EGO’s 2010 Opening Event
March 29th, 2010 | Author: CageCraze.comThis article was originally published at CageCraze.com. Copyright: CageCraze.com.
This past weekend the Extreme Grappling Open (a production of Fight Hub LLC.) once again showed why it is becoming one of the premier submission grappling tournaments in the Midwest. The event played host to a number of people from kids to adults and “weekend warriors” to elite mixed martial artists.
James Cligerman refereeing one of many matches
The Extreme Grappling Open, or EGO commenced in 2004 with a simple mission to provide an effectively run, well organized gi and no-gi (male and female) division jiu-jitsu tournament (according to their website). In the past six years, they have done just that. Committing to improvement year in and year out has yielded a tournament with a great reputation. Organizations tend to prosper when the enthusiasm of their owners is observed. Both James and A.J. Clingerman actively participate in the event (via refereeing, or announcing).Seeing the creators of the tournament actually working hands-on with the tournament, instead of simply watching, shows the level of commitment each has to watching EGO prosper.
Derrell Smith puts the finishing touch on this submission.
The Extreme Grappling Open is a great place to compete for all ages and all talent levels. “Everyone is at the level in which they need to be. No one sandbags here and that is great.” Stated Darrell Smith (an instructor at the I.B.J.J.A). Competing at a tournament where people truly test themselves and do not “sandbag” allows the tournament to be a true test of ability. This also allows people who do not just practice the art of jiu-jitsu to participate. This past event featured a number of elite to “up and coming” mixed martial artists.
Alex Miller finishing his match via Rear Naked Choke.
According to Darrell “the bulldog” Smith, a cage veteran, “EGO is a great test of endurance for cage fighters. There are no breaks like there are in a fight (due to no strikes being permitted). There is always a constant contact with an opponent. This event truly is a great check for your cardio for an upcoming fight.” This statement seemed to be valid in that a few fighters chose to do exactly as “the bulldog” said. Alex Miller (Team Colon) and Kathryn Gardiner (Team James Clingerman) were less than a week out from their next bouts at Friday, April 2’s Hoosier Fight Club event in Valparaiso, Indiana. Miller and Gardiner joined a whole strew of fighters who competed at the EGO. Matt Perry, whom just competed at the Arnold Sports festival’s premier Amateur Mixed Martial Arts festival took third in his gi division, and second in his no-gi division.
Kyle Gibbons represents his sponsor well, and holds up his 1st place medal to prove it.
Kyle Gibbons won the men’s heavyweight intermediate no-gi division. These were just a few of the fighters who decided to showcase their ground game.
This weekend’s event showed the promise of mixed martial arts and grappling not only in Indiana but the Midwest. With events like the Extreme Grappling Open developing a reputation for Indiana only positive ramifications will ensue.
For anyone interested in future events please visit www.extremegrapplingopen.com.
After just four years of training in the art, top UFC middleweight