The 2003 Pan Ams took place this past weeekend at the UCSB's Robertson Gym in Santa Barbara, Ca. With over 850 participants the event was the largest Pan-Ams to date. Except for the problems at the weigh-ins/registration, and a 'hoax' Bomb threat that sent Police officers to the site, the event ran extremely smoothly with a large number of great fights.
Highlights in Kid's perspective had to be Rener Gracie securing the Gold for the U.S.A team in the Heavyweight Division of International Team Brazil v USA by submitting two times World Champion Fabio Leopoldo via triangle at 9:30 minutes of the match.
Rener was also involved in the other 'best match' of the event, against Roberto 'Gordo' Correia in the regular event. Rener secured a solid triangle on 'Gordo' 1 1/2 minutes into the match. The resilient 'Gordo' remained there until the 7th minute when he somehow managed to escape and then pass Rener's guard for the win.
Of note also was Carlson Gracie's Black Belt Aaron Lapointe who redifined the word guts and strength of human spirit. For those who don't know, Aaron does not have use of his right arm and fights with it trapped in the belt. Aaron fought against the Brazilian National Champion in the International event and lost big points, however it took the Champ over 4 minutes to pass Aaron's guard. Aaron returned in the main event and lost his first fight by points but not without scoring several advantages by near sweeps. In a word 'AMAZING'. Aaron I take my hat for you! All the respect!
Kid wants to apologize for the delay and briefness of this post, but we will have a great photo gallery and more details later this week!
Team Results:
Youth:
1 Relson Gracie
2 Yamazaki
3 Franco De Camargo
Female:
1 Machado
2 Gracie Barra
3 Clovis
Adult:
1 Gracie Barra
2 Aliance USA
3 Machado
Master:
1 Aliance USA
2 Carlson Gracie
3 Cleber Luciano
adcc.com
FaceBook
