The Phoenix International Open was a special event for Nova Uniao Black Belts, Steve Rosenberg and Steve Judson, who both won their first IBJJF titles as black belts. The two black belts under GMA Gustavo Dantas seized the opportunity to capture gold in front of their friends, family, and students.
Steve Rosenberg sinks a winning triangle.
Winning the adult lightweight division, Rosenberg, who took second place at the 2010 Las Vegas Open, was happy to compete in his own backyard in front of his students. He is responsible for the future of Team GD Jiu-Jitsu by heading the kids Program.”It was cool to have them all supporting me and cheering me on,” states Rosenberg.
Rosenberg will also be competing next weekend at the Dallas International Open. “All these tournaments are great preparation for my main goal, which is to win the Worlds. I will be there in June trying my best”.
Judson jockeys for grips.
Judson, who is also the father of two daughters, won both the Senior 1, heavy and absolute divisions and set the pace by securing the first gold medal of the day for Nova União. With his own school in Prescott, 100 miles north of Phoenix, the savvy instructor was even more excited about his students’ performance. “I’m really proud of them, especially Daniel Hampton who took second in the adult medium heavyweight blue belt division and came back to take first in the absolute. They put in a lot of hard work and training, and it was great to watch them shine”.
Check out Steve Rosenberg in his match with Gracie Barra’s Bruno Rocha: