The sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has comes a long way since its introduction in the U.S nearly two decades ago. Still evolving the BJJ world is now populated with many grapplers aspiring to cement their legacy as the next generation of trendsetters of this great sport.
Apart of this epidemic is Triangle Club BJJ blue belt Daniel Sawmiller. A seventeen year old prospect hailing from Lima, Ohio his Witt, consistency, and hardcore devotion to his craft have been the key components that have contributed to his progression and triumphant victories throughout the Midwest grappling scene which sparks as the true mark of a potential future star in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Introduced to the art nearly 2.5 years ago after watching countless hours of the UFC it wouldn’t be until an intriguing interaction with a friend that would further promote his enthusiasm for participating in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu field. Accepting the offer by the friend to try out a class from his first viewing of the practice at Jeremy Harris’s Triangle Club it was in that moment in time where Sawmiiler found his true calling in life.
BJJ Legends Grappler Spotlight: Kyle Cranmer
The history of Brazilian jiu-jitsu has shown indefinite growth since its rising popularity in 1994. Since its emergence many figures have greatly aided and influenced the community that has helped elevated the sport to what it is today. OCBJJ brown belt Kyle Cranmer is practitioner that fully understands this logic. Although a very successful competitor this individual's aspirations go beyond the medal chasing philosophy as he strives to make a positive difference in the grappling community.
Coming from a long bloodline of wrestling athletes it only seemed fitting for Kyle to carry on the family tradition. With his father coaching him through the process Cranmer would be instilled with strong and helpful tips that guided him to a successful wrestling career in high school to his unfortunate end in college courtesy of a severe knee injury.
“Growing up on the mats gave me a mental toughness that has carried me through a lot of tough spots in both athletics and in life. I was also very lucky to come from a supportive family that pushed me and taught me that keys to success were perseverance, working harder than everyone else, and being the first one to arrive and the last to leave.
In the amazing race to vaunt one's superiority on the battlefield, every athlete that has ever stepped onto the mat, has displayed a limitless supply of talent and capabilities to become a success in their profession. Creating a brand that caters to the competitive new breed jiu-jitsu fighters of today is Jotunn fight wear.
Launching in November of 2011 "Jotunn" a term that derives from Norse Mythology as a race with superhuman strength, the company strives to separate themselves from the flock by relating to one's experience and athletic pursuits through their progressive development as a martial artist.
Based on jiu-jitsu fighters predatory but stealth like approach to finishing their opponents the first edition to the Jotunn legacy appeal released unto the market comes in the form of the Assassin Kimono.
What you missed in Jiu-Jitsu this week...
2012 Gracie Barra Team Preview at Bloody Elbow, going into the detaileded history of GB Jiu-Jitsu and their team for the 2012 World Jiu-Jitsu Championships. Roger Gracie & Braulio Estima stand up the mundials for MMA and Romolo Barral's injury for the Pan Ams has gotten better for him to compete in June.
Not to be outdone, Bloody Elbow provides a 2012 ATOS Team Preview for the 2012 Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. Where Gracie Barra has the numbers, ATOS may have the higher talent per pound ratio with Andre Galvao and the new kid, Kyra Gracie who left Gracie Barra recently to join ATOS.
In an article on MMAJunkie.com, UFC fighter Lavar Johnson (fighting in UF 146) quoted as saying "We're here to put on a show," he said. "Let's save the jiu-jitsu for the jiu-jitsu tournaments, I say. The UFC is for fights. So let's fight." The article is indicative of his fighting style... Read the article Lavar Johnson vs Stefan Struve here.
It's time for Jiu-Jitsu fighters far and wide to converge on Southern California for the 2012 Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. Jiu-Jitsu Magazine, BJJ Legends has all the information coming out of the BJJ Worlds for you to follow no matter where you are in - Japan, East Coast, Texas, England, France, Russia, Australia and China.
Read on for the schedule- white belt to black belt, it's a full schedule Thursday through Sunday. Get the Schedule.