan, Vinac Concorsios, Sinister and to Posto do Açai

Four days from the star of the 2009 event in Barcelona, the GRACIEMAG.com ADCC 2009 Blog offers up a ranking of the athletes in the tournament’s overall history. In putting it together, we lay out all the results since the first installment of the competition and attribute points according to the importance of each position on the winners’ stand (you will find the points listed below.

With his win over Ze Mario in 2001, Kerr leads the Ranking, whereas the "Zen Machine" is runner-up even without competing since 2003. Photo: Luca Atalla

According to the criteria adopted for the GRACIEMAG ADCC Athletes Ranking, 67 athletes scored points and guaranteed their places on the list.

For the time being, we release only the male rankings, but the female one is on the way.

The following points criteria was applied:

1.Absolute champion – 20pts

2.Weight category champion – 17pts

3.Supermatch winner – 15pts

4.Absolute runner-up – 13pts

5.Weight category runner-up – 11pts

6.Supermatch runner-up – 9pts

7.Absolute third place – 7pts

8.Weight category third place – 5pts

9.Most technical athlete – 3pts

10.Best match participant – 2pts

In the event of an even number of points, the athlete with wins of greater significance takes the lead. For example, even with the same number of wins, the athlete with an absolute title will be ranked ahead of the athlete who won a weight division.

Check out the GRACIEMAG ADCC Athletes Ranking

What do you think of the ranking? Leave your comment.

He was a finalist in the under 77kg category the last two editions. In these two campaigns he beat big names like Renzo Gracie (2005) and Andre Galvao (2007). In the two finals, though, he stopped at the same adversary, Marcelo Garcia. But Popovitch doesn’t give up and will be present in Barcelona.

Not many know, though, that the Brazilian black belt naturalized American’s first appearance in the ADCC was in 2003, in Sao Paulo. There, Pablo also caused some surprise in beating then-under-77kg champion Marcio Feitosa, after which he was eliminated by judges’ decision in a 30-minute battle against Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro.

In 2009, Popovitch will once again go after what he considers to be his greatest career objective, to win the ADCC. To Spain he takes with him his years of training, his No-Gi Worlds title, conquered in 2007 and lots of determination. Only those who don’t know Pablo Popovitch can doubt he is one of those favored to take down boogeyman Marcelo Garcia.

Direct from the school he heads in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Popovitch spoke with the GRACIEMAG.com ADCC 2009 Blog.

Blog: Tell us a bit about your trajectory in the ADCC.
Pablo Popovitch: To win the American trials for ADCC 2003 was my greatest dream fulfilled! In Sao Paulo, I beat then-champion Marcio Feitosa. After that, unfortunately, I lost the judges’ decision to Vitor “Shaolin” Ribeiro. We fought for 30 minutes and the score stayed at 0 to 0.

Blog: What did this first experience in the ADCC mean to you?
Pablo Popovitch: I grew up watching Feitosa and Shaolin dominate the Jiu-Jitsu lightweight division. To beat Feitosa and lose a decision to Shaolin made me very confident in my Jiu-Jitsu. From that moment on I knew I could be one of the best in the world. I just had to train more and believe in my potential.

Popovitch defeats Galvão in 2007. Photo: Guilherme Rafols

Blog: Do you have a motto that encourages you come competition time?
Popovitch: I always thing that “There can be only one”. I participate at every championship with that phrase in my head. And the answer is always the same: “Pablo Popovitch”. That’s not disrespect to my opponents, but my great belief in victory. The day I stop believing it is the day I stop competing.

Under 77kg podium in 2007: Marcelinho, Popovitch and Galvao. Photo: Luca Atalla

Blog: How would you define your game?
Popovitch: My style of Jiu-Jitsu has gone through several stages. When I was a kid I just wanted to play guard, I loved playing on the bottom. When I started practicing wrestling in the States, I was good at it since I’ve always been really quick and explosive. Wrestling was natural to me. From there, I changed my game. I started becoming a guard passer.

Andre Galvao has dedicated the last 12 months of his life to MMA. Since August 2008 he’s had four fights, winning three by submission and suffering one split (and controversial) decision loss, at Dream. Now the two-time Jiu-Jitsu world champion (2005, 2008) and runner-up (2006 and 2007) is back in the grappling game.

His win over Cacareco

The Fernando Terere and Eduardo Telles pupil, who once figured in two-time ADCC champion Leo Vieira’s team, is one of those favored to win the under 88kg category. The category has no owner, as 2007’s champion Demian Maia will not take part.

Direct from Rio de Janeiro, where he trains with beasts of the caliber of Anderson Silva and Rodrigo Minotauro, Galvao spoke with the GRACIEMAG.com at the ADCC Blog, and had the following to say:

Blog: How is your final stage of training for the ADCC going?
Galvao: I’m doing explosiveness training without the gi. I’ve been training without the gi for some time now. I haven’t been putting on the gi every day since I started fighting MMA.

Blog: To you is the ADCC closer to being MMA than Jiu-Jitsu?
Galvao: No, no. It’s certainly closer to Jiu-Jitsu. But even so I feel it’s much different from competing in the gi. Besides that, the opponents are different.

Blog: In 2007 you competed in the under 77kg category, but this year you moved up to 88kg. Who will be your main adversaries? Would you risk pointing out a favorite?
Galvao: I can’t leave out Braulio Estima, Rousimar Touquinho, Rafael Lovato Jr. or Tarsis Humphreys. Those guys are big-time tough with enormous submission grappling experience. As for a favorite, that all depends on what happens that day. There is no favourite.

Galvao vs Yoshida, ADCC 2007 absolute

Blog: You didn’t compete at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship but are returning to the ADCC. Why this preference?
Galvao: I didn’t compete at the Worlds because I was training a lot without the gi for MMA. As for the ADCC, it’s a really good tournament. The recognition you receive is much greater than at the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds, mainly in the realm I am in, which is MMA. And there are also the money prizes, which help a lot. But I love Jiu-Jitsu and am dying to compete at a Worlds.

Blog: Looking back, what would you consider to be your greatest moment in the ADCC?
Galvao: Ah, for sure my matches with Cacareco, in the absolute third-place dispute in 2007, and with Mike Fowler, in the under 77kg third-place dispute. Those were great moments.

Arrochando Fowler

Blog: Can you recall any mistake you made in 2007 that you hope not to make this year?
Galvao: In the under 77kg semifinal I was ahead on the scorecards against Pablo Popovitch and decided to open up to do something more. There was a minute left in the match and I ended up getting surprised by him.

Blog: To you, who is the best of all in the ADCC?
Galvao: Roger Gracie. I remember in 2005 he finished everybory.

And what about you? Who is favored to win the under 88kg category? Leave your comment.

The under 66kg category of the ADCC was owned by the same guy since 1999. Without false modesty, shortly after taking his third, in 2001, Royler Gracie remarked: “Few have had the pleasure of being Jiu-Jitsu world champion four times in a row, as I have, and now three times in Abu Dhabi. This is unprecedented and unlikely to be matched,” said the Gracie after beating Hawaiian Barret Yoshida for his third.

So, when the ADCC disembarked in the Ibirapuera park, in Sao Paulo, on the 17th and 18th of May, 2003, the general expectation was that the three-time champion would at least make it to the semifinal of the under 66kg. From the way the brackets were set up, there Royler would face the rising star of Leo Vieira, then leader of Master, who would go on to win his first title in the final against Barret Yoshida.

But on the path there was an underdog from California. Who had heard of Eddie Bravo? The American trials winner was losing the match when he managed to replace guard and sink a triangle on the distracted Gracie (photo above): “I don’t know how to explain it. It was really quick, as though I’d disconnected from the match for three seconds. When I came to, I was in a triangle,” Royler tried to explain after having tapped out for the first time in his weight category, with or without the gi. In the follow up, Leo didn’t give Bravo a chance in the semifinal.

Royler still went on to fight again and with an 8 to 0 score over Alexandre “Soca” Carneiro secured third place and his fourth time on the winners’ stand in a row for the Gracie Humaita leader. Eddie Bravo didn’t compete for third, alleging injury, and never again appeared in the ADCC.

The ADCC has seen other underdogs, not quite as unlikely, but underdogs nevertheless.

That very event, in the under 99kg category, Norwegian Jon Olav Einemo is to this day responsible for Roger Gracie’s lone loss in the ADCC (photo below). Then 21 years old, the current two-time absolute world champion was sincere in explaining his defeat: “Truth is, I underestimated the guy. I went in slow, to let him exert force and push the pace, but, when I realized what was going on, he was on my back.

Going back in time, in 1999, in Abu Dhabi, the underdog had his way in the under 88kg of the second installment of the ADCC. In the division considered the most evenly matched, a pair of Russians managed to made it through to the final in the presence of Renzo Gracie, Ricardo Libório, Fábio Gurgel and Amaury Bitetti. Kareem Barchlov (in the photo below throwing Liborio) and Alexander Savko decided the title, with Kareem, who curiously had Savko in his corner throughout the competition, taking gold.

In another leap in time, we arrive at 2007, when the ADCC touched down in New Jersey. Last event, it was Saulo Ribeiro who was surprised by an underdog (photo below on the right). Right in his second match in the under 77kg category, the two-time champion (2000 and 2003) was submitted by Mike Fowler, who earlier beat Renzo Gracie (photo below on left), another two-time champion (1998 and 2000). The Lloyd Irvin student, famous for his leopard spotted hair, took fourth after losing to Marcelo Garcia and Andre Galvao, in the third-place decider.

Rounding out the list of underdogs, we return to 2003. In Ibirapuera Park, only the absolute dispute remains. Signed up are Marcio “Pe de Pano” Cruz, Saulo Ribeiro, Marcelo Garcia (who had just run rampant in the under 77kg) and Jeff Monson, just to name the most famous. A little while on, we are at the final and untrue to expectations, the finalists are Alexandre Cacareco and Dean Lister, with the latter a true underdog. Firstly, Lister wasn’t even going to participate and only entered because Jon Olav dropped out. On his way to the final, the American went past Nathan Marquardt and ran into Saulo Ribeiro (photo below). Lister ended up beating the two-time champion with a kneebar in overtime.

The opponent in the semifinal was over-99kg champion Pe de Pano, a firm favorite. Lister held out against a choke from his back for five minutes to win in overtime. On Pe de Pano’s choke hold, Dean was nonchalant: “I’ve spent over 100 hours in triangles.” In the final, a quick ankle lock on Cacareco guaranteed him first place..

Can you think of any other ADCC underdogs? If so, please comment.

With less than two weeks to go till ADCC Barcelona 2009, we took roll to find out who will be sweating up the mats of the Badalona Municipal Sports Pavilion.

Of course there will be last-minute changes and you will be able to keep up with all the flip-flops in names till the first exchange of grips right here. The organization promises 16 athletes for each male category. Now the female division will have eight per category.

Of 2007’s champions, only Demian Maia (under 88kg) and Roger Gracie will be out of this year’s event. Find out who is in as of now, category by category.

Supermatch

Robert Drysdale (absolute champion of  2007) vs Ronaldo Jacaré (2005 absolute runner-up)

Men

Over 99kg

1. Jeff Monson (USA)
2. Tom Erikson (USA)
3. Jon Olav Einemo (Norway)
4. Roberto “Cyborg” Abreu (Brazil)
5. Rogent Lloret (Spain)
6. Saulo Ribeiro (Brazil)

7. Fabricio Werdum (Brazil) –  ADCC champion
8. Denis Roberts (Australia) – Pacific trials winner
9. Asa Fuller (USA) – North American East Coast trials winner
10. Janne-Pekka Pietiläinen (Finland) – European trials winner
11. Tomasz Janiszewski (Poland) – European trials winner
12. Antoine Jaoude (Brazil) – South American trials winner
13. Kouji Kanechika (Japan) – Asian trials winner
14. Tom De Blass (USA) –North American West Coast trials winner
15. Gabriel Gonzaga (Brazil)
16. Karol Bedorf (Poland)

Under 99kg

1. Renato “Babalu” Sobral (Brazil)
2. Vesa Vuori (Finland)
3. Vinícius “Pezão” Magalhães (Brazil)
4. Dean Lister (USA)

5. Alexandre Ribeiro (Brazil) – ADCC champion
6. Anthony Perosh (Australia) – Pacific trials winner
7. Rafael Davies (USA) –American East Coast trials winner
8. Andreas Olsen (Norway) – European champion
9. Radek Turek (Poland) – European trials winner
10. Glover Teixeira (Brazil) – South American trials winner
11. Yukiya Naito (Japan) – Asian trials winner
12. Gerard Rinaldi (USA) –North American West Coast trials winner
13. Márcio “Pé de Pano” Cruz (Brazil)

Under 88kg

1.Tarsis Humphreys (Brazil)
2. Kazuhiro Nakamura (Japan) – Asian trials winner
3. André Galvão (Brazil) – South American trials winner
4. Kassim Annan (France) – European trials winner
5. Trond Saksenvik (Norway) – European champion
6. Jason Selva (USA) – North American East Coast trials winner
7. Igor Praporshchikov (Australia) – Pacific trials winner
8. Chris Weidman (USA) –North American West Coast trials winner
9. Gunnar Nelson (Iceland)
10. Rafael Lovato Jr. (USA)
11. Daniel Tabera (Spain)
12. Bráulio Estima (Brazil)
13. Rousimar “Toquinho” Palhares (Brazil)
14. Bruno Bastos (Brazil)
15. Jorge Santiago (Brazil)
16. Tom Lawler (USA)

Under 77kg

1. Marcelo Garcia (Brazil) –  ADCC champion
2. K-taro Nakamura (Japão) – Asian trials winner
3. Murilo Santana (Brazil) – South American trials winner
4. Marcelo “Uirapuru” Azevedo (Brazil) – European trials winner
5. Toni Linden (Finlândia) – European champion
6. Don Ortega (EUA) – North American East Coast trials winner
7. Rodney Ellis (Austrália) – Pacific trials winner
8. Enrico Cocco (USA) – North American West Coast trials winner
9. Kron Gracie (Brazil)
10. Pablo Popovitch (Brazil)
11. Yoshiyuki “Zenko” Yoshida (Japan)
12. Milton Vieira (Brazil)
13.Bill Cooper (USA)
14.Ben Askren (USA)
15. Gregor Gracie (Brazil)
16. Leonardo Santos (Brazil)

Under 66kg

1. Rani Yahya (Brazil) –  ADCC champion
2. Kouhei Yasumi (Japan) – Asian trials winner
3. Rafael Mendes (Brazil) – South American trials winner
4. Nicolas Renier (France) – European trials winner
5. Timo-Juhani Hirvikangas (Finland) – European champion
6. Ryan Hall (EUA) –North American East Coast trials
7. David Marinakis (Austrália) – Oceania trials
8. Jayson Patino (USA) – North American West Coast trials
9. Rubens “Cobrinha” Charles (Brazil)
10. Leo Vieira (Brazil)
11. Baret Yoshida (USA)
12. Jeff Glover (USA)
13.Hiroshi “Iron” Nakamura (Japan)
14.Justin Rader (USA)
15.Jeff Curran (USA)
16.Urijah Faber (USA)

Women

Under 60kg

1. Kyra Gracie (Brazil) –  ADCC champion
2. Sayaka Shioda (Japan) –  ADCC champion
3. Megumi Fujii (Japan) – Asia pacific trials winner
4. Michelle Tavares (Brazil) – South American trials winner
5. Laurence Cousin (France) – European trials winner
6. Ina Steffensen (Denmark) – European champion
7. Hillary Williams (USA) – North American trials winner
8.Luanna Alzuguir (Brazil)

Over 60kg

1. Hannette Staack (Brazil) –  ADCC champion
2. Penny Thomas (USA) – ADCC champion
3. Hitomi Hiraiwa (Japan– Asian Pacific trials winner)
4. Rosângela Conceição (Brazil) – South American trials winner
5. Ida Hansson (Sweden) – European champion
6. Shanti Abelha (Denmark) – campeã européia
7. Lana Stephanac (USA) – seletiva norte-americana
8. Cris Cyborg (Brazil)

And man, there’s some nice names there.

Georges St. Pierre
Nate Marquadt
Demian Maia
Renato “Babalu” Sobral
Jeff Monson
Ben Askern (2x NCAA wrestling champ, 2008 US National Champ, 2008 Olympian)
Jeff Curran
Vinny Magalhaes
Rousimar Palhares
Dean Lister
Mike van Arsdale
Ricardo Arona
Fabricio Werdum
Andre Galvao

And on the women’s side we’ve got:

Megumi Fuji
Christiane “Cyborg” Santos
Kyra Gracie

Check out their site including some nice fighter bios and YouTube clips at http://adccbarcelona.com/

In 2007, André Galvão went back home with two bronze medals at the ADCC, defeating Mike Fowler and Alexandre “Cacareco”, but wants a different “color” this year. “I’m glad to be in ADCC this year, and I’m going there to be the champion”, guarantees the black belt, promising his best.

“I’m in a different category now and I won’t have to lose weight, I feel more comfortable with that. I think I’ll be well, because I’m training hard to get there 100% and be the champion”, said André, revealing that his next MMA fight might be in the USA.

“Nothing was confirmed yet, but I think I’ll fight in October or November in Strikeforce”, revealed the black belt, revealing that the training for ADCC will help him to be ready for the MMA fight. “I’m more focused in the MMA, but the training is quite the same and I believe the gas will make the difference now, helping me to explode and be better”, said. Stay tuned for more news on Strikeforce and ADCC.    source: www.tatame.com

Nickname: Deco
Born in 1982
Home: Minas Gerais – Brasil
Style: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Team: Nogueira and TT Jiu-Jitsu
Division: under 87.9 Kg

BJJ/ADCC record:
Bronze Medal in ADCC 2007 in his division and in the absolute
Gold Medal in Jiu-Jitsu World Championship 2008 – under 87.9 Kg
Bronze Medal in Jiu-Jitsu World Championship 2008 – absolute division

MMA record: 3 – 1 – 0 (100% of victories by submission)

Bio: Galvão was a third place finisher in the 2007 ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championships in the open weight and under 77 kg class. He currently fights as one of the welterweight competitors in DREAM’s 2009 Welterweight Grand Prix. He won all his MMA fights with his killing armbar.

“Agradeço a Deus por isso, ter me dado força, treinamento e estratégia. Essa é uma categoria nova e, apesar de eu não estar no limite, porque bati 85 Kg, acho que consegui ser um pouco mais rápido que os adversários e isso me favoreceu muito.”

He uses a very special workout after his trainings, focused in dexterity, strenght, resistance and in the mind, all at the same time.

André Galvão, brasileiro, lutador de jiu-jítsu e MMA, faixa preta da equipe Brasa.

André foi bicampeão mundial de jiu-jítsu, e atualmente está lutando MMA, tendo3 lutas e 3 vitórias nesta modalidade.

Depois de estrear em solo japonês com um show de Jiu-Jitsu, passando pelo experiente John Alessio, agora André Galvão enfrentará Jason High.

Fontes:

http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Andre-Galvao-36876

http://forum.portaldovt.com.br/forum/index.php?showtopic=79641

http://fight2live.net/home/index.php/news/1130-dream-10-andre-galvao-x-jason-high-e-hayato-sakurai-x-marius-zaromskis-

http://forum.portaldovt.com.br/forum/index.php?showtopic=79641

http://themmaboards.com/showthread.php?p=145483

http://www.dreamofficial.com/free/fighters/detail.php?id=1238055611

Check André Galvão’s profile here.