Jair Lourenço (in blue) taking athletes from Natal to International Open. Photo: Carlos Ozório
The International Masters and Seniors draws veterans from all around the world, and Brazil is no different. Leader of team Kimura, in the northeastern Brazilian city of Natal, Jair Lourenço is glad to be getting his first chance to compete in the competition.
“The International Masters is the equivalent of the World Championship for the veterans. This year will be my first chance to participate, and I’m all into it,” he says.
“This time I’m only taking nine athletes because I didn’t have time to get everyone registered in the CBJJ. Next year, though, I want the team to go in strong,” he adds.
Jair tends to compete in the senior division and wins medals in a number of competitions. In the International, he knows there will be a chance he’ll face some of Jiu-Jitsu’s big names.
“I think it’s great and I’m stoked I’ll get to see these guys up close. It would be a great honor for me to compete in the absolute against someone like Gordo, for example,” he says in finishing.