The Texas International Grappling Festival will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at Kingwood High School (2701 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood, TX 77339).  Elbert Hebron and Grand Prix Grappling have been doing this tournament in the Houston area for years, resulting in a well organized, large tournament with plenty of competition for all who register.  To register or for more information, go to www.grandprixgrappling.com!

Get ready because the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation is returning to Houston on February 12 and 13 to put on the “International Open” tournament. This will be a well run tournament, and people from all over Texas will be coming in to compete. The rules and more information can be found at www.ibjjf.org. Remember, there are some pretty big differences between this tournament and many of the local ones you’re used to. For one, the weigh ins are with the gi on about 5 minutes before your first match – so make sure you’re on weight ahead of time with the gi on! Also, the rules about gi restrictions will be enforced (sleeve length, jacket tightness, etc.), so read the rules on the IBJJF website and make sure your gi complies!

On the first Saturday of every month, all of the schools in the Solis Martial Arts network congregate at one academy for an open mat. The meeting location changes from month to month so that everyone can become acclimated with all the different schools, instructors, and students within the network. This is a great opportunity for everyone to meet new training partners and to exchange ideas and techniques with people who have different “flavors” of jiu-jitsu. On February 5, this meeting will occur at American Fight Company in Killeen Texas! Let’s bring a large team to show our support of our newest SMAA family member! www.americanfightcompany.com for directions or more information.

On January 1, all of the SMAA affiliated schools will meet up at headquarters for a FREE tournament! Everyone’s name will go into a hat, regardless of age, rank (except for black belts), gender – and 2 names will be drawn at a time. Matches are 5 minutes long and are submission only. If you submit your opponent, you remain in the winner’s bracket and your name will go back into the hat for the second round; if your opponent submits you, you will be transferred to the consolation bracket. If your match ends without a submission, both you and your opponent’s names will be transferred to the consolation bracket. If you lose by submission (or your match ends without a submission) in the consolation bracket, you are out of the tournament. The ultimate winner and runner up in the winner’s bracket will be crowned champion and second place. The ultimate winner and runner up in the consolation bracket will be third and fourth place. This is a great opportunity for everyone to compete and have fun with opponents from all levels and all schools in the SMAA family! Show up early, because tournament registration closes at 11:30am sharp and there will be celebrations and a team photo at 11:45 on the dot! Don’t miss out on this one – and let’s see if “Big” Pat can finally be dethroned as multiple time SMAA champion! www.solismartialarts.com for directions or more information.