Jiu Jitsu Tournament Weigh-Ins Scheduled, Prizes Announced

We apologize for the late notice - we have two weigh-in times for competitors of the Jiu Jitsu Tournaments on Sunday.

Saturday night at 10:30 PM at Buffalo Billiards (201 East 6th Street, at Brazos) in downtown Austin will be the first weigh-in. Hang with UFC and King of Kombat stars, a Playboy model, a Jiu Jitsu legend, a Hawaiian Tropic model, local athletes and celebrities, drink from Buffalo Billiards’ tap and watch Strikeforce on their billion plasma-screen TV’s… you know, like every other Jiu Jitsu Tournament weigh-in you’ve ever been to.

Sunday morning at 10:00 AM inside The Texas Testosterone Festival at the Palmer Events Center we will hold a second weigh-in just prior to the tournaments beginning.

We will begin the tournaments as soon as everyone is weighed in.

And we have exciting new prizes to add to the cash already being distributed. First place and runner-up in each Absolute division will receive Dinner for Two from Fogo de Chao, the Brazilian Steakhouse in downtown Austin. Third place receives Lunch for Two.

Deaf Interpreter Available at the Festival

Austin-based Deaf Interpreter Bert Ivey has made himself available for the hard-of-hearing during The Texas Testosterone Festival. Because we have two Featured Event areas in two different areas of the Festival, but only one Bert Ivey, we have to let you know Bert is planning on attending the Amir Sadollah MMA Seminar Presented by King of Kombat and Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar Presented by AT&T on Saturday and the Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament and Team Challenge on Sunday but otherwise, seek him out and ask for his assistance for the other Featured Events if you are hard of hearing.

And if you are seeking a deaf interpreter for personal services or for your next event please post here or email us at info (at) texastestosteronefestival.com and we’ll forward the message along.

Click here to pre-register for the Amir Sadollah MMA Seminar Presented by King of Kombat.

Click here to pre-register for the Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar Presented by AT&T.

Click here to pre-register for the Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament.

Buy your advance tickets to The Texas Testosterone Festival for only $6 (plus s/c) by clicking here.

Thanks to Garrett for the suggestion!

Fight to Win Jiu Jitsu Returns to Austin

The last Fight to Win Jiu Jitsu event packed Anderson High School’s gym to capacity - competitors and spectators alike jammed the floor and bench seating as 8 areas held some very competitive jiu jitsu throughout the day. The Relson Gracie Academy won the team title and will look to defend it on June 13 against Grappler’s Lair, Competitive Training Center, Team Lutter, Gracie Barra New Mexico, and other top regional jiu jitsu academies.

Fight to Win was a hit, and is returning to Austin Saturday, June 13 to again test the Texas Jiu Jitsu community against each other. This time Fight to Win goes to Reagan High School on 290 just West of 183, a larger gym with more room for what is expected to be even greater attendance.

The Texas Testosterone Festival will be hosting The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament and Team Challenge on Sunday, August 16 and will be hosted by the legend himself, Relson Gracie.

For the registration form, click here. Registration form also includes opportunities to register for the Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar and Amir Sadollah Mixed Martial Arts Seminar on Saturday, August 15.

For more details, click here.

Royler Gracie Coming to Austin Saturday, May 30

Royler Gracie, the 5th son of Helio Gracie, is arguably the greatest lightweight Jiu-Jitsu competitor in history. A 4-time World Champion, 3-time Abu Dhabi Submission Wrestling World Champion, 3-time Pan American Champion and Pride champion, Royler has tested himself against the best in the world for decades and remains one of Jiu-Jitsu’s greatest ambassadors and representatives. As the head of the original Gracie Academy in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, Royler also offers unmatched experience as a coach and instructor.

Click here for more information.

With the gi or without, in the ring or cage, or on the mat, Royler’s experience in all aspects of Jiu-Jitsu is nearly unmatched. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Royler will be teaching a one-day gi seminar. He will cover takedowns, sport Jiu-Jitsu techniques and self-defense concepts. There will also be a Q&A period.

Royler Gracie - May 30, 12 noon.

Royler will be teaching a one-day gi seminar covering takedowns, sport Jiu-Jitsu techniques and self-defense concepts. There will also be a Q&A period

Price: $85.00
Location: Relson Gracie Austin Association - 2919 Manchaca Road, Suite 210 Austin, TX 78704
Registration: Pre-registration is mandatory - email seminars@gracieaustin.com to reserve your spot.
Payment Deadline: Payment must be made through Paypal by Saturday May 23rd 2009 (strict deadline) to secure your spot.
Payment Method: Payments will be accepted only through Paypal (http://www.paypal.com). Please send the $85.00 registration fee via Paypal to rgda_ohio@hotmail.com .

YOU MUST INCLUDE YOUR FULL NAME AND PHONE NUMBER IN THE [MESSAGE] SECTION AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAYPAL CONFIRMATION PAGE.

Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament

Hosted by the legendary Relson Gracie himself, The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament is happening Sunday, August 16 during The Texas Testosterone Festival at The Palmer Events Center in Austin.

Prizes:

Absolute Male Gi $350 first prize

Absolute Male No-Gi $350 first prize

Absolute Female Gi $250 first prize

Medals for all division winners

The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Team Challenge will be held subsequent to the Tournament and a Relson Gracie Seminar presented by AT&T will be held on Saturday, August 15. A Mixed Martial Arts Seminar by UFC Ultimate Fighter Amir Sadollah will also be held on Saturday, August 15.

Registration is now open and is $50 in advance. Advance registration prices end on Sunday, August 9. Click here for the Registration Form. And, online registration for the tournament is available by clicking here. If registering online, please also print out and fill out the registration form and either mail it to the Relson Gracie Academy or bring it with you to The Festival.

The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament on Sunday, August 16 registration is $50.

AT&T Presents The Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu Seminar on Saturday, August 15 registration is $50.

The UFC Ultimate Fighter Amir Sadollah Mixed Martial Arts Seminar on Saturday, August 15 registration is $50.

All three events can be registered for $125. Registration for all three events is required at the same time.

All registrations are non-refundable.

Registration to participate in any Featured Event does not include entry into The Texas Testosterone Festival, where the Featured Events occur. Tickets are only $6 in advance and trust us, it’s going to be more than worth it.

Checks Payable to Relson Gracie Academy 2919 Manchaca Suite 210 Austin, TX 78704.

Cash accepted during pre-event on Sunday, August 9 at Bikini’s Bar and Grill (6901 N IH-35 Austin, TX) or at the Relson Gracie Academy in person any time before Saturday, August 15.

Registration to compete in The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament is required to be eligible to compete in the Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Team Challenge.

Tournament registration includes admission to all divisions one is eligible for.

Male Divisions:

Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 0-134.9

Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 0-134.9

Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 135-146.9

Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 135-146.9

Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 147-159.9

Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 147-159.9

Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 160-172.9

Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 160-172.9

Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 173-186.9

Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 173-186.9

Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 187-199.9

Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 187-199.9

Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 200-219.9

Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 200-219.9

Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 220-234.9

Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 220-234.9

Mens No-Gi Novice/Beginner 235+

Mens No-Gi Advanced/Intermediate 235+

Mens No-Gi Absolute

Mens Gi White/Blue 0-134.9

Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 0-134.9

Mens Gi White/Blue 135-146.9

Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 135-146.9

Mens Gi White/Blue 147-159.9

Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 147-159.9

Mens Gi White/Blue 160-172.9

Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 160-172.9

Mens Gi White/Blue 173-186.9

Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 173-186.9

Mens Gi White/Blue 187-199.9

Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 187-199.9

Mens Gi White/Blue 200-219.9

Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 200-219.9

Mens Gi White/Blue 220-234.9

Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 220-234.9

Mens Gi White/Blue 235+

Mens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 235+

Mens Gi Absolute

Female Divisions:

Womens Gi White/Blue 0-99.9

Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 0-99.9

Womens Gi White/Blue 100-119.9

Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 100-119.9

Womens Gi White/Blue 120-139.9

Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 120-139.9

Womens Gi White/Blue 140-159.9

Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 140-159.9

Womens Gi White/Blue 160-179.9

Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 160-179.9

Womens Gi White/Blue 180+

Womens Gi Purple/Brown/Black 180+

Womens Gi Absolute

Jiu Jitsu Weigh-Ins w/o Gi - Held at The Texas Testosterone Festival”after-party” Saturday August 15 at a location to be announced and at 10:00 AM Sunday, August 16 at The Texas Testosterone Festival inside The Palmer Events Center.

Participants must compete in The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament to be eligible for the Team Challenge. Competition entry does not include entry into The Texas Testosterone Festival, required to compete. Please email info@TexasTestosteroneFestival.comfor more information.

The Relson Gracie seminar is managed by the Relson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Austin Association. Visit their academy at 2919 Manchaca off Lamar in South Austin or call them at 693-8258 for more information about classes in Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts, and more.

Come See Grown Men Cry - Competitive Eating at Bikinis August 9

We have one Featured Event that is so powerful in concept and so thrilling in delivery that it couldn’t be contained within The Texas Testosterone Festival and the walls of The Palmer Events Center. ‘Come See Grown Men Cry’ at Bikinis Bar and Grill on IH-35 in Austin on Sunday, August 9 at 3:00 PM. Our special guest will be former Tamale Eating World Record Holder Levi Oliver.

5 Minutes. No Eyeglasses or Noseclips allowed. No Tissues. $200 cash to the real man (or woman) who can eat the most raw onion. Levi will be there to make sure the competition is fair but no one will be there to stop the tears.

To be eligible to compete, visit the Bikinis Bar and Grill in Austin, San Marcos, or San Antonio and consume Bikinis’ Big Buckin Burger. You’ll receive a t-shirt and an invitation to compete in ‘Come See Grown Men Cry’. There will be a limited number of competitors so show up early to register with your invitation. An invitation does not guarantee entry into the competition.

‘Come See Grown Men Cry’ is also an opportunity to register for the numerous competitions and seminars being held the following weekend at The Texas Testosterone Festival. Early registration prices will be available for UFC Ultimate Fighter Amir Sadollah Mixed Martial Arts Seminar, AT&T Presents Relson Gracie Seminar, The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament and Team Challenge, The First Annual Texas Fit Model Search, Zhen Mei Nutritional Products Presents Spartan 300 Challenge by Crossfit Central, Video Game Tournaments by Gamerz in Lakeline Mall, and if you ask nicely, and dress appropriately, we might even consider looking you over for the Bikini Contest by Bikini’s Bar and Grill.

The Fantasy Poker League will be running their regular Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournaments at Bikini’s at 6:00 and 8:30 PM so there will be no reason to leave after the boo-hoo is over.

Additional contests and events will be announced or made up on the spot so be sure to catch this great pre-event to The Texas Testosterone Festival.

Fight to Win 3 Results - Relson Gracie Academy Takes Team Title

Last weekend’s Fight to Win 3 at Anderson High School in Austin was a great event with non-stop action on eight areas of the floor from shortly after dawn until shortly before dusk. The Colorado-based Fight to Win promotion team have recovered enough from a punishing schedule, including an all-night drive back to Colorado, to make public the results of the event.

The Relson Gracie Academy took home the team title with 45 points behind 1st place finishes in Kids No-Gi White Belt 70-84.9 and Kids BJJ White Belt 70-84.9 by Devon Perry, Mens No-Gi Intermediate/Advanced 140-159.9 by Travis Orr, Female BJJ White Belt 0-129.9 by Leila Buzan, Masters BJJ Purple 170-184.9 and Mens BJJ Purple 160-179.9 by Gabe Obiedo.

Relson Gracie Academy just snuck by Grapplers Lair by one point. Team Lutter, Gracie Barra New Mexico, and CTC in Austin rounded out the top 5.

For the official results from Fight to Win, click here.

The Relson Gracie Academy in Austin is hosting the Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Tournament and Team Challenge at The Texas Testosterone Festival on Sunday, August 16. Get your revenge match - demand a rematch from the Fight to Win event at The Relson Gracie Texas Jiu Jitsu Team Challenge. For more information on this event, click here.

Fight to Win BJJ/Submission Grappling in Austin this Saturday - What to Eat

Big Jiu Jitsu event happening on Saturday with Four Title Belts and $1500 in cash prizes available. Fight to Win Presents Tournament of Champions III and looks to be bringing in academies all across the state to compete. The tournaments begin at 9:00 AM and will happen at Anderson High School (8403 Mesa Drive 78759). If you’re on Mopac and you exit Anderson Lane / Spicewood Springs you head West until you reach Mesa Drive and then make a Right on Mesa. It will be on your Right Side.

Need a quick by filling lunch? Check out Indian Palace just South on Mesa and then East on Far West Boulevard on the North side of the street (3616 Far West Blvd 78731). Tell them The Texas Testosterone Festival sent you and they will stare at you blankly and point you to their excellent Indian buffet. If you don’t like the buffet choices and you need protein, get the Beef Jalfreezi. Excellent.

Carb load? Brick Oven Pizzeria is a bit farther but worth it for the pizza or the pasta. The easy way to explain is to say you should go back to Mopac, head North and go North on 183. Exit at Braker Lane and make a Left under the highway. Make a Left into the parking lot with the McDonald’s and the HEB in it. Tucked away in the back is Brick Oven Pizza (10710 Research Blvd). Tell them The Texas Testosterone Festival sent you and they’ll laugh and ask you to repeat the name again. If you’re done competing, ask them to hook you up with the pepperonis that curl up at the edges when they cook and form a pool of grease in the center of each one. Sometimes they have them. Sometimes they don’t. Love it when they do. It’s about a 15 minute drive to Brick Oven from Anderson High School.

Sushi? Now you’re talking our language, as long as you’re not saying it in Japanese. Make the 10 minute drive to Ichiban by heading South on Mesa to Spicewood Springs then East on Spicewood Springs, over Mopac where Spicewood Springs turns in to Anderson Lane, resist the urge to go see Adventureland at The Alamo Drafthouse and instead go Right on Burnet Rd. Ichiban will be in a crazy-looking building just a bit off the street on the Right side (7310 Burnet Rd. 78757). Tell them The Texas Testosterone Festival sent you and they’ll tell you to tell us to never come back there again. We had an unfortunate accident with too much sake and the enticing big-fish ponds in their parking lot.

There are plenty of Fast Food joints on Burnet and 183 if you’re on a budget, as well as the HEB grocery store if you follow the directions to the Brick Oven Pizzeria above. There are also a number of sit-down joints including Sherlock’s, Bone Daddie’s, Pluckers, and Rudy’s BBQ along 183. 

If you have other suggestions or request another food type please post a note below and we, or someone else familiar with dining in the area, will help.

Rickson Gracie Has Great Abs

Amazing video of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend and MMA pioneer Rickson Gracie’s workout from a documentary called ‘Choke’. Check out the end of the video where Rickson does a killer breathing thing where his stomach disappears. Reminds me we have frozen pizza here for lunch again today.

Georges St. Pierre’s Strategy For B.J. Penn

Mixed Martial Arts is a very young sport but lately there have been some significant developments in the sport that are exciting to see. Years from Don Frye wearing the same fingerless gloves that are now required of all fighters in the Octagon, years from the installation of the “Gan McGee Rule” preventing knees to the head of a downed opponent, a few years from David Loiseau’s demonstration of the effectiveness of vicious elbows and knees, and in the wake of 2008’s introduction of Eddie Bravo’s Rubber Guard to the arsenal of jiu-jitsu every MMA athlete must train, Georges St. Pierre’s gameplan against B.J. Penn last night exemplified the latest development in this great sport.

St. Pierre talked about Penn’s “small shoulders” during his post-fight interview and explains more in the video from the post-fight press conference here. In a nutshell, St. Pierre attempted to wrestle Penn in the first round in order to wear out Penn’s shoulders so as to slow down Penn’s great hand-speed for the rest of their fight. You can bet Kenny Florian was taking notes.

What this gameplan demonstrates is a new level in which MMA coaches can utilize the multiple dimensions of the sport (wrestling, boxing, jiu-jitsu, et al) to uncover weaknesses in an opponent’s game. It has been often said that “styles make fights”. The gameplan Greg Jackson and his team developed for St. Pierre to defeat Penn demonstrates how “styles make opportunities”, especially when referring to an all-around MMA athlete like St. Pierre. GSP’s gameplan demonstrated how Penn’s skillset was not something to be reacted to but something to be neutralized utilizing GSP’s own skillset. 

Gameplans before last night generally consisted of “he’s good on his feet so I’ll take him down” or “he’s heavy on his lead leg so I’ll start with leg kicks to that leg” but with the discovery of all-around MMA athletes like St. Pierre, Penn, Anderson Silva, or Uriah Faber the need for more intricate gameplans has exposed itself. How do you solve a riddle like Anderson Silva? He’s good on his feet, he’s good on the ground, he’s good outside, he’s good in the clinch… after GSP’s well-executed gameplan against Penn last night there is little doubt the best chance of defeating Silva will be Nate Marquardt, or another Jackson fighter, developing and executing an intricate gameplan that is similar in scope.

And just in time before some of the upper-echelon complete MMA fighters start to get lazy, a new weapon, like the rubber guard, vicious elbows, fingerless gloves, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu itself before now, has been introduced to the MMA world - the intricate gameplan.