COPA DE MARIANAS SET FOR JANUARY 25

PRESS RELEASE – The highly anticipated Copa de Marianas will officially launch the 2025 Marianas Open Tour on January 25, 2025, at the UOG Calvo Fieldhouse in Guam. This prestigious international Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu circuit will culminate with the Marianas Open on October 18, 2025, solidifying Guam’s position as a premier destination for the global island culture experience.  

The tour will include stops in Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, and additional locations to be announced. As part of the Copa de Marianas, 10 exclusive tickets will be awarded to victorious teams, granting entry to Marianas Pro tournaments in Japan. Professors may choose between Marianas Pro Nagoya or Marianas Pro Tokyo, offering flexibility and the chance to compete on an elite stage.  

Having become a cornerstone for Jiu-Jitsu in the Asia-Pacific region, the Marianas Open continues to break records. Last year’s event drew athletes from 17 countries, including Japan, Korea, Brazil, the United States, and the Philippines, and featured 416 off-island competitors—the largest turnout in the event’s history. With over 1,000 visitors traveling to Guam, the event underscored its impact on the global island culture experience and Guam’s rising prominence in the international Jiu-Jitsu community.  

The Copa de Marianas 2025 will also celebrate local talent with the introduction of the Marianas Open Guam Athlete of the Year Award, a prestigious recognition for the most outstanding competitor from Guam. The award includes:  

• Complimentary entry to all Marianas Open or Marianas Pro tournaments in 2025.  

• Fully covered airfare expenses to circuit events.  

• Kimono/gi sponsorship, providing one gi per quarter for the year.  

• A customized trophy honoring the athlete’s achievement.  

Steven Shimizu, the visionary organizer of the Marianas Open, emphasized the event’s growing stature, stating:  

“The Marianas Open Tour continues to set new benchmarks for Jiu-Jitsu in the region. With the Copa de Marianas as this year’s launchpad, we’re excited to highlight the extraordinary talent and dedication of competitors worldwide while showcasing Guam as a premier destination for the global island culture experience.”  

With projections indicating a surge in international participation, the 2025 Marianas Open Tour is set to eclipse previous milestones. The event reaffirms its dual mission: to advance the global Jiu-Jitsu community and bolster Guam’s reputation as a key player in the international community.