LARGEST EVER MARIANAS OPEN DELIVERS

By Paradis Jolie Fejerang

With the expected largest turnout in history, the Marianas Open Jiu-Jitsu Tournament set off at the University of Guam Calvo Field House all day Saturday. More than 750 athletes took to the mats, a few hundred of which being from various different countries, to participate in the competition – showing off their technical skills and determination to win.

Many of the athletes that were able to nab a gold at this year’s Marianas Open expressed their thanks not just to the island of Guam for their hospitality during their time here for the competition, but to those who both work and participate in the event as the Marianas Open Tournament was most popularly described a ‘good vibe’ when we spoke to our international competitors in the event.

FULL RESULTS HERE

Daeyeon Cho, gold medalist for the Male Black Master 1 Middle bracket, and Fernanda Cristo, 2x gold medalist for the Female Black Adult Open Weight  bracket, were two of the many international athletes representing their gyms from off-island at the tournament. 

Cho, who trains in Seoul, Korea, for Urban-Jiujitsu was the first to mention how he enjoys the vibe of the island. Sharing that despite training being difficult, the competition is exciting and the people have been cool – adding only positives to his experience. 

Fighting (and winning) on Guam for the second time, Cristo represented Evox Bjj for Brazil but was sure to mention her roots in Japan for leading her to where she is now. Excited to be at the Marianas Open, she was clear about how happy she is to be back on the island. “I love it here, I love the vibe here,” she comes back later to add on to her accomplishments after her final match of the day to secure the gold that she is more than happy with her performance at the tournament. Cristo will return to her home with not just another gold medal, but as the recipient of the $10,000 prize for her success in such an esteemed division.

Meanwhile, newcomer to the jiu-jitsu scene Landon Taitingfong shared his tactic in the Male White Adult Light bracket to get the gold. “I have less than a year of experience, so coming into this I used my background of judo and wrestling to help me…there wasn’t a lot of rest time [between my matches], but I think it can be good to stay warmed up going into your next one,” he notes the Figo’ / Bonsai Jiu Jitsu representative as he is looking to improve and find his footing with the sport.

CRUZ SHARES EXPERIENCE

Ending his day with mixed emotions was Carlson Gracie Team’s Anthony Cruz, who won the gold in the Male Black Adult Medium Heavy bracket but couldn’t replicate the outcome for the Open Weight division. “On the road to Marianas Open, I was able to train and improve on a lot of skills and I was able to use those skills today, but, unfortunately, since I lost in the Open class, there’s a very disappointing feeling, but I’m going to use this loss to get back and become better,” he shares as a great example to athletes of any level to continue striving to improve no matter the result.

Before returning to celebrate his win, Cruz highlighted the importance of the Marianas Open as more than just a competition for Guam. “I think there is a misconception with many locals that the Marianas Open is a local tournament only,” Cruz divulges. “However, it’s an international tournament that takes place and resides here, on Guam…Steve Shimizu and the team at Marianas Open have provided such an amazing platform for us athletes.”

The Marianas Open is a local and international model for a positive community. With a focus in jiu-jitsu, the tournament brings countries together to honor a variety of cultures with a supportive spirit for each. Whether these come from young athletes to experts in the sport, the legacy of the Marianas Open only continues to grow.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY: