Triple Gold, Team Success, and Top 10 Finish at IBJJF Virginia Open
This past weekend, Kogaion Academy showed up and showed out at the IBJJF Virginia Open and No-Gi Open, bringing home multiple medals and placing 6th overall in the no-gi standings out of 86 academies—with just four no-gi competitors. Our students' dedication and high-level jiu-jitsu were on full display, and we couldn’t be prouder.
Competition Results:
Coach Beatrice: 🥇🥇🥇 — Five matches, four submissions. Clean sweeps in gi weight, gi open class, and no-gi divisions.
Erik: Gold in no-gi, Bronze in gi 🥇🥉
Mark: Gold in no-gi 🥇 — and it was his first-ever no-gi tournament!
Gwen: Silver in no-gi, Bronze in gi 🥈🥉
Andrew: Bronze in gi 🥉
Sam: Bronze in gi 🥉
Whether it was a debut tournament or another notch in a seasoned competitor’s belt, everyone brought intensity, composure, and skill to the mats.
Top 10 Academy Finish
We’re especially proud that Kogaion Academy placed 6th out of 86 teams in the IBJJF Virginia No-Gi Open, despite bringing only four no-gi competitors. Every other team in the top 10 had significantly larger squads—but our athletes made every match count with technique, grit, and intelligent jiu-jitsu.
More Than Just Medals
While medals are worth celebrating, what we value even more is the progress. Competition is a mirror—it shows us our strengths and reveals where we can grow. Everyone who stepped up this weekend is now better equipped for the next challenge.
Thank you to our teammates for supporting our athletes behind the scenes, from coaching matside to navigating travel logistics 🚗. Kogaion is more than a gym—it’s a team, a family, and a force.
Ready to train with a team that delivers results on and off the mat?
Whether you're looking to compete or just want to improve your jiu-jitsu in a supportive, high-level environment, come check out Kogaion Academy in Arlington, VA.