Atlas Jiu Jitsu from Albany, New York, Conquers Toronto, Becomes IBJJF Team Champs
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From Upstate Underdogs to Toronto Triumph: The Epic Saga of Albany’s Atlas Jiu jitsu Academy
In the heart of Albany, New York, a small Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) academy known as Atlas Jiu jitsu had been quietly nurturing a dream that transcended their humble beginnings. The dream, as passionately articulated by their head coach, was none other than to clinch an IBJJF Team Trophy. The journey to realizing this audacious goal led them to the grand stage of the Toronto International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) Championship, where Atlas Jiu jitsu etched their name in the annals of BJJ history with an electrifying and triumphant performance.
The anticipation leading up to the championship was nothing short of electric, with the Atlas team bearing the hopes and dreams of their academy and the Albany community on their shoulders. Competing against a formidable field of 84 teams, it was undoubtedly one of the most challenging tournaments they had ever faced. As their coach emphatically proclaimed, “Today, a small academy from Upstate New York traveled to another country with 40 athletes to take on 84 teams.” The stage was set for an epic showdown.
Against all odds, the Atlas team delivered a performance for the ages. With unwavering teamwork, unparalleled dedication, and an indomitable spirit, they achieved the seemingly impossible. Their crowning glory came in the form of the 1st place No Gi Team Trophy and the 3rd place Gi Trophy, an accomplishment that declared them the “TORONTO IBJJF TEAM CHAMPIONS.”
But the glory didn’t stop there; it was earned through a symphony of remarkable individual performances that collectively elevated the entire team. Each victory, each medal, and each triumph became a testament to the Atlas spirit and their relentless pursuit of greatness.
Winners Circle!
- Larry E. Sagendorf, a local MMA fighter, showcased his grit and technique by securing the 3rd place in the Male Adult White Light-Feather (64.00KG) division. His performance was a testament to his dedication and the remarkable coaching at Atlas Academy.
- Noah Trow Smith, an emerging star, left an indelible mark by clinching the 1st place in the Male Adult White Feather (70.00KG) division. Smith’s journey was a reflection of the academy’s commitment to nurturing talent.
- Adan Gabriel Feliciano-Aviles, just two weeks removed from a last-minute superfight win at RollingStonerzBJJ, displayed remarkable resilience en route to his 3rd place finish in the Male Adult White Light (76.00KG) division.
- Creedence Cole Cameron, a dedicated wrestling coach, added to the team’s glory with his 3rd place finish in the Male Adult White Medium-Heavy (88.30KG) category. His performance embodied the spirit of the Atlas warriors.
- Nicholas Eftonga Pene’s 2nd place in the Male Adult White Ultra-Heavy division was a testament to his power and technique. His battle on the mat reflected the Atlas ethos.
- Jacques Joseph Fauci, a local MMA fighter, shone brilliantly as he claimed the 1st place in the Male Adult Blue Light-Feather (64.00KG) division. Fauci’s victory was a shining moment for both himself and Atlas Academy.
- Tayvonne Marquell Thomas, another local MMA fighter, fought his way to a 3rd place finish in the Male Adult Blue Feather (70.00KG) category. His determination and skill were an inspiration to the entire team.
- In the Male Adult Brown Ultra-Heavy division, Jeffery Wayne Parish secured the 2nd place. His remarkable journey showcased the high level of competition at the championship.
- The women of Atlas Academy were equally formidable. Claire Heather Virginia Lindsay, in the Female Adult White Feather (58.50KG) division, dominated her category to claim the 1st place. Her victory was a testament to the inclusive and empowering environment fostered at Atlas.
- Rachel Susan Meyer, in the Female Adult White Middle (69.00KG) category, continued the winning streak by securing the 1st place. Her performance underscored the academy’s commitment to nurturing female talent.
- Maxine Craig’s 2nd place finish in the Female Adult White Medium-Heavy (74.00KG) division further emphasized the depth of talent within the Atlas women’s team.
- In the Male Master 1 White Light (76.00KG) category, Brian Daniel Deinhart stood tall as he claimed the 1st place, adding to Atlas Academy’s list of accomplishments.
- Edward Sonny Gobin’s 2nd place in the Male Master 1 White Middle (82.30KG) division showcased the academy’s strength across various divisions.
- Paul E. Lachar secured a 3rd place finish in the Male Master 1 White Ultra-Heavy category, highlighting the team’s consistency and depth.
- Jordan Michael Scrom, a Cage Wars MMA champion, secured the 1st place in the Male Master 1 Blue Light (76.00KG) division. His victory was a testament to his skill and dedication.
- Justin Michael Hall’s 2nd place finish in the Male Master 1 Blue Medium-Heavy (88.30KG) division was a remarkable achievement, reflecting his commitment to excellence.
- Shawn Clow, an Atlas and IBJJF veteran, displayed his experience by securing 2nd place in the Male Master 1 Brown Heavy (94.30KG) category and an additional 2nd place in the Male Master 1 Brown Open Class. His contributions were instrumental in the team’s success.
- Joseph Zakriski, the Atlas Glens Falls Coach, claimed the 3rd place in the Male Master 1 Black Medium-Heavy (88.30KG) division, showcasing the academy’s expertise and coaching prowess.
- Frank William Ball’s impressive performance led to a 3rd place finish in the Male Master 2 Blue Ultra-Heavy category and another 3rd place in the Male Master 2 Blue Open Class.
- Edward Anthony, the founder and head coach of Atlas BJJ, a Pans champion, and a 2020 ranked number one in masters 2, secured a remarkable 2nd place in the Male Master 2 Black Super-Heavy (100.50KG) division. His dedication to the sport and the Atlas team was evident throughout the championship.
- Joseph Kearney secured the 3rd place in the Male Master 3 Blue Medium-Heavy (88.30KG) division and a 1st place in the Male Master 3 Blue Open Class. His victories were a testament to the strength and unity of the Atlas team.
- Stephen Flanagan showcased his skills by securing the 3rd place in the Male Master 3 Purple Feather (70.00KG) division and a 1st place in the Male Master 3 Purple Open Class.
- Jeffrey Alan Colling, in the Male Master 4 Blue Middle (82.30KG) category, claimed the 1st place and an additional 1st place in the Male Master 4 Blue Open Class, demonstrating the depth of talent within Atlas Academy.
- Christopher Paul Liuzzi’s stellar performance earned him the 2nd place in the Male Master 4 Purple Medium-Heavy (88.30KG) category and the Male Master 4 Purple Open Class. His achievements underscored the academy’s commitment to excellence.
In the end, it was not just a collection of individual victories but a testament to the unwavering spirit, dedication, and collective brilliance of Atlas Academy. Their journey from underdogs to Toronto champions was a testament to their extraordinary teamwork, unyielding determination, and the unbreakable bond that unites them as a family.
As the final matches concluded and the medals were draped around their necks, the Atlas team celebrated their historic victory with tears of joy, thunderous cheers, and heartfelt embraces. They had not only fulfilled their coach’s dream but had also etched their names in the hallowed halls of BJJ history as the “TORONTO IBJJF TEAM CHAMPIONS.”
The Toronto International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Championship of 2023 will forever be remembered as an event where a small academy from Albany, New York, defied the odds, rose to the occasion, and emerged as champions. It was a story of passion, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of Atlas Academy—a story that will continue to inspire generations of BJJ practitioners around the world. “Through struggle comes greatness!!! WAR ATLAS.”
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