We had a chance to chat with a few the Atos instructors/champions post American Nationals, and wanted to find out how they prepared for this tournament, their feelings going into the competition, their highlight moment from the weekend, and their strategy. Take a look!!!
Michael Carbullido: Kids (4-8) Head Instructor
DOUBLE GOLD GI AND NO-GI
How did you prepare for this weekend?
I prepared the same way I always prepare for every tournament. I ate healthy, drilled positions, did my regular weight lifting program and cardio sessions, and of course train Jiu-Jitsu every day.
How did you feel going into the tournament?
I felt great going into his tournament. I’ve been trying to work new things in the gym and prepare the mental aspect of the fight and it paid off!
What do you feel was your best moment from this weekend?
The best moment from this weekend had to have been seeing not only my triumphs but my teammates triumphs as well. It was so cool watching everyone’s hard work pay off….As a team!
What was your strategy?
My strategy was just to stay calm under pressure, play my game, and try and finish the fight!
Michael Liera Jr. : Fundamentals Instructor
DOUBLE GOLD GI
How did you prepare for this weekend?
I prepared for the American nationals the same way I would prepare for any tournament. The only difficulty I had in training was the whole month before I was out traveling and doing seminars, so I didn’t get to train with my usual partners back home, but I just trained as hard as I could where ever I was.
What do you feel was your best moment from this weekend?
I feel my best moment was submitting my opponent, Issa able, in the finals. I was proud of this moment because the last time I fought Issa he killed me back at blue belt.
What was your strategy?
My strategy for this weekend was to play more top game and passing, but when it came down to it I ended up playing more closed guard.
Jonathan “JT” Torres: Kids (8-14) Head Instructor
DOUBLE GOLD GI/ GOLD NO-GI (MIDDLE WEIGHT)
How did you prepare for this weekend?
I prepared for the American Nationals the same way I always prepare for any other tournament and thats just by training day in and day on mats of Atos San Diego!
How did you feel going into the tournament?
I felt great and very excited especially it being my first tournament since fighting the World Championships this past June.
What do you feel was your best moment from this weekend?
My best moments from this tournament was closing out the Black Belt Absolute Gi division with my teammate Keenan Cornelius. And the next day closing out the middle weight no-gi division with my teammate Josh Hinger. It shows that our hard work training together pays off!
What was your strategy?
My strategy for this tournament was to go in there and hunt for the submission from start to finish.
PHOTO OF SOME OF THE ATOS HQ COMP CHAMPS AFTER DAY 1 OF AMERICAN NATIONALS