Keeping the Rollapalooza vibe

Philippine Brazilian Jiujitsu is fairly on its toddler years as far as I am concerned. The growing years of the art and the sport has been a steady pace. There are different schools now that people can sign up based on location, style and preference. These schools shape up not only their students but the competition landscape as well. As far as the local competition scene goes; it does not lack the artistry, flamboyance, drama and highlight reel worthy moves that are present elsewhere around the globe.

If you are one of the few right now addicted to BJJ and you plan to join any of the tournaments within the year, make sure you go to Rollapalooza.

Next tourney date (2015) *image from their Facebook page

Prof. Ali Sulit (Atos Black Belt) and his team were able to create that merry mix of chill vibe, upbeat tracks and warm environment that exhibits the lifestyle of every Brazilian Jiujitsu practitioner in the country. It is like entering one big dojo where people just line up and wait for their turn to roll.

However, let not the image and the atmosphere fool you into thinking that competition will be easy.

I have fought many great matches against game individuals. Most of my more memorable fights were in Rollapalooza. Everybody wanted to win.  This only ensures participants that there are no walks in the park matches here.

Agianst one of Atos' finest - Aldo Vergel De Dios
(my first taste of a well executed foot lock)

From its humble beginnings at the Ateneo Martial Arts center with only one big mat area split in half by long punching bags (sometimes competitors end up overlapping during attempted takedowns or throws), Rollapalooza is held either at the Fisher Mall along Quezon Avenue or at the Blue Eagle Gym inside Ateneo de Manila campus. The growing number of supporters led to major improvements and expanded tourney formats. A recently concluded boracay leg of the tournament is a testament of Rollapalooza’s growth and significance in the local BJJ scene.

Rollapalooza 2010

Our team has always been a big supporter of this event

Francis Uy of Submissions Sports PH and the flashy Carlo Laurel

With my coaches Jerome Lepiten and Richard Lasprilla

This is what NOT to do while waiting for your brackets (I have the best teammates)

What I admire the most is the driving force behind the movement. They are a bunch of passionate individuals who just want to share the lifestyle and spread the love that unites us all. Joining “Rolla” provides each participant the tournament atmosphere but with that unique sense of camaraderie present in our respective gyms.

Everybody is all smiles during the day. We slap and bump hands. We fight like there’s no tomorrow.  We raise each other’s hands in victory and walk off the mats letting the good vibes roll.

Keeping that cool vibe. With Andrew Laxa, Prof. Ali Sulit and Pons Ponce,