Last week saw thousands of competitors flock to the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California for the IBJJF's annual World Championships. This gi tournament is widely considered the most prestigious in the calendar and has competitors prepare the entire year. That's why it might not come as a surprise that many Australians made the long journey over to the US to compete and claim their spot on the podium. Still, the numbers are outstanding! A total of 50 Aussies competed and brought home 5 medals in stacked divisions. These are our standouts.

Kade Ryan

The blue belt divisions are no joke. Still, Kade secured the double bronze in both his division (medium-heavy) and the open class, losing the semi-final in his division only by an advantage. After six matches, his coaches Marcos Vinicius Maroccolo and Kobi Ray Dynon out of Maroccolo Academy promoted him to a well deserved purple belt.

Kianoa Roberts

Out of Gracie Botany, 17-year old Kianoa earned silver in the juvenile 2 blue rooster weight division. He submitted his first two opponents and only lost the final by referee's decision. With the outstanding support of his family and team mates we just know this humble young man will be back even better. 

Chilli Harel

Another medal goes to Chilli out of Art of Jiu Jitsu (AOJ). His first run in the adult divisions at just 17 years old proved to be successful as he secured the bronze in the purple belt rooster weight division. It's been a year full of medals for this standout athlete and we'll keep our eyes peeled for what's next.

Marcelo Gomide

To qualify for the World Championships, black belts have to earn points during the season. And then, once they make it, the divisions are stacked from top to bottom. There's no easy match. Still, Marcelo got two wins in the super-heavy weight division and earned the bronze medal not only for him but also his recently opened jiu jitsu school Trinity. We can only imagine how proud his students will be when they receive him back home in Sydney.

India Risby

Another standout competitor that entered the adult divisions for the first time this year is India out of Kumite Jui Jitsu. There are few competitors who have that exceptional mix of athleticism, mindset and dedication but India has all of it. She had three wins in a division of more than 40 competitors and lost her fourth match only by one advantage in the last 5 seconds.

Other notable performances include those of Earl Paycana out of Gracie Barra who won two high-paced matches in the blue belt light feather weight division and Issa Issa out of Aus Grappling who defeated two opponents in the purple belt middle weight division.

Lots of achievements to be proud of and keep working on Australian jiu jitsu!