Keenan Cornelius: No-Gi Head Instructor
DOUBLE GOLD NO-GI/ GOLD GI (MIDDLE HEAVY WEIGHT)
1) How did you prepare for the weekend?
I prepared by training 4 times a week and sometimes maybe 3 times a week. I did a lot of worm guard and double legs in addition to the occasional judo toss in my training as well.
2) How did you feel going into the tournament?
I felt excited the first day, and then substantially less excited the second day (no gi) I also felt nervous and gagged a little on my morning yogurt and espresso. But I also felt confident.
3) What was your strategy?
My strategy was to wear my opponent down with movement and maybe psychologically break their spirit. Then attack a submission.
Joshua Hinger: Intro BJJ Instructor
DOUBLE SILVER NO-GI/ BRONZE GI (MIDDLE WEIGHT)
1) How did you prepare for the weekend?
Typically, I spend a good amount of time outside of the jiu-jitsu room running, swimming, and weight training. However, this time, I spent as much time as I could sparring, and honing a few specific moves that I was going to use in the tournament.
2) How did you feel going into the tournament?
Well, to be honest, I went into the tournament with a few annoying and concerning injuries. Several days before the competition, I developed a pinched nerve in my neck, which has been affecting my right shoulder and arm. I also have a lower rib issue, and some tendinitis in my left elbow. It could have been worse though… At least I didn’t have to cut 15 lbs the day before the competition. I just took some Ibuprofen and powered through the injuries.
3) What do you feel was your best moment in the tournament?
Hands down, closing out the black belt middle weight division with teammate JT Torres, and closing out the black belt open weight division with teammate Keenan Cornelius. We even developed a super cool fist bump pose to use whenever teammates close out a division. It symbolizes our moto: “together we are stronger.” It was also a great feeling to have my whole team screaming in support as I finished my very close fight with AJ Agazarm. I couldn’t have done it without their encouragement.
4) What was your strategy?
Guillotine everyone.
Thank you for reading
ATOS HQ
“Together We are Stronger”