Jared Espina and Kalani Lizama both won gold medals at the Relson Gracie International Jiu-Jitsu tournament, which was held on O’ahu recently. Espina trains at the Longman Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy under instructor Bruno Ewald. At the tournament, he won gold
Jared Espina and Kalani Lizama both won gold medals at the Relson Gracie International Jiu-Jitsu tournament, which was held on O’ahu recently.
Espina trains at the Longman Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy under instructor Bruno Ewald. At the tournament, he won gold in the purple belt light-weight division, for those weighing 148-160 pounds.
Lizama, who trains at the KG Jiu-Jitsu Academy under Kendall Goo, won the gold medal in the blue belt feather weight division, for fighters weighing 135-147 pounds.
Relson Gracie is the second oldest son of Helio Gracie, whose grandfather developed the style of martial arts. Relson Gracie moved to Hawai’i in 1988.
He was the undefeated Brazilian National Jiu-Jitsu champion for 26 years. Now retired from competing, Relson continues to teach classes in Hawai’i.
The tournament, which was started in 1991, was held this year at Kaiser High School.
