Santa Cruz to Get Big Jiu Jitsu Competition

One of the largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments on the world circuit comes to Santa Cruz October 19–20 at Kaiser Permanente Arena.  The US Open XVIII is expected to attract an estimated 1,000 athletes from around the world, including a top-ranked field of national and international champions, according to a press release. 

The two-day, sanctioned event will feature male and female competitors in all belt levels in the Juvenile, Adult, Master, and Senior age categories.  New this year is competition for children ages 4-15.   

The US Open XVIII upholds a single elimination format and adheres to the official rules of the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation.  Match winners are determined by submission, points, advantage or referee decision.  

Matches range in time from five to 10 minutes, depending on rank.  The registration fee for competition is $90 through October 11 and $109 from October 12 - 14.  Registration will not be accepted after October 14.  

Competitors can register online at www.usopenbjj.com.    

Spectator admission to the US Open XVIII is $10 for adults age 18–59; $5 for children age 6-17; and free for children under age 5 and adults age 60 or older.  

Tickets can be purchased at the door from 8:30am to 5:00pm each day of the event.  For every ticket sold, 20 percent of sales will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.  Kaiser Permanente Arena is located at 140 Front Street in downtown Santa Cruz.      

The US Open was founded by Jiu-Jitsu Master Claudio Franca in 1996 and is the 

longest running Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament on the West Coast.  A fifth 

degree black belt from Rio de Janeiro, Franca owns and operates Jiu-Jitsu 

dojos in San Jose, Santa Cruz and Watsonville.  Visit www.usopenbjj.com or 

email tournaments@claudiofrancabjj.com for more information.