Marola guarantees NU's platoon of masters will be strong. Photo: Carlos Ozório
Nova União completed 15 years as a Jiu-Jitsu team in 2010 and, throughout this lifetime, it launched a slew of athletes that shone in IBJJF events. André Marola, one of the leaders of the team’s Jiu-Jitsu, guarantees we’ll see some of this history at the International Masters and Seniors, which begins this July 22 in Rio de Janeiro.
Besides Marola, another of the team’s competitors to hit the mats is Rafael Carino, who fought in the UFC in 1996.
“We’re taking a good crew to put on a good show. I’m in, Rafael Carino, Gustavo Dantas and maybe Robinho (Robson Moura) will be there too. Bruno Bastos is not just going in as a master, but as an adult in the Rio Open. A lot of folks will be there,” says Marola.
Rafael Carina has won all kinds of things in Jiu-Jitsu, even in the UFC. Photo: Carlos Ozório
According to the fighter and trainer, the International is a competition apart for athletes over 30 years old.
“It’s where we find glamour, where the old guard gets together, swaps ideas and competes. It’s a major festivity for all of us,” he says.
“The adults wait the whole year for the Worlds, we do the same for the International. It’s our chance to show the younger guys what we do,” he adds.