2010 THAILAND OPEN

2010 UPDATES COMING SOON

2010-08-05T01:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Athletes,

We are in the process of finalizing the details for our new online-registration site. This should be up and running by mid-August at the latest. This site will be our main source for information regarding the Thailand Open.

We will keep this site as an archive for this and past events.

Best regards,
BJJAT

Some thoughts for the competitors..

2009-09-12T23:04:00.001-07:00

You are my adversary, but you are not my enemy.
For your resistance gives me strength.
Your will gives me courage.
You sprit ennobles me.
And though I aim to defeat you,
should I succeed, I will not humiliate you.
Instead, I will honor you.
For without you, I am a lesser man.

Organization and After-Party on Sunday Night

2009-09-11T02:22:00.000-07:00

Athletes,

This year we expect to have up to 160 athletes competing, perhaps more. About 130 of these will be white and blue belts so it will be very important that we stay organzed and keep all 3 mats busy all day. We need your help to do this.

This year we will be calling all competitors in a weight/ belt bracket to gather in a specific spot and stay together. We will run each match in the bracket one after the other through the finals.

We will not be calling out on the loudspeaker for individuals to come to one mat or another. If you are not there, you will be considered to have forfeited. So please pay attention when your weight and belt bracket is called and assemble with the other guys in your bracket where we tell you to gather (and do not leave that spot).

On Sunday night at 8pm we will host an after-party at the Woodstock Bar and Grill on the private 3rd floor. The Woodstock has a 60 inch screen where we can project highlights from our competition or watch the 2009 Mundials.

The address is: Woodstock Bar & Grill,44 Soi Thonglor 13, Klongtan, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel: 02-715 0202-3. It is very near the Samitivej international Hospital.

http://www.woodstockbkk.com/index.php

The Woodstock has great burgers, sandwiches, chicken wings and so on. They will offer us Happy Hour prices on all beer, wine and well drinks.

Please join us.

See you next week!

The Bangkok Crew

Some thoughts as the competition draws nearer...

2009-09-05T20:45:00.001-07:00

Fellow athletes,

I am often ask why I train BJJ. Friends, family and colleagues see the bruises and the injuries and the time required on the mat and they just dont understand. We do it for many reasons, some are common to all of us, and some are not. Some of us want to build confidence. Others humility. Some want strength, others speed or flexibility, and some of us want it all. Some want to have beautiful jiu-jitsu flowing out of us, on the mat and in our everyday lives, like some sort of magical positive energy. Some of us just need to test ourselves, old or young, to better understand who we are. You can't get closer to your own limits as when an opponent is cutting off your air or blood and you feel the world leaving your mind.

At the same time, it is all about trust. We have to trust, maybe even love one another, in order to gain what jiu-jitsu has to offer us. Anything short of this misses the mark in my opinion. And, as I have progressed however slowly in this sport, I have also realized you have to give it away to really receive what BJJ has to offer us. Teach, share, learn, watch. Paradoxical but very true.

So as you finish your training and prepare to join us here in Bangkok on the mats for two great days, consider a few things. This is about learning and growing as much as it is about winning. Sure, we all want that beautiful custom made GOLD medal around our necks, but alot of guys and women will be going home winners who dont have one of those precious medals. So keep it positive. Always.

Respect the referrees. They are human and are not perfect. They will do their best. They will make mistakes. Sometimes you will benefit from their mistakes and sometimes you may not. Next time, help us referee and you will learn a new perspective of BJJ.

Respect your opponents and their coaches. They poured hard work, sweat and blood into the mats in order to provide you with a challenge. When you shake their hand to start your match, remember and honor that. And when it is over, show respect and humility, win or lose.

See you there-

MARK

Announcing Amateur MMA Matches!

2009-08-29T22:40:00.000-07:00

We plan to have 4 amateur MMA matches following the grappling competition on Sunday afternoon. Last year these fights were a real crowd pleaser with a packed shopping mall full of spectators. We are pleased to announce the first three matches.

Match #1:

Gabriel Huang from Boxer Rebellion IJKD versus Tobia Seifert of Tiger Muay Thai Phuket

Match #2:

Ferasse Tea from Shanghai BJJ versus Ricky Musgrave of Tiger Muay Thai Phuket.

Match #3

Xavier Mahdavian from Boxer Rebellion Thailand versus Min Yoo from Shanghai BJJ

Stay tuned for announcements of the 4th match of this year's competition.

TRAIN HARD

The Bangkok Crew

Tournament Time Schedule

2009-08-29T22:04:00.000-07:00

Athletes,

For your planning purposes, below is the draft agenda for our upcoming competition

Weigh-In and Pay Entry Fees

Friday Night September 18th 6-8:30pm. Weigh-In and Pay Entry Feees at Bangkok BJJ Academy on Sukumvit Soi 1. Friday night weigh-ins are Mandatory for White Belts and optional for other belts.

September 18th Friday Night 7:30pm: Referrees Meeting at Elefin Cafe next to Bangkok BJJ.

September 19th Day #1: Gi

Weigh-in and Entry Fees Paid: 7:45am to 9:00am
Rules Meeting: 9:00-9:15am
White Belt matches begin at 9:30am (5 minute matches)
Blue Belts begin at 11:00am (6 minute matches)
Purple and Brown Belts begin at 12:30 (7 and 8 minute matches, respectively)
Black belt matches begin at 1:30pm (10 minute matches)
Absolute Divisions begin at 2:30pm (white, blue, purple, brown, black)
Master's Divisions begin at 3:30pm
Medal Ceremony at 5:00
Competitor Dinner at Elefin Café 7:30pm

Day 2: No-Gi

Weigh-in and Entry Fees Paid: 8:00am to 9:00am
Rules Meeting: 9:00-9:15am
Novice class matches begin at 9:30am
Advanced class matches begin at 11:00am
Elite Class begins at 12:30pm
Absolute divisions (Novice, Advanced and Elite) begin at 1:30pm
Master's class begins at 3:00pm
MMA "Smoker" Matches begins at 4:00pm
Medal Ceremony begins at 5:00pm

TRAIN HARD

The Bangkok Crew

Important Information- Friday Night Weigh-In and Entry Fees

2009-08-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

Athletes,

We are expecting more than 160 adult competitors this year and are busy finalizing all the details to make our competition run smoothly. One important issue is the weigh-in. This year we will hold weigh-ins on Friday night September 18th from 6 to 8:30pm at Bangkok BJJ academy on Sukumvit Soi 1.

All white belts must weigh-in and pay their entry fees on Friday night! If you are a white belt and cannot weigh-in during this time, you must notify us by email at thailandbjj@gmail.com We are doing this so white belt brackets can be drawn up on Friday night and white belt matches will begin promptly at 9:30am on Saturday morning.

All other belts are also permitted to weigh-in on Friday night but it is not mandatory.

If you weigh-in on Saturday morning, please be at the RAMA 3 Mall by 8am. We will accept your cash payment and stamp your hand as "Paid" on the ground floor, and then you will be allowed to go upstairs to weigh-in.

We will soon email the IBJJF rules, ADCC rules and a Guideline for Referees to all competitors who have signed up. Please read them.

More to follow... Stay Tuned.

TRAIN HARD

The Bankok Crew

Only 10 days left to register online!

2009-08-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Athletes,

This year's competition is shaping up to be the largest BJJ and submission grappling competition in East or Southeast Asia ever held outside Japan. We now have 6 black belts registered to compete and may have a few more soon. Our elite No-GI division will feature plenty of international-level talent. We will close the online submission at midnight on September 16th and we will not be accepting walk-up registrations. Please take a minute to sign-up now!

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=t1uJbqq_38U9NolgR49_Cvw

This year's rash guards look and fit great and will be free to the first 100 people that registered. Our custom competition T-Shirts are fantastic and will be on sale at the competition venue. Our trophies and medals will once again be the best in the region- something you will be proud to earn and keep.

We will soon post the competition schedule with times for weigh-ins and division start times.

Check this blog frequently.

See you in September

The Bangkok Crew

Some Comments on Competition Kimonos and No-Gi gear

2009-08-15T22:38:00.000-07:00

Athletes,

This year's competition will be the biggest ever held in Bangkok. We have competitors coming from many countries and even from other continents. As fellow competitors, we respect the time you spend training and the cost of getting to Bangkok to compete. We also need to present BJJ as a well-organized sport to the public. Therefore, it is important that we try to make the competition as even and fair as possible. One important aspect is the competition kimono (Gi). Since the Gi plays such a key role in our sport, we must all agree to follow the same basic rules. Please read these carefully and plan on following them.

#1. Only regulation BJJ Gis are allowed. Karate, Tae kwon do, Kung Fu and Judo kimonos are not permitted.

#2. Your Gi must be good condition. At the weigh-ins, a referee will inspect your Gi. If it is found to have multiple tears, patches and repairs or is extremely thin from wear and tear such that it is likely to rip or tear during a match, you may not be permitted to compete in that Gi.

#3. Your Gi must fit properly. Your Gi sleeves must reach your wrists when your arms are fully outstretched from your sides. Likewise, your pant cuffs must reach your ankles when standing. we will measure suspected Gis if they appear to not meet regulations.

#4. Your Gi jacket and pants must be only one color. That is, all white, all black, or all blue. No other colors are permitted. Women competitors may wear a pink Gi.

#5. Your belt must be clearly and obviously the color in which you are competing. For example, dirty grey colored belts that cannot be clearly distinguished as being white, blue, purple or black will not be allowed.

#6. The patches on your Gi must not be located on the knees, ankles or lower sleeves. The back, thighs and seat of the pants are the appropriate places for patches. Any patches that are loose of frayed must be removed before competing.

#7. You must weigh-in in the same Gi that you will compete in! If you appear for your first match in a different Gi than the one that you weighed-in with, you may be disqualified.

Finally, for No-Gi submission grappling competition, you must wear a shirt. Bloody or torn shorts will not be permitted. If your shirt becomes bloody or torn during a match, you must appear in your next match in a new, clean shirt (so bring extras).

For more information about the rules, please visit; http://www.ibjjf.org/rules.htm

And http://www.bjj.eu.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=289

TRAIN HARD and See you in September

The Bangkok Crew

Show Me the Money! Announcing Cash Prizes

2009-08-11T03:51:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that, thanks to our fundraising efforts and sponsors, we will for the first time offer cash prizes to the winners of the Men's Black Belt Gi Absolute division and the Winner of the Men's Elite Absolute No-Gi division.

The Men's combined Black and Brown Belt Absolute Class Gi winner will receive $500 US Dollars in cash and the runner-up will receive $200.

The Men's Elite Absolute No GI winner will receive $300 US Dollars in cash and the runner up will receive $100.

If our registration goes better than we plan, we may be able to increase these amounts at a later date. Stay tuned to this blog. And don't forget we have $100 Budovideo gift certificates for the winners of the Absolute divisions on Gi day and also have several great prizes from Fairtex (gear bags, hoodies) for the Most Technical Fighters and the Fighter with the Most Submissions. Finally, the entry fees for all brown and black belt competitors are free.

Guys, you just can't ask for much more than that!

Good Luck, TRAIN HARD and See you in September!

The Bangkok Crew

Like to Attack Your Opponent's Legs? Read on...

2009-08-03T03:41:00.000-07:00

Athletes,

The question of leg attacks on the No GI day of our upcoming competition has been raised. Here are the rules.

For Novice Class: Straight Achilles (Ankle) Locks only

For Advanced: Straight Achilles Locks, Toe Holds, Knee Bars and Muscle Crushes

For Elite Class: Straight Achilles, Toe Holds, Knee Bars, Muscle Crushes and Heel Hooks

TRAIN HARD

The Bangkok Crew

Be one of the Mighty 100- And take home a free custom designed rash guard

2009-07-31T23:46:00.001-07:00

Athletes,

This year we have custom designed, fitted, short-sleeve lycra rash guards to give away to the first 100 competitors to sign up. We now have 89 athletes registered including 4 black belts. If you are not one of the first 100, these guards will be available for sale for 350 baht or $10 USD.

Please keep in mind that if you do not fill out the registration spreadsheet completely, you will not be considered registered. In other words, if you don't provide your complete name, age, a working email address, your weight and all other fields, we will delete your entry. Visit the following website to register now.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=t1uJbqq_38U9NolgR49_Cvw

TRAIN HARD and See you in September!

The Bangkok Crew

Older and Tougher than Ever? Enter our Master's Division

2009-07-30T02:43:00.000-07:00

This year we will hold a Master's Division for athletes ages 35 and older on both the Gi and No-Gi days. Bring a head of grey hair (or no hair) and your valid ID card with your date of birth on it to be able to enter. This will be an "Absolute" weight class so big and small will be battling it out. We will combine White and Blue Belts into one division and Purple-Brown-Black in a second Master's division. This serious-but-friendly division is always a crowd pleaser. Of course, you can always mix it up with the young toughs in the Adult category as well.

TRAIN HARD and See you in September

The Bangkok Crew

Announcing the 2009 FBT Thailand BJJ and Submission Grappling Open Competition!

2009-07-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Fellow Athletes,

We are very pleased to announce the 2009 FBT Thailand BJJ & Submission Grappling Open competition to be held on September 19 and 20 in Bangkok. Thanks to the generous support of FBT (Visit www.fbtsports.com) and our other sponsors, we are able to offer low entry fees and bring you a larger, top-quality event this year. We anticipate a high standard of competition with athletes representing at least 10 different countries and all belt levels. Thanks to our own Luke Chaya, we can offer a deeply discounted package a deeply discounted package rate for competitors and coaches at the Golden Palace Hotel in Bangkok. We urge you to make your hotel reservations soon at www.goldenpalacehotel.com to take advantage of this special offer.

This year, registration will be available online only and all competitors must submit their applications no later than September 16th. To register, simply click on or cut and paste the web address below into your browser and then carefully enter all of your information on the Google Docs spreadsheet. Your information will be saved automatically and the data will be backed up daily. You will receive a confirmation email usually within 48hours. If you have any questions or problems with the registration, please send an email to; thaibjjregister@gmail.com The first 100 athletes to sign up will receive a custom made short sleeve lycra nylon rash guard made by FBT Sports Thailand!

http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=t1uJbqq_38U9NolgR49_Cvw

Key Features of Our Competition Include-

* Expansive competition mat space covering more than 240 square meters

* High quality refereeing committed to protecting the safety of competitors

* A real first-aid station staffed by nurses from Samitivej International Hospital

* Absolutely THE BEST presentation-grade medals and trophies in Asia

* First 100 competitors to sign up will receive a custom-made lycra rash guard

* Prizes for Most Technical fighter, Most Submissions and Absolute Champions

* A new line of BJJ/Grappling gear from Southeast Asia will be sponsoring this event

* Custom designed, high-quality T-shirts & more at affordable prices

* Amateur MMA matches on Day 2 (No Gi)

* Entry fees waived for Brown and Black belt competitors

* Separate, private changing areas and clean bathrooms all weekend

TOURNAMENT LOCATION: We will send competitors a map to the location by email
FUTURE MART ATRIUM MALL
295 Rama 3, Rd Bangkorlam
10120 Bangkok Thailand

WEIGHT CLASSES: (same weight classes apply for both gi & no-gi days)
under 60 KG
under 64 KG
under 70 KG
under 80 KG
under 90 KG
under 100 KG
over 100 KG

The TOURNAMENT FEES are: (all fees for brown & black-belts are waived)
2-DAYS (ADULT) - 1500 Thai BAHT
1-DAY (ADULT) - 1000 Thai BAHT

2-DAYS (KIDS) -1000 Thai BAHT
1-DAY (KIDS) - 700 Thai BAHT

Train Hard and See You In September!

The Bangkok Crew

The Approach to Competition

2008-08-14T04:57:00.000-07:00

Safety First!

2008-07-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Athletes,

First class competitions take the safety of their competitors seriously. That is why we are very pleased to announce that Samitivej International Hospital has agreed to provide a complete first aid station staffed by an emergency room nurse during both days of our competition.

Built in 1979, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital is a leading provider of healthcare in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Today the hospital is recognized as a provider of choice for the local residents and for many of the expatriates living in Thailand. The hospital's commitment to quality care and innovation has been recognized by UNICEF and WHO. Other notable awards include the Prime Minister's awards for Most Recognized Service in 2004 and accreditation by the Joint Commission International (JCI) which certifies top quality hospitals in the United States and around the world. Samitivej Sukhumvit has a comprehensive range of facilities and services from cosmetic to tertiary care. With 270 beds, 87 examination suites and over 1,200 caregivers, the hospital has long been recognized as a comprehensive facility of choice for locals, expatriates and tourists. The hospital's range of high-technology medical equipment, complemented with its skilled team of caregivers and specialists has successfully performed complex surgery from open heart to liver transplants.

Please visit http://www.samitivej.co.th/sukhumvit/aboutus_en.aspx for more information.

See you in September!

TRAIN HARD-

Vesuvius

Announcing a Major Corporate Sponsorship! The 2008 FBT Thailand BJJ and Submission Grappling Open Competition

2008-07-12T23:06:00.000-07:00

Atheletes,

We are very pleased to announce that FBT Sports Company has agreed to partner with the BJJ Association of Thailand as the Marquee Sponsor for our event. Our tournament will now be referred to as the;

2008 FBT Thailand BJJ and Submission Grappling Open Competition

FBT was established in 1952 by Mr. Kamol Chokephaibulkit and is now Thailand's leading Sports Company which supplies quality sports apparels and equipment at reasonable prices. FBT also exports to over 40 countries worldwide. FBT has over 2,800 employees and an annual turnover of more than 50 million US Dollars. FBT manufactures all kinds of sports equipment such as sport balls, rackets, shoes, boxing and MMA equipment, and sport apparel to the highest quality to meet international standards. In addition to supplying quality products worldwide, FBT also contributesto developing the Sports of Thailand and Asia. FBT has sponsored the Asian Games, National Games in Thailand, World Petanque Championship, International Children Games, and many other sporting events locally and internationally. FBT has also been awarded the Super Brands award and is truly the leading sports company in Thailand.

Please visit http://www.fbtsports.com/en/index.php

TRAIN HARD and see you in late September!

Vesuvius-

Plan to take home some metal? You will have to work for it!

2008-07-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

Athletes,

This year's winners will receive custom made medals designed after those awarded to the victors at the Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Los Angeles in 2008. Our medals will be a huge 10cm in diameter and will stand out from all the rest of the competitions in the region. However, this year we will break with tradition slightly and introduce an exciting variation.

On the first day of our competition (Gi), rather than awarding two Bronze medals to the losers of the semi-final matches on both sides of the bracket, we will hold consolation semifinal matches. The winner of this match will be awarded the Bronze medal and the loser will go home to fight another day. This will allow many athletes an opportunity to gain more experience on the mat and should be a real crowd pleaser as athletes play hard for the third and final spot on the podium. This rule will apply to all divisions where 8 or more athletes are competing and only on Day 1 of the competition. For those divisions with fewer than 8 competitors, the semi-finalist who lost to the evenutal Gold medialist will be awarded the Bronze medal. See you in Bangkok!

TRAIN HARD-

Vesuvius

Very Special Discounted Hotel Rates for Competitors

2008-05-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

Athletes,

Thanks to the generosity and support of our own Luke Chaya and his family, we can offer competitors a very special 50% discounted rate at the Golden Palace Hotel located on Sukumvit Soi 1 in Bangkok.

http://www.goldenpalacehotel.com/

The cost per person per night will be only 675 baht ($21 USD). For 835 baht ($26 USD) an American breakfast will be included. All rooms have air conditioning, cable TV and mini-bar. The Elefin Cafe in the hotel lobby will also offer all athletes a 20% discount on all food and drinks.

The hotel has a nice swimming pool, a great Thai spa for a post-competition massage, and is conveniently located across the street from the world famous Bumrungrad Hospital (let's hope you don't need it) and a 5 minute walk from the Skytrain.

Please email mkt@goldenpalacehotel.com and make your discounted reservations by referencing the "BJJ Competition"

2008 Thailand BJJ and Submission Grappling Competition

2008-05-25T20:02:00.000-07:00

Fellow Athletes,

We are very pleased to announce that the 2008 Thailand BJJ & Submission Grappling Open competition will be held on September 27 and 28th. We are committed to staging a top-quality event this year that you will not want to miss. The event will be held at Union Mall in Bangkok which can be easily reached by subway train. The competition venue is very large and fully air conditioned. The mall provides easy access to food, ice and other items you may need.

On Saturday night we will organize an after-party to a good, inexpensive open-air Thai restaurant in Bangkok so you can get to know the guys who tapped you out earlier in the day. Please plan on attending this great opportunity to meet your fellow competitors and build our BJJ community.

Forthcoming postings will provide information on entry fees and advanced online registration. We will have a discounted package hotel rate to offer soon thanks to our own Luke Chaya and his generous support of our BJJ community. Please visit http://www.bjj-asia.com/

Please also visit Bangkok's two fine BJJ academies at http://www.emacthailand.com/ and http://www.bangkokfightclub.com/

This year’s competition will be distinguished by the following;

Expansive competition mat space covering at least 240 square meters
High quality refereeing committed to protecting the safety of competitors, following IBJJF rules, and promoting the highest standards of sportsmanship
First-aid support will be on hand
Distinctive, presentation-grade medals and trophies
First 100 competitors with paid registration will receive a custom-made rash guard
Prizes for Most Technical fighter, Most Submissions and Absolute Champions
Exhibition MMA matches
No Entry fees for Brown and Black belt competitors
Separate, private changing areas and clean bathrooms all weekend

Please share this blog site address widely. We look forward to hosting competitors from around the region and will do all we can to make the competition and your weekend in Bangkok a great experience. You can also search events on Facebook for "Bangkok BJJ and Submission Grappling Tournament" for more information.

See you there!

Mark "Vesuvius" Simmerman
marksimmerman@gmail.com

DETAILS:

Weigh-ins will be conducted on both Day 1 (Gi) and Day 2( No gi) days. On Day 1 all athletes will weigh-in with their BJJ competition gi and belt ON. Karate, Judo and other gi are not allowed.

For Day 1 (gi) the complete IBJJF rules will be used. See http://www.ibjjf.org/rules.htm

For Day 2 (No gi) modified ADCC rules will be used. See

http://www.bjj.eu.com/index2.php?option=com_content&do_pdf=1&id=289

On Day 2 there will be 3 categories:

Novice Category (<2 years of wrestling, BJJ or Judo experience) All rounds: 5 minutes with first 3 minutes without points. No draws.

Illegal Moves: Knee bars, neck cranks, any kind of slamming or heel hooks are NOT allowed

Advanced Category (2-5 years of wrestling, BJJ or judo experience)

Elite Category (All BJJ Purple, Brown and Black belts and others athletes with at least 5 years of wrestling, BJJ, Judo or MMA experience)

Time Limits for Advanced and Elite Categories
• Qualifying Rounds = 6 Minutes, first 3 minutes with out points.
• Finals = 10 Minutes, first 5 minutes with out points. Only negative points.

No draws. In the event of a draw, referee will make final decision.

Illegal Moves: Heel hooks, any type of slamming and neck cranks are not allowed.

Note: On Day 2 a single Bronze medal will be awarded to the semifinal loser that lost to the Gold Medalist

More information will be forthcoming. Check this blogsite often!

TRAIN HARD-

Vesuvius