The US Grappling organization held it’s annual Diamond State Games this weekend in Newark, DE. Paramount BJJ brought nine competitors to test their skills in a smaller but well-run tournament. The perfect tournament for those who want to gain experience, test out their new belt rank, or practice for one of the bigger and most prestigious tournaments.
In the juvenile division, Connor Smith, who earned the nickname “Beast” years ago for his enthusiasm and intensity, earned a Gold and Silver medal.
The overall medal count for the adult divisions was 14 Gold medals, 5 Silver, and 2 Bronze. Another great result from a great team of hard-working competitors. Also of note were the students who were unable to compete but came to show their support- further evidence that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a team sport, and that Paramount BJJ is a family.
Here are the results for each competitor:
- Phil Mento: Gold in No-Gi middleweight, Gold in No-Gi Open weight, Gold in blue belt middleweight, Gold in blue belt Open weight. Yes, he won FOUR GOLD MEDALS.
- Jim Mattson: Gold in blue belt light-heavy, Silver in No-Gi light-heavyweight.
- Krista Carpenter: Gold in No-Gi intermediate.
- Greg Hagner: Gold in Gi weight, Gold in No-Gi weight class, and Silver in No-Gi Open weight (bowed out to Anthony in the finals
- Anthony Pacinelli: Gold in No-Gi weight class, Gold in No-Gi Open, Bronze in Gi heavyweight.
- Branden King: Silver in Gi weight, Silver in Gi Open weight.
- Ian Murphy: Gold in No-Gi weight, Gold in No-Gi Open, Gold in Gi weight.
- Don Powell: Gold in Gi weight class, Silver in Gi Open weight.
 
(Missing from the photo are Krista Carpenter and Don Powell, both showed tenacity and determination on their way to Gold medals)
Congrats again to all the competitors, and to all of the students- because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a team effort and everyone deserves credit. Next up is the In-House Tournament, which will be held in Downingtown at Paramount BJJ on Saturday, November 16th. You can register for the in-house at Paramount BJJ, located at 530 Trestle Place in Downingtown PA.
The tournament entry fee is only $30, which compared to the norm ($80-$120 for all other tournaments) makes this the perfect tournament- it’s close, it’s cheap, and it’s a guaranteed friendly and positive learning experience.