One of the biggest of the IBJJF regional tournaments, the New York Open is a mainstay for the Paramount BJJ competition team. This year we brought 8 competitors and came away with 7 medals.
Kevin MacMullen competed for the first time at brown belt after being promoted at the end of 2013. He didn’t disappoint, submitting both opponents to claim the top of the podium and start 2014 on a high note. In the final, he was losing 6-0 before coming from behind for the submission victory.
 
Ed Westermark moved up two weight classes to heavyweight and surprised everyone by dominating his bigger, stronger opponents with his technique and experience. In the final, he was winning when his opponent nearly caught him in a choke, but Ed refused to quit and escaped to win on points.
 
In one of the biggest and toughest divisions in the tournament, Phil Mento medaled in both the middleweight and open weight divisions at blue belt. He defeated one opponent in the open by submission after a 22-0 score! He fought some very tough opponents, winning most of his matches and learning a lot in the process.
 
Coming off of his blue belt debut just one week ago, Anthony Pacinelli reached the podium once again. Despite suffering an injury in the semi-final of his weight class he entered the open for more matches and more experience. He finished with bronze in his weight class.
 
Dave Landgarten, competing in his first international competition, came from behind in his quarterfinal match to reach the medal rounds and took home a bronze medal. Dave is one of the toughest blue belts at Paramount and always represents well.
 
Last weekend the Boston Open was her very first tournament and she made the podium. This week in NY she once again claimed a bronze medal after a couple of exciting matches. Abi has been training hard and improving fast, it’ll be exciting to watch her continue to progress.
Thanks to our great sponsors, which you can find links to at the right of this page:
- Kildare’s Irish Pub (West Chester & Manyunk, PA)
- West Chester Agway
- The Small Business Accounting Solution (Thorndale, PA)