Master Jair (center-left) receives his gold medal

Master Jair Lourenco has won his fourth jiu-jitsu national championship. Master Jair, who is the founder of the original Kimura Academy, recently competed in the black belt 181-pound division of the national championships held in São Paolo, Brazil. Four straight impressive victories earned Master Jair his fourth national title. The prestigious tournament was sponsored by the Confederation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Esportiva. Congratulations, Jair. Parabéns!

Kimura competitors scored several wins at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Championships held in Long Beach, California June 4-7. While the eight Kimura competitors fell just short of winning medals, they recorded several wins and fought competitively at the prestigious tournament, which was held by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Stanley Chen won three fights and narrowly lost his fourth fight by advantages. A victory would have guaranteed him a finish in the top three places for a medal. Jeff Hsu recorded two victories before being defeated in the third round and Diego and Bruno earned first-round wins as well.

Eight Kimura competitors will head to the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships held in Long Beach, California June 4-7. As hosted by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), the tournament is one of the most prestigious in the world and draws thousands of international competitors. For more information and results, check out the IBJJF site (www.ibjjf.org). Everyone wish the best of luck to Jeff, Diego, Stanley, Thang, Ky, Tho, Lucas, and Bruno. Go Kimura!

Competitors from the Kimura Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy won a total of 22 medals at the New York International Jiu-Jitsu Championship. Hosted by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the tournament was held in New York City on April 18. The academy captured the most medals out of all teams from New England that competed at the championships. “Everyone exceeded my expectations and competed with heart,” said Master Jean Kleber. Jean added that Lucas Lowry put on an outstanding performance, winning a silver medal in the middleweight blue belt adult division and a bronze in the open class. He also noted Dave Keefe, who won a gold in the senior middleweight blue belt division and a silver in the open class. Vitor Luis took home a gold in the master heavyweight blue belt division and Marcos Silva also won a gold in the master heavyweight purple belt division. Jean said all competitors are to be congratulated.

Kimura BJJ South Boston is the first branch school from Kimura BJJ America.  Master Kleber chose Joey Bell as the first student to start a branch school not only because of his highly technical jiu jitsu but also because of his ability to break techniques down to simple components so that everyone is able to understand.  Joey started teaching at the South Boston branch almost two years ago and most recently won second place in the purple belt division at the IBJJF Pan-American competition, one of the highest levels of competition for BJJ in the world.  If you would like to try classes in South Boston with Joey, you can contact him through Ultimate Self Defense and Performance Center, 416 West Broadway,  South Boston, MA 02127.  Classes are held Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:00pm.  Please check here for more information: http://www.boston-martialarts.com/default.html

Kimura BJJ Academy is proud to announce the opening of a new branch school in Marlborough, MA.  The new branch will be taught by our very own Marcos V. Silva who recently added another gold medal to his collection by taking first in his purple division at the IBJJF sponsored New York Open.  Classes in Marlborough will be on Mondays and Wednesdays starting at 8:30pm.  If you are interested in BJJ and are in the Marlborough area, please give Marcos a call at (508) 510-2303!

Kimura will send more than 20 competitors to the New York International Open Jiu-Jitsu Championship to be held at City College in New York City April 18. This is the inaugural competition of what promises to be an extremely prestigious tournament for years to come. It is hosted by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation and will welcome some of the best jiu-jitsu competitors in the United States and the world. Even if you are not competing, cheer on those who will and wish them well. Look for results after the tournament or log on to the IBJJF website (www.ibjjf.com ) for more information.

Congratulations to all four Kimura competitors who fought in the Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championships held March 27-29 in Carson , California . Joey Bell put on an excellent performance, winning three fights and only losing in the finals for a second place finish in the master’s featherweight purple belt division. Bruno Braz also had a third place finish in the adult light featherweight purple belt division. Tho Vu and Lucas Lowry also competed and fought well. The International Jiu-Jitsu Federation hosted the prestigious tournament and more than 1,700 jiu-jitsu competitors attended the event.

Last weekends seminar with Leo Santos was a big success!  Not only were the techniques that Leo showed outstanding and practical, he was also incredibly friendly and easy to talk to and learn from.   Leo stated that he was impressed by the level of energy and unity he saw at the Kimura BJJ Academy.  We are quite honored to have such a high level competitor and instructor visit and are looking forward to any future seminars he may wish to hold at the academy.  Please check out our photos from the seminar!