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Chapala native Mario Alberto Sánchez Cervantes once again brought honor to Mexico by winning the gold medal at the North American Masters International Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held in Long Beach, California, United States.
Sánchez Cervantes competed in the Master 3 category in the under-70-kilogram (154 pounds) division, advancing through the rounds to reach the final.
In the decisive match, he faced American Hans Lee Burnett, whom he defeated to claim first place and the gold medal.
“I owed it to my people,” Mario wrote on his Facebook account on May 30, along with a photo showing him with the gold medal and his gi (uniform).
The North American Masters International Jiu-Jitsu Championship (officially the “Master International Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championship – North America”) is a major Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament organized by the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) for veteran athletes, typically aged 30 and over. Held in Long Beach, California, and scheduled around the IBJJF World Championship dates, it brings together master competitors from across the United States, Canada, and other countries for gi competition across multiple age, weight and belt divisions. It has established itself as one of the most important events in the region for this discipline.
Translated and edited by Nita Rudy
