The results are in for the 2008 World Championships in Jiu Jitsu. The big winner is Xande Ribeiro, who won the absolute. And props to Ryan Hall, Lloyd Irvin phenom, for winning a world title at lightweight faixa roxa.
And huge congratulations to Valerie Worthington not just for winning her purple belt division and becoming a world champ, but also for getting awarded the brown belt right there on the podium after her win.
Kron had a tough day, losing his black belt debut by choke after falling behind on points. But he's a young guy who is only beginning to grow into the jiu jitsu he will have as an adult. It will be fun to watch him develop.
That said, it really shows the jump from brown belt to black belt at the world class level. Kron was submitting his fellow brown belts left and right. But in his first competitive match as a black belt, it was he who was submitted.
Fascinating stuff.
Here is some "special coverage" from the good folks at Gracie Magazine.
Here is a video that's making the rounds of a 16-year old purple belt, pena (featherweight), who really impressed with his movement and ability to finish.
And here are some highlights from the winning team, Brasa: purple, brown and black belt competitors.
