World Clan Seattle Recap /// By: Lea Young

When you hear of an open mat that is open to all affiliations, I don’t know about you, but there’s always some sort of hesitation or anxiety… especially if you come from an academy that isn’t too keen on “cross training.” But when Shoyoroll hosts an open mat… now that’s a different story. After hearing about the good vibes that have been spreading like wildfire during World Clan open mats in Los Angeles, Texas, Philly, Miami, and San Diego, it is no surprise that spots fill up fast and furiously when the next World Clan is announced.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of attending the latest World Clan open mat in Seattle hosted by James “300” Foster at his academy in Kent, Washington. The timing of the event couldn’t have been any better, as many of us were flying (or driving) there to attend a two-day seminar supporting Autism awareness that weekend. People came from as far as Connecticut, New York, Hawaii, North Carolina, Texas, California, and Oregon to attend, spanning over 30 affiliations. You could almost call it a “mini reunion” of some sort, as many of the people in attendance already knew each other from social media and it was just a matter of time when we would all meet in real life.

With over 100 of people (including 22 black belts) in attendance, there was no shortage of good rolls (or surprises) over the three hours of the event. Black belts James Foster, Todd Richards (Team Rhino BJJ), and Carlos Sievert (Gracie Barra Seattle) taught techniques from half guard that built upon each other. Special guests also popped up throughout the event, including 27 time world champion, Renato Laranja, and none other than the man behind the brand, Bear Quitugua.

As if it couldn’t get any better, it was announced that the sales from the World Clan shirts for the event would be donated to Autism Empowerment, an organization in Washington devoted to enriching and empowering the lives of children, teens, adults, and families within the Autism and Asperger communities.

If there is one thing that we can take away from World Clan is that jiu-jitsu brings people together. If you can forget about the politics and your own insecurities of training with people you don’t know outside of your own academy, you will have an amazing time. You will open yourself up to learning new techniques, expand your circle of friends, and most importantly, you will become inspired to be a better person than you were yesterday.

Thank you to Shoyoroll for having a vision to bring the jiu-jitsu community together to SHARE JIU-JITSU and spread good vibes.

Shot by: John McDaniel and Paul Le

Clan in Da Front, Let your Feet Stomp /// By: Anthony Chin Loy

Over this past weekend I was lucky enough to head to the west coast to take part in the Shoyoroll World Clan Open mat at Conde Koma Jiu Jitsu. As most of you know, the World Clan open mats are an effort by the guys at Shoyoroll to spread good vibes across the jiu jitsu scene. The first event took place in Tokyo, Japan with our friends at Carpe Diem and a second event across the pond in London. The first of the US events happened at Shoyrolls home base of Conde Koma. 

A lot of big name black belts show up as well as Jiu-jitsukas from several different gyms in the region and beyond. These events are a good opportunity to roll with some of your jiu jitsu heroes as well as rub shoulders with the guys from Shoyoroll. I was able to get in a roll with Bear himself (with Roach offering me a bounty of a new gi if I was able to keep mount on the Big Boss… as of now that bounty remains unfilled). Arvie from Albino & Preto was rolling on the mats as well while snapping pictures of the event. Other names included Zuk, Donny Flowers, Alberto Crane, and many familiar faces.

The event was live from the beginning. The first 90 minutes were used for the special black belts to teach techniques with time to drill and experiment. Sinistro, Gabriel Moraes and Luiz Panza showed rad techniques ranging from shin-on-shin guard to a counter to the shin-on-shin and a nasty foot lock from the 50-50 guard. This was an open format as participants were very open with exploring the techniques and adding upon them. The black belts were very open with their knowledge and available to critique your technique. All in all, this time was well spent and worth the price of admission.

The remainder of the time was used for free rolling. The best part of the event was the “No politics” vibes surrounding everyone. The rolls were free, open, and jovial. I was able to meet so many people that I have made friends with on Facebook, got to snap pics with new friends and heroes, and build upon the worldwide Jiu Jitsu vibe.

Shoyoroll plans to take this event across the country, from California to the east coast so check back often for updates about dates and cities, chances are one will be close to you. Email Worldclan@shoyoroll.com for more info. Bring good vibes and fancy kimonos.

May the Force be with you, Always.