Josh Barnett wins world no-gi jiu-jitsu championship
Josh Barnett took the tournament gold in the ultra heavyweight/pessadisimo (over 215 pounds) division among the blackbelts at the World…
Josh Barnett took the tournament gold in the ultra heavyweight/pessadisimo (over 215 pounds) division among the blackbelts at the World Jiu-Jitsu No-Gi Championship 2009 held at California State University in Long Beach, Calif., on Nov. 8. In the tournament final, Barnett bested Ralph Gracie pupil, Bruno Paulista.
Paulista had an impressive showing against the larger Barnett — he demonstrated nifty guardwork, locking up Barnett and threatening him with triangle choke from high guard and arm bar via knee bar feint. Despite struggling to pass Paulista’s guard, Barnett defended well against his submission attempts and kept up the pressure throughout the 10 minute contest.
In the end, Barnett received the judge’s nod.
In his own words regarding his victory at the tournament:
I’m the 2009 No-Gi BJJ World Champion. Thanks to all for the support and to my opponents as well. Catch Wrestling lives!