
I recently headed out to California for a combined family vacation/Jiu Jitsu tournament. The trip turned out to be super relaxing on the way down. The highlight on our way was the giant elephant seals that we stopped to look at out by the ocean. The week was filled with a lot of fun family time before all the craziness of the weekend ensued. I had several opportunities to go train with some of my local Jiu Jitsu buddies in the Monterey, and San Jose area. I love these opportunities to go see what some of the other schools are doing, and maybe pick up some new techniques. I also enjoyed the rare chance to train with my son, David Nava. Good times! Towards the end of the week it started to rain A LOT, but that didn’t dampen our drive to kick some butt at the All Star Tournament in Santa Cruz California!

Friday rolled around, and I headed out to go pick up the first group of guys coming in. My first students to arrive were Brandon walker, Jose Contreras, and Daniel Rodriguez. It felt nice bringing my students to my hometown so they were able to see where it all began for me. Everyone stayed the night at my moms, and we filled the living room with air mattresses, and sleeping bags. The next day we made pancakes, and turkey bacon despite the requests for Chorizo and eggs. We then headed out to get some downtime at a local coffeehouse called Rollick’s. It was a great opportunity to clear our minds, and focus on just being a team. Scrabble was the game of choice, and I’m pretty sure they were making up words along the way. After some hang out time I drove the guys around to see a little bit of where I grew up. It was a nice Saturday, but at the end of the day it was time to head out and pick up my second group of guys. First to arrive was Gary Hatch, and then GD Jiu Jitsu’s Arnold Monteerroso. Finally all the team was here, and with just a few more air mattresses to blow up we were ready to call it a day.

So this finally brings us to Sunday January 22 the main event. We had to stuff six people into the Scion XB which was no easy task. Then we headed down to Santa Cruz. Gary, and Arnold headed into competition with Gary winning his 1st via armbar. Gary goes on to lose his second match taking the bronze in his division. Arnold made it all the way to the finals! He then lost in the finals bringing home the Silver in his division. Then it was my turn to hit the mat. I was aggressively playing my open guard winning my first match with 2 sweeps, and 3 advantages. It was an honor to compete against such an accomplished black belt from Alliance! I later went on to compete against Tyson Kamp from Coalition 95, and lost a very tough match in the finals taking silver in my division. My student Daniel Rodriguez had to move up to a higher weight class since no one showed up in his division. This put him with guys 15 pounds heavier! Regardless he was able to win his first two matches. He won two by triangle, and lost in the finals by points taking silver in his division. Jose Contreras had three very tough matches, but won his 3rd through decision by the referee. He was able to bring home the Gold in his division! Brandon Walker had two matches, and won both by armbar making him a Gold medalist in his division as well. To round out the day Gary, and Arnold competed in the Open division with Gary taking the Silver, and Arnold the bronze! I could not have asked for a better vacation. I am extremely proud of Nova Uniao as they clearly put forth their best skills, and effort. I am always looking forward to the next competition, and the next opportunity for another win. GO PNNU!