Friday morning we embarked on the 100 mile trip north to Santa Barbara. We could have gone directly there but Simon 'the navigator' Small decided not to tell me to exit for the 101 and we ended up taking a detour over a scenic mountain route that had last been negotiated by a man on a donkey.
We arrived at the University of California Santa Barbara, purchased a parking permit and parked in the area as directed.
As we approached the Robertson Gym it looked as if the cast of Ben Hurr were attempting to gain access. This we discovered, was the queue for the weigh-in. Being one of the Gracie Barra team, Braulio was roped into helping out setting up the arena, so he donned his red 'official' T-shirt and we joined the queue.
With regards to the weigh-in, the words 'piss-up' and 'brewery' spring to mind. It was without a doubt the biggest organisational shambles that I have encountered in over 30 years of competing.
For over three hours we stood in-line moving about 15 metres. After one of the Brazilian 'organisers' had re-organised the queue we found ourselves about 30 metres further back from where we had first started. At this point, had the event been in the UK I would have gone home, indeed several American fighters did just that. One American fighter told us that apparently the Brazilians were walking straight in to get weighed and also letting their fighters skip the queue. We agreed with him that this was totally outrageous and then went to see if we could find any Brazilian 'officials' that we knew. This did prove to be a fruitful exercise and we saved ourselves about 3 hours. Some fighters were reported to have queued in excess of 7 hours.
I returned to the car tired and was fairly peed off to find a $30 parking ticket. The sign where we had parked read "A Permit Required"
We had a permit and had parked as directed. Further enquiries revealed that the 'A' of A Permit Required, actually referred to Zone A. We had a permit for Zone C. We had parked as indicated on the map so I didn't bother paying (cant see me getting extradited over a $30 parking ticket).
We found our motel and checked in, a little cleaner than the Days Inn, clear fire exits, but no fridge.
Braulio lifted the mattress and found a copy of Hustler, although some of the pages were a little stuck together, he was one happy Brazilian. He explained that sex before the tournament was not good, we were three happy Gringos.
A good nights sleep was in order and I quickly dropped off. Unfortunately I was awoken by what sounded like the mating call of a Hippopotamus. This turned out to be Braulio 'Honka' Estima' snoring.
On the Saturday morning we travelled back to UCSB (free parking on the weekend) and made our way into the venue. We settled down to watch the USA v Brazil team event. The Brazilian national anthem lasted almost as long as the passing of an American freight train, Braulio sang the whole thing with real pride.
Event security ran around like lost sheep informing everyone that videoing was not permitted, so amidst much moaning, some video cameras were put away, whilst attempts were made to conceal others inside jackets and bags.
The first match in the blue belt teams was a tie and the judge's decision went to the American. Ryan Gracie went ballistic because his student was on the losing end of the decision, suddenly the video cameras made a re-appearance, their owners hoping to capture some 'Gracie in action' footage.
The fighting was then interrupted for an important announcement. The UCSB Police had received a bomb threat, but as it was not 'coded' they did not consider it to be a genuine threat. The choice to evacuate was left the organisers and competitors. Everyone, including the Police, stayed.
The fighting continued, the Brazilians hammered the USA team and Braulio was on top form securing victory via a helicopter arm-bar in less than a minute.
Braulio settles down to some bedtime reading
After the team event the Adult blue belt category started. Andy Roberts had 50+ competitors in his category and unfortunately drew one of the eventual medallists in his first fight. The fight was very close with Andy giving it everything he had but eventually losing by a couple of points.
Another Submission win for Braulio
Marc's fights in both his weight category and the absolute went the distance, again these were very tough opponents with Marc losing by an advantage in both fights.
Shane Smith was also in a huge category and after a game performance was narrowly defeated. Unfortunately because of the large number of entrants in the adult blue belt categories, there wasn't a blue belt absolute.
Andy works for side control
Sunday:
One of the best matches of the day was in the women's blue belt division. A Turkish national squad judo player was throwing her opponent around like a rag doll, much to the appreciation of the knowledgeable crowd. She scored at least 10 points with throws. Her opponent then jumped guard and sunk in a very nice arm-bar. The Judo girl lifted her clear of the mat and walked out of the contest area. The crowd went nuts, booing and hissing and calling for the disqualification of the judo player. The ref consulted with the judges and duly obliged.
Another great match was between Rener Gracie and Gordo from Gracie Barra. Rener secured a triangle choke on Gordo, this he held for almost the entire fight, then amazingly Gordo managed to escape the triangle, pass Rener's guard and hold on to the position for the win.
Shane looks for the take-down
The quality of fighters in the purple belt category had to be seen to be believed. Jude managed a couple of good wins against very tough opponents before losing in the semi-final and collecting a very hard-earned bronze medal.
Gordo v Renner
Simon managed a couple of good wins in both his category and the absolute to secure two bronze medals. In the semi-final of the absolute he took guard and worked hard for the sweep, unfortunately the 20 kg weight difference was just too much with his opponent eventually passing for the narrow win.
Jude on the rostrum
Jude maintains guard
Although I had cut to 91 kg I was more than disappointed to find I was the only competitor in my category and so I moved up to the 97kg division. My fights went pretty much the same way, score a couple of points from a throw then hang on for 5 and a half minutes! In all seriousness although I did open the scoring with throws, I was very pleased with my ground game, where despite not managing to sub anyone, I did manage to score further points (thanks Braulio!).
Marc working for the pass
Marc in action: Purple Belt Masters Absolute
Simon on the rostrum
Simon looking for a grip
In the semi-final of my weight I got stuck in my opponents solid guard and try as I might I just couldn't pass. I managed to stand up and attempted to pass, but he nearly caught me with a sweep, scoring an advantage, which was enough to give him the match.
Dave on the rostrum
Dave gets the sweep
In both his weight category and the absolute Braulio was in a league of his own. Over the two days he had seven fights winning all by submission in a total time of 5 minutes 15 seconds, including Helecopter arm-bars and flying triangles. So it was three Gold medals for Braulio.
Braulio gets the submission in 32 seconds
Braulio finished fighting at around 11:55 pm, we headed off to Denny's for food and bumped into the Renzo Gracie and Gracie Barra teams. Pae de Pano appeared to be working his way through the entire menu.
We returned to our hotel around 01:30 for some much needed sleep.
The next morning we returned to LA, opting for the direct 101 route. We had some time to spare so we went to the beach again.
Marc had arranged for Braulio to stop with a friend for one night before he flew to New York to train with Renzo Gracie for a few days. We dropped Braulio off, returned the hire car and got a taxi to LAX.
After the usual duty free shopping we sat in a café where we bumped into Roger Brooking who had taken Gold in his weight and Bronze in the absolute divisions of the black belt masters categories. As we went to the boarding gate my name was being called out. "Your friend is at the baggage check-in you have his passport"
A quick glance around the group Jude, Andy, Marc, Shane and Simon, we were all there. A few seconds of puzzled looks then almost in unison a few of us exclaimed 'Braulio'.
The boarding people told me I had time to return to the check-in desk.
I left my rucksack with Simon and ran back through the airport. A member of staff called 'Mr Coles' I went to her and she directed me 'Through the door and take the second elevator all the way down'.
Ok easy I thought, through the door past one lift and although it was some distance away I found the 2nd lift. Down to the bottom I ended up in a basement with no sign of Braulio. Back into the lift and returned to find Mrs 'Directions'.
You didn't take the 2nd elevator she said. She led me through the door and pointed to the 2nd escalator. 'That's not an elevator it's an .. ' I wanted to explain, but there was no time for the English lesson I had to get to Braulio.
Braulio had left his passport and wallet in a pocket at the back of the hire car. All the paperwork was in my rucksack with Simon. I remembered the company was Dollar Rent a Car but couldn't remember the name of the street. 'It was in the same street as the Machado Academy.' I offered, 'Hawthorn?' said Braulio's friend, 'yep that's it' I replied. A quick handshake and I rapidly made my way back into the airport.
The PA system sprang into life:
'Bing bong' "Last call for Passenger David Coles VA flight 024 to London Heathrow this flight is about to close."
I had to pass back through all the security checks, sprint through the airport and back to the boarding gate. The last passenger on the plane all eyes seemed to be on me as I made my way to seat 53c.
A few more films, a good sleep and we landed at Heathrow, the PA system sprang into life,
"Ladies and gentlemen this is your Captain speaking, we have been asked by the tower to remain here for a short while, its nothing to worry about but the tower spotted some smoke coming from the rear of the aircraft as we landed, you may see some fire engines approaching the aircraft but this is just a precautionary measure"
Braulio 4 x Pan Am Champion
It's at times like these that you wished you had paid attention when the cabin crew were doing their safety talk. Now where were those exits?
We could see three fire engines on our side of the plane and numerous other vehicles with flashing blue lights. After about 10 minutes we were given the ok and proceeded to the terminal. We passed through customs without anyone getting stopped.
All in all I had a fantastic time, a great camaraderie developed between the lads in 'Team UK' all supporting and running around after each other at the event, with plenty of p#!s-taking and laughs along the way. Cheers lads, same again next year?
Finally on behalf of the lads thanks must go to Rigan and Roger Machado and all at the RCJ Machado Academy Torrance for looking after, and supporting the boys from the UK so well.
Story by Dave Coles
Most photos by Simon Small & Dave Coles
Photo of Renner v Gordo stolen from Gracie Barra UK (who I think stole it from somewhere else).
Photo of fire engines by Andy Roberts.
Photo of Team UK by Steve Reiter (Jiujitsugear.com forum)
Photos developed by Mrs Baker @ Boots
In order to protect the guilty, stories of Spearmint Rhino and the massage parlour have been omitted.
