Durinho in action in Rio. Photo: Ivan Trindade
Atos Jiu-Jitsu’s Gilbert “Durinho” Burns couldn’t make it to the World Pro Jiu-Jitsu Cup Qualifiers in Gramado, Brazil. Nevertheless, in Atlanta, where he’s taking a spell to teach seminars, the blackbelt won the Lutador Grappling event, a local Jiu-Jitsu event. In the final, he defeated Darren Roberts (Alliance).
“I was somewhat injured and didn’t even know if I’d be able to compete. But Roberto Traven and the gang urged me on, so I decided to participate. I did three fights and managed to get the submission in all of them. I was coming off an injury and you never know when you’ll be able to return. I won a belt and I dedicate it to the gang at Atos, which was at the World Pro qualifiers in Gramado. Even though we didn’t win in all the divisions, we had athletes in the semifinals at all weights,” he told GRACIEMAG.com.
Another standout of the event was Ian McPherson (Alliance), winner of the 175 lbs (79 kg) category.
Durinho will, however, be in action at the Qualifier in Rio de Janeiro, to take place on the 27th and 28th of March.
“I have some seminars to do this week and on Monday I’ll be in Rio Claro to do my final preparations for the Qualifiers in Rio. That’s the objective now and then the IBJJF Pan-American and Worlds. I’m going to throw some weight around over there,” he says.
“In 2010 my main focus is the Worlds. We’re still at the beginning of the year and we’ll make it to the Worlds in fine form,” he says in finishing.
The Abu Dhabi World Pro Tryouts in Rio de Janeiro take place on the 27th and 28th of March.