This past weekend, our team from Otomi Martial Arts/Caio Terra Association put on an outstanding performance at the Grappling Industries tournament in Denver, Colorado. From hard-fought matches to technical excellence and podium finishes, we couldn’t be prouder of our athletes for the heart, grit, and sportsmanship they displayed on the mats.
João Martins: Black Belt Excellence in Action
Coach João stepped into the advanced NoGi black belt division and delivered four intense matches. He secured two dominant wins via Darce choke submissions, showcasing his relentless pressure and submission acumen. One match ended in a judge’s decision after a draw, and in another close contest, João was edged out by a last-minute takedown. His performance speaks volumes about his commitment to competition and technical precision.
The Hayes Family Brings Home the Medals
The Hayes family continues to make their mark on the tournament circuit!
Barrett Hayes entered two divisions, had three total matches, and walked away with double gold!
Gwyn Hayes showed impressive resilience and grit in her two matches, earning a well-deserved silver medal.
Eric Hayes battled through three tough matches across two divisions, taking silver in his weight class and bronze in the absolute. The Hayes family exemplifies what it means to grow and compete together as martial artists.
Austin Almstad: A Marathon of Matches
Austin had an incredible showing with eight total matches throughout the day. Winning five, losing just one, and navigating two DQs, he earned two silver medals—one in Gi and one in NoGi. His stamina and focus were on full display, and we know this is just the beginning of many great performances to come.
TJ Cummings: Technical Mastery on Display
TJ Cummings not only competed but also showcased his deep understanding of grappling fundamentals, particularly with the Keylock and Armlock transitions from mount.
He utilized classic control mechanics like:
Using the elbow to manipulate the opponent’s head position
Tightening pressure by closing underhooks
Executing precise transitions from Keylock to Armlock with body weight and grip control
TJ’s application of these techniques demonstrates the value of solid fundamentals and patient execution. We’re proud to see such a high level of technical detail coming from our team members.
Every tournament is another step forward in our collective journey, and we are beyond thrilled with the representation our athletes provided. To everyone who competed—thank you for inspiring us all. And to those considering starting their own BJJ journey, we invite you to schedule your free trial today and become a part of something truly special.
