NAGA Nashville Wrap Up

Big day from the Usagi Dojo. My student, Sarah, competed in the NAGA grappling tournament. I got to play coach for her. She entered the gi (traditional uniform) division, as well as no-gi.

No gi summary:
Sarah's first match was against a game opponent, Alejandra. Sarah got the takedown and an immediate guard pass, putting her in the point lead. Later, Sarah passed guard again to gain more points. However, at one point, Sarah was reversed, and Alejandra nearly won via arm bar. Sarah fought her way out of it, and applied an arm bar of her own in response. Victory via submission for Sarah!

No gi, match 1.

Second match was against a taller opponent, Luci, who had been training 6 times per week. Sarah attempted a takedown, but it was blocked and her opponent scored a takedown and a quick pass. Sarah had a reversal at one point. However, the competitors reached a stalemate as Sarah attempted to pass guard. Sarah was beaten on points 4-2, but this was the Gold-Medal match, meaning Sarah won Silver. 
No gi, match 2.

Gi summary:
Sarah and Luci were paired up against each other in the first round. This is done in many tournaments to prevent the same players from getting both the gold and silver in every division. Luci pulled guard and Sarah used a slick setup I have shown her to bait an arm bar attempt and turn it into a foot lock. It nearly worked. However, Luci recovered, and regained guard. Eventually, Luci worked to isolate one of Sarah's arms, and finished with an arm lock. Sarah was forced to tap in submission.

In the four-woman tournament, Sarah was allowed to compete for the bronze medal. She faced Alejandra again - whom she had beaten in the opening round of no-gi competition. This match went a bit differently, with Alejandra pulling guard. Sarah passed and worked to a modified mount, where Alejandra gave up an arm. Again, Sarah won via arm bar.

Overall:
NAGA is the largest grappling tournament in North America. As one might expect, there were many competitors there - over 80 men aged 40+, over 80 female competitors, over 200 children, and nearly 600 competitors in all.

There were 12 rings running nearly constantly. The children matched first, followed by the ladies and "executive" and "director" men (gentlemen over age 40). The mens division is always largest, and it was running by early afternoon.

The tournament was run smoothly. Announcers on the loud speakers told competitors when it was time for pre-match staging, and an on-the-floor announcer went around to each ring and announced winners of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Assisting him was a nice lady that carried a banner behind which competitors stood to have photos taken with their place.

That announcer and the banner-carrying photographer were hustling all day. They deserve a raise!

Post-Edit:
The results are official on the NAGA website!!!


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