Jiu Jitsu by the Bay — July 16th, 2011
Saturday was Jiu Jitsu by the Bay, a Gi and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Tournament hosted by Team Silva BJJ in Albany, Ca at Albany High School.
First impressions: I’ve been a spectator at the Jiu Jitsu by the Bay that was at the Hayward location, 4 mat spaces, LCD screens with time countdown and scores publicly displayed. The Albany location was a little disappointing, with only 2 mat spaces, no LCD screens, time was counted on a personal cell phone with the competitor and spectators having no idea how much time lapsed.
Second impressions: The hosts showed mercy for those who did not make weight. On one occasion, someone weighed in at 181lb for a 167.5lb bracket. On another occasion, people were over weight by a couple pounds. Instead of disqualifying those who did not make weight, you were moved up a class, or they would let you fight in the intended weight category. I thought this was a little unfair to those who cut weight or were on a strict diet prior to the tournament.
Third: Since this was a small tournament, with ties, they had a 1 minute sudden death, first to score points wins. Excitement!!
Fourth: This was a considerably smaller tournament than the last Jiu Jitsu by the Bay so spectators got to see action mat side. You can see the hard work, determination, sweat, blood, and tears (?) in everyone.
Good Job to all the competitors! I competed in the "women’s open" with no belt and weight requirement. Won my first match with an armbar, lost my second match to a guillotine. I have so much to work on!
–dLai