As a martial artist, I try to catch up and stay informed on the latest in combat sports. Whether it be watching them in person and actually competing. However as a full-time student, interning for the summer, and taking a part-time job it has become difficult to stay participated. But that doesn’t mean I can’t spread the word of a few awesome events that will be held in the heart of Boston. There are going to two incredible events that are showcasing some of the most talented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artists in Boston. We have coming this weekend the IBJJF Boston Summer Open on Saturday and in just a couple of weeks, Fight 2 Win Pro will have its 44th event as well in Boston.

The IBJJF organization is where all of the big names of BJJ and submission grapplers go to fight. Each athlete can score points for themselves or their team to win top prizes in IBJJF such as team trophies and cash prizes. Some of the big names that are competing in this weekend’s event are Keith Florian who is a 3rd degree black belt and is brother to Kenny Florian, former UFC lightweight and featherweight contender. Keenan Cornelius will also be there who placed multiple times at the prestigious ADCC Worlds and is coming off some big wins after recovering from a major injury. Gianni Grippo, black belt under Marcelo Garcia, and is an extremely active black belt competitor and F2W champion will be returning to Boston to capture gold in his weight and the absolute division. For those who don’t know, the absolute division has no weight restrictions. Also competing in Grippo’s division is longtime black belt and fighter is Renan Borges who has met Gianni Grippo in the final, several times. Joao Miyao is also in Boston to chase gold. Rafael Barbosa Formiga is returning to Boston, he is a high level black belt and multiple time Boston champion. The IBJJF Boston Open is held at the UMASS Athletic in UMASS Boston (sorry, a little bit repetitive), 100 Morrissey BLVD on Saturday, July 29th. Best thing is that the event is free for spectators to watch! If you would like to see the entire list of athletes, click here: http://ibjjf.com/championship/boston-summer-international-open-jiu-jitsu/.

Have something this Saturday already, that’s fine. I have another event on August 12th in the Reggie Lewis Track & Field Center, 1350 Tremont St., Roxbury, MA. Fight 2 Win (F2W) is a leading grappling organization that is submission only. Some of the best Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artists have competed in F2W such as Benson Henderson, AJ Agazarm, Garry Tonon, Caio Terra, and more. Fight 2 Win Pro 44 will be hosting a stacked card of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stars. The main event features BJJ black belt and Judo silver medalist in the Rio Olympics, Travis Stevens facing ADCC Worlds 2015 gold medalist, Yuri Simoes. Stevens is an accomplished grappler and achieved his black belt in record time. Yuri is a black belt under the well-respected Caio Terra. Also featured on the card is former UFC heavyweight title contender and the man who Cro-copped Mirko Cro Cop, Gabriel Gonzaga. Another Olympic Judoka and Bellator MMA title contender/fighter, Rick Hawn is on the card. Vinicius Agudo Silva, teammate of Rafael Barbosa, will face GF Team Black belt and professor, Robson Mau-Mau who has a lethal and ‘wicked’ kimura or shoulder lock that would guarantee a tap out. Rafael Barbosa and Renan Borges will also be fighting at both events. Tickets are on sale for this event going as low as $40 for general admission, so come on out to support your local BJJ fighter. Click here for more info and tickets: http://f2wbjj.com/events/f2w-pro-44/. If you can't watch in person, but really want to the event, you can get a subscription on http://www.flograppling.com/event/255546-fight-to-....It’s going to a fun few weeks for martial art enthusiasts, so if you can check them out, you will a blast!