On March 9, 2013, at the age of 13, I competed in the teens division at the Gracie Grappling Cup in San Antonio, Texas. My weigh-in weight was 144.8 lbs. I submitted a 14 year old, 3 stripe green belt to win the gold medal for my gi division. I was up 9 points to 0 when I submitted him with a Bow and Arrow Choke. This was my first submission with a Bow and Arrow Choke at a tournament. He was my only opponent in the gi division. In my nogi division I beat the same 14 year old on points 3 to 2 and then I submitted a 15 year old with an Armbar to win the gold medal. Armando Castaneda and his girlfriend Sara rode with my dad and me to the tournament. Armando won the silver medal in both his gi and nogi divisions. Joe Manuel Vela, also from Harlingen Jiu-Jitsu Club competed in the tournament. Unfortunately, Joe dislocated his right shoulder shortly into his first match and had to go to the Emergency Room to have it put back into place. Joe coached me in all three of my matches and I could not have done it without him in my corner. Click on “Continue Reading” to see some videos and pictures from this tournament.
My gold medal gi fight with a 14 year old 3 stripe green belt. I was up 9 points to 0 when I submitted him with a Bow and Arrow Choke. My friend and teammate, Joe Manuel Vela, was coaching me.
My first nogi match against the same 14 year old. This was a close match. I won on points 3-2. The voice you hear coaching me is Joe Manuel Vela.
This is my gold medal nogi match against a 15 year old. I submitted him with an Armbar. Again, Joe Manuel Vela was coaching me.
I weighed-in at 144.8 pounds the morning of the tournament.
My nogi bracket
Joe, Priscella and their little boy
Joe and me after I won gold in gi
Joe Vela's son Hunter, his wife priscilla and thier little boy
Armando Castaneda on the podium after winning the silver medal in his gi division
Outside the event center with Armando Castaneda and his girlfriend Sara the evening before the tournament