BJJ GRANDMASTER to Hold Prestigious Tournament at MMA Expo

[keithlewis]

BJJ Grandmaster to hold Prestigious Tournament at MMA Expo

Mixed Martial Arts Expo Toronto is pleased to announce the signing of what promises to be one of the most prestigious Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments ever held in Canada. Confirmation came from Brazil today that The Grandmaster Barreto International BJJ Open will be held on the show floor of MMA Expo IV, June 7, 2009 at the International Centre. Grandmaster Alvaro Barreto (pron. bahetto), a 9th Degree Red Belt, is recognized as one of the top BJJ masters in the world. Locally the tournament is managed by BJJ Professor Shah Franco of the Franco-Behring Association. “What makes this tournament so important is the fact that no BJJ Red Belt has ever visited Canada. This is very significant and regardless of BJJ family affiliation everyone in the BJJ community can take great pride in the fact that Toronto has secured this event”, stated a very pleased Shah Franco.

“One of our objectives was to find a great venue and a well-organized event with which to partner. Working closely with MMA Expo president, Gerald Chopik, we were able to offer both to Grandmaster Barreto. Master Barreto and his board of directors are very keen on staging this event at MMA Expo Toronto and are impressed with Gerald Chopik’s show management expertise and track record.” The Barreto tournament celebrates both individual and team performance. In addition to winners in adult, teen and junior divisions, The Barreto Cup itself will be awarded to the school achieving the most tournament points. Importantly, according to Professor Franco, “This does not necessarily mean the school with greatest number of first place wins takes home the sought after Cup. In fact, a school with a fair number of second and third place finishes could easily win the top prize.”

Not restricted to Ontarians, the Barreto Cup is expected to draw competitors and referees from across Canada and the USA. “As local organizers, the Franco-Behring Association is thrilled to not only have Grandmaster Barreto and Master Sylvio Behring come to Canada to personally attend this event, but to also have them invest their personal time to deliver an in-depth Referee Clinic. The clinic offers referees and school owner-operators the unique opportunity to be awarded Certificates of Completion from the highest level of authority in the sport. “Not only does this give participating refs great personal recognition, but moving forward these graduates will be instrumental in raising the level of refereeing for the benefit of the sport right across Canada; a very
important undertaking as we work toward taking Jiu Jitsu to the Olympics”, offered Shah Franco.

Far more than just a certificate on paper, following the Saturday seminars, participants will referee the Sunday tournament and will be awarded their certificates based on their performance. MMA Expo president, Gerald Chopik, is proud to have the tournament take place at MMA Expo IV. “When first launched in 2005 I intended that MMA Expo grow into an industry event for “mixed” martial arts and that in doing so MMA Expo would become known as ‘the event’ within which to hold some of the top martial arts events in the country. Having Grandmaster Barreto of Brazil stage his tournament on site at MMA Expo is testament to the fact that we deliver a well-organized, high quality event. I truly believe that MMA Expo and The Barreto International is a winning combination and I sincerely look forward to working with the entire BJJ community to help deliver a top-notch tournament that becomes an annual event.” Another first: MMA Expo and the Barreto International will also be webcast live in HD across the ‘net for the entire weekend.

Tournament registration can be found online at http://www.MixedMartialArtsExpo.com.
MEDIA: For more information contact Gerald Chopik at gchopik@MixedMartialArtsExpo.com.