The Marianas Open last week held a sold-out international jiu-jitsu tournament in Manila featuring 800 athletes – including 40 from Guam – that is leading to The Marianas Open International Championship in Guam on October 12.
In a news release from the organization – Guam’s biggest and longest established jiu-jitsu organization in the Marianas with over 28 Tournaments since 2007, according to the group – the recent qualifying tournament was held at the Festival Mall in Alabang, Philippines on April 20 and 21. It was called the Marianas Pro Manila Jiu-Jitsu Tournament, and it was sanctioned by the Asian Sports Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Athletes from countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region competed, and the event was covered by international media, bringing additional spotlight to Guam.
The Guam Visitors Bureau saw the tournament as an opportunity to shine that light on the island, and sponsored the event.
“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Guam Visitors Bureau (GVB) for their invaluable support of Marianas Pro Manila,” said Steve Shimizu, President of Marianas Open. “Their commitment to promoting sportsmanship, talent, and cultural exchange has been instrumental in making this event a resounding success.”
The October championship features a $50,000 prize pool. The ASJJF has ranked that tournament with five stars.
According to results posted about the Marianas Pro Manila tournament, several Guam athletes placed in their categories, including: Youssef Belakbir, Brendan Sanders, Aaron Lyon, Brandon Valdez, Darnell Harris, and Raymond Shinohara.
Below are pictures from previous Marianas Open tournaments, including Copa de Marianas and Marianas Pro Japan, which were provided to Kandit by Michael Homer of Marianas Open.
