BJJ ITALIA Backs National team for IBJJF European Championships
The Italian National Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team is gearing up for the prestigious IBJJF European championships, taking place in Lisbon from January 17th to 25th. BJJ ITALIA, the nation’s leading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu association, is fully funding the team’s participation, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to supporting athletes at the highest level.
this year’s team boasts a talented roster of athletes who earned their spots through rigorous ranking competitions:
Brown Belt: Luca Gutierrez (Luta Livre Italia)
Purple Belts: Giuseppe Corazza (Flow) and Ginevra danesin (Jiu Jitsu Squad Venezia)
Blue Belts: Simone Grillo (Aeterna jiu jitsu) and Immacolata Facchineri (Matside jiu jitsu)
White Belts: Nicola Quadrelli (Flow) and Simona Matera (Trinity club)
Adding to the excitement, Black Belt maicol Benetti (Matside Jiu Jitsu) received a special recognition award of 500 euros from BJJ ITALIA.
Ensuring the team is equipped for success, ADIDAS, BJJ ITALIA’s technical partner, will provide all athletes with official uniforms.
Looking ahead, BJJ ITALIA is actively preparing for upcoming national competitions. These events will serve as the selection ground for the National Gi, No-Gi, and KIDS teams, who will also receive full funding from BJJ ITALIA to compete at the IBJJF European Championships.
BJJ ITALIA’s unique model sets it apart as the only Italian organization that fully covers the expenses of its national representatives competing in international IBJJF events. This commitment is made possible through the revenue generated from the numerous national competitions BJJ ITALIA organizes.
By participating in BJJ ITALIA competitions, athletes and teams not only challenge themselves but also contribute directly to the success of the National Teams. The proceeds help fund athlete travel, provide cash prizes for top performers, and support the growth and accessibility of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Italy.
BJJ ITALIA is dedicated to showcasing the achievements of its athletes. Following the European Championships, the organization will proudly share photos of all Italian medalists on its social media platforms.Athletes who secure a medal are encouraged to send a photo of themselves on the podium, along with their name, team affiliation, age class, belt rank, weight category, and medal won, to [email protected].
Fighting for Glory: An Interview with Luca Gutierrez on BJJ Italia’s European Championship Journey
This week, we have the privilege of speaking with Luca Gutierrez, a rising star in the Italian BJJ scene and a brown belt competitor representing Italy at the upcoming IBJJF European Championships.Luca, representing Luta Livre Italia, has secured his spot on the national team through rigorous regional ranking competitions, and we’re eager to delve into his thoughts on BJJ Italia’s incredible support and the team’s prospects in Lisbon.
moderator: Luca, congratulations on earning your place on the national team! The IBJJF Europeans are a highly competitive stage. How does it feel to be representing Italy on such a platform?
Luca Gutierrez: It’s an absolute honor. This has been my goal for a long time, and I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to showcase my skills and represent my country. the support from BJJ Italia has been phenomenal, and I’m persistent to make them proud.
Moderator: Speaking of BJJ Italia,their commitment to supporting athletes is truly unprecedented. They’re fully funding the entire team’s participation in the Europeans, providing uniforms, and even offering a special recognition award to black Belt Maicol Benetti. What’s your take on this level of support?
Luca Gutierrez: It’s incredible.Knowing that BJJ Italia has our backs financially allows us to focus solely on training and competition.It takes a huge burden off our shoulders and empowers us to perform at our best.
Moderator: BJJ Italia’s unique model is truly innovative, generating revenue through national competitions to fund national representation. How does this approach contribute to the growth of BJJ in Italy?
Luca Gutierrez: It’s a win-win for everyone involved. Athletes gain valuable competition experience, BJJ Italia continues to flourish, and the proceeds directly support the national teams. This kind of grassroots approach creates a strong sense of community and fuels the passion for BJJ throughout Italy.
Moderator: The team boasts a diverse roster across various belt levels, from white belts to seasoned competitors. What are some of the strategies you anticipate team Italy employing during the championships?
Luca Gutierrez: We have a talented and dedicated team, and I believe our diverse experience levels will be an asset.We’ll be focusing on our strengths, executing effective game plans, and supporting each other every step of the way.
Moderator: The IBJJF European Championships are renowned for their intensity and high-caliber competition. What are your personal goals heading into this event?
Luca Gutierrez: My primary goal is to give it my all on the mat and represent Italy with honor. I’m looking to test my skills against the best in Europe and gain valuable experience at this level.
Moderator: what message would you like to convey to aspiring BJJ practitioners in Italy?
Luca Gutierrez: Never give up on your dreams. with dedication, hard work, and the unwavering support of organizations like BJJ Italia, anything is absolutely possible.
Marathon monday: BJJ Italia will be sharing photos of all Italian medalists on its social media platforms following the European Championships. If you know any athletes competing, please encourage them to submit their photos and details to BJJ Italia for a chance to be featured!
What are your predictions for Team Italy at the IBJJF European Championships? Share your thoughts and support for the team in the comments below! Let’s build a community of passionate BJJ enthusiasts.
