Double Gold: Bobbi Nelson Dominates the Dayton Summer Championship
Bobbi Nelson of Vital Combat in Beavercreek, OH took double gold at the Fuji BJJ Dayton Summer Championship on May 30, 2026 — winning both her Gi and No-Gi divisions. She competed as one of our free monthly Fuji BJJ raffle winners. Find out how to get your next entry covered.
Some athletes step onto the mat and leave a mark. Bobbi Nelson did it twice.
Our latest Fuji BJJ raffle winner, Bobbi Nelson of Vital Combat Team in Beavercreek, Ohio, competed at the Fuji BJJ Dayton Summer Championship on May 30, 2026 — and swept both of her divisions. Bobbi took gold in the Kids Gi division (Female, 12–13 Years Old, Grey Belt, Under 130 lbs) and gold in the Kids No-Gi division (Female, 12–13 Years Old, Intermediate, Under 130 lbs).
Two entries. Two first-place finishes.
Competing close to home
Bobbi trains at Vital Combat Team, located at 4468 Indian Ripple Road in Beavercreek, OH — just minutes from the competition venue in Dayton. For a young competitor still building her record, having a free sponsored entry from the raffle meant she could step on the mat without the pressure of entry fees weighing on her family.
She made the most of it.
What the raffle means for young competitors
Youth BJJ competitors face the same entry costs as adults — but with fewer sponsorship pathways. Our Fuji raffle is open to all ages. One winner per month gets a fully covered Fuji BJJ competition entry, no strings attached.
Bobbi's double gold is a reminder that it doesn't matter how old you are or what belt you're wearing. Getting on the mat is what counts.
How to enter the Fuji raffle
Free to enter at jiujitsuinsurance.com/fuji
Enter once and you're automatically in every monthly drawing
One winner per month receives a free Fuji BJJ competition entry
No purchase required
Be our next sponsored athlete
Bobbi's story could be yours. Every month we draw one name from the raffle pool and cover their next Fuji BJJ competition entry — completely free.
Whether you're a kid competing for the first time or an adult chasing your next podium, the raffle is open to everyone in the BJJ community.
Stay protected when you compete
Getting a sponsored entry is one thing. Getting injured with no coverage is another.
Our athlete injury insurance plans are designed specifically for BJJ competitors — covering sprains, breaks, concussions, and more, whether they happen in class or at a Fuji event. Plans are affordable, the claims process is straightforward, and coverage works with or without existing health insurance.
need 5 reasons to get your self an injury insurnace plan?
Click here to hear those reasons: https://www.jiujitsuinsurance.com/jiu-jitsu-injury-blog/jiu-jitsu-insurance-reasons-to-buy
Congrats to Bobbi and the entire Vital Combat Team.
Double gold is no small thing.
From Superfights to Tournament Wars: A Big Weekend for Jiu Jitsu Insurance Clients
Last weekend, JiuJitsuInsurance.com was proud to support athletes, academies, and grappling promotions at both Jeff Curran Invitational 3: The Dominion and Thug Trials 3. From standout performances by clients like Edward Jackson and Gabriel Souza to elite coaching, exciting submissions, and packed venues, the weekend showcased the continued growth of the grappling community nationwide. As a leading provider of insurance solutions for combat sports gyms, tournaments, and athletes, Jiu Jitsu Insurance is proud to help protect the people growing the sport.
Last weekend was a huge one for JiuJitsuInsurance.com as we spent the weekend supporting clients, athletes, academies, and promotions across the country. From live superfights in Illinois to major tournament action in Florida, it was another reminder of how quickly the combat sports community continues to grow — and how important proper protection and insurance solutions are for athletes, gyms, and event organizers.
Jeff Curran Invitational 3 Brings High-Level Action to McHenry, Illinois
On May 9th, the third annual Jeff Curran Invitational 3: The Dominion brought together some of the best talent in the Midwest grappling scene for an unforgettable night of competition. From exciting submissions to elite coaching and an electric atmosphere, the event showcased everything that makes the jiu-jitsu community so special — and JiuJitsuInsurance.com was proud to be there supporting many of our clients and friends throughout the night.
One of the coolest parts of the evening was seeing so many outstanding local academies represented on the mats. Teams like Real MMA, 333 Jiu Jitsu, and White Lotus all brought competitors, coaches, and incredible energy to the event. The Midwest jiu-jitsu scene continues to grow at an incredible pace, and seeing these schools compete at such a high level was truly awesome.
Camila Estrada secured a slick victory using a Woj Lock, here with coach Jeff Serafin.
A huge highlight of the night came when Camila Estrada secured a slick victory using a Woj Lock — a technique we actually feature in an instructional on the Jiu Jitsu Insurance platform.
The WOJ Lock Seminar (free).
Watching techniques we love and teach show up in live competition is always exciting, especially on a stage like this.
Another standout performance came from our client Edward Jackson of 333 Jiu Jitsu, who picked up a big win and represented his team incredibly well. It’s always rewarding for us to see the athletes and academies we work with succeed under the bright lights.
And of course, seeing Joey Diehl do his thing is always entertaining. Joey consistently brings excitement and intensity every time he competes, and this event was no exception.
The coaching presence throughout the night was also top-tier. It was great seeing Nick Lee in action with coaching support from White Lotus, adding another layer of high-level experience and strategy to the event.
Outside of the matches themselves, UFC star Rose Namajunas was in attendance promoting her new water brand, adding even more excitement and star power to an already stacked evening.
A massive congratulations goes out to Jeff Curran and his entire team for putting together such a polished and professional production. The event ran smoothly from start to finish, and it was clear how much hard work went into making the night a success. Events like these continue to elevate the Midwest grappling community and provide athletes with a premier platform to showcase their skills.
We also want to give a special shoutout to Professor Bernie out of Top Level MMA and Professor Vives from New Breed Training Center for their work refereeing throughout the night. Officiating can often go unnoticed when done correctly, but both of them absolutely crushed it and helped keep the event running professionally and efficiently.
You can watch the full live stream here:
The Same Weekend — Supporting Thug Trials 3 in Florida
While we were supporting athletes live in Illinois, we were also proud to insure Thug Trials 3 the very same weekend in Florida — another incredible showcase of talent and competition.
Coverage and results from the event can be found here:
Thug Trials 3 – Full Results and Highlights
The event featured multiple exciting performances and showcased some of the toughest competitors in the region. One of the highlights for us was seeing our client Gabriel Souza compete and represent at a high level on another major stage.
Events like Thug Trials continue to prove how deep the talent pool has become throughout the grappling world. Whether it’s professional superfights, local tournaments, amateur showcases, or high-level superfight cards, the combat sports community continues to expand rapidly — and so does the need for proper insurance strategies designed specifically for these environments.
Why Event Organizers and Athletes Work With Jiu Jitsu Insurance
At JiuJitsuInsurance.com, we specialize in helping:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies
MMA gyms
Wrestling clubs
Tournament promoters
Superfight organizations
Coaches and instructors
Individual athletes
From general liability protection for events and gyms to athlete accident and injury insurance solutions, our mission is to help protect the people growing the sport.
Weekends like this are exactly why we love what we do. We get to support the community not just from behind a desk, but by being present at the events, watching our clients compete, helping promotions operate safely, and continuing to build relationships throughout the martial arts world.
The Midwest and national grappling scene is growing fast, and we’re proud to continue being one of the go-to resources for combat sports event insurance and athlete protection solutions.
From the Raffle Mat to the Podium: Ricardo Tavares Takes Silver at Fuji Middletown
Ricardo Tavares, a Fuji BJJ raffle winner sponsored by JiuJitsuInsurance.com, took silver at the Fuji BJJ Championship Series in Middletown, CT in April 2026. Learn how the free monthly raffle works and how you can get your next competition entry covered.
Every month, one name gets pulled from our Fuji BJJ raffle. This month, that name belonged to Ricardo Tavares — and he made it count.
Ricardo, who trains out of Renzo Gracie New York and competes locally with a club team in Manchester, CT and Fite Fit in Glastonbury, CT, stepped onto the mat at the Fuji BJJ tournament in Middletown, CT on April 18, 2026. Competing in the M40 / White Belt / Under 195 lbs division, he fought his way to a silver medal.
That's what this raffle is about — getting real athletes onto the competition floor.
A community competitor
Ricardo isn't chasing headlines. He's a recreational competitor with deep local roots, training across multiple Connecticut gyms while representing the Renzo Gracie lineage. When we asked about where he trains, he put it simply:
"I represent Renzo Gracie NY but my local gym is technically a club team out of Manchester, CT and also Fite Fit in Glastonbury, CT."
That kind of multi-gym, community-rooted competitor is exactly who this raffle was built for. Entry fees add up fast. We wanted to help.
How the Fuji raffle works
The raffle is free to enter. Here's the simple version:
Enter your email once at jiujitsuinsurance.com/fuji
You're automatically entered into every monthly drawing — no re-signing up
One winner per month receives a free Fuji BJJ competition entry
No purchase required
Whether you're a white belt entering your first tournament or a seasoned competitor trying to keep competition costs down, the pool is open to everyone.
Stay protected when you compete
Getting a sponsored entry is one thing. Getting injured with no coverage is another.
Our athlete injury insurance plans are designed specifically for BJJ competitors — covering sprains, breaks, concussions, and more, whether they happen in class or at a Fuji event. Plans are affordable, the claims process is straightforward, and coverage works with or without existing health insurance.
Congrats to Ricardo on the silver. See you on the mats.
Protecting Yourself and Your Gym: Insights from the Fuji BJJ Missouri State Championships
A behind-the-scenes look at the Fuji BJJ Missouri State Championships and what it reveals about injury risk, tournament safety, and the importance of BJJ insurance. This guide breaks down real event insights, injury data, and practical tips to help parents, athletes, and gym owners stay protected and prepared.
The Fuji BJJ Missouri State Championships brought together athletes, coaches, and families for an action-packed weekend of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As day two unfolded, the venue was buzzing with excitement, competitors were pushing their limits, and the importance of proper accident and injury insurance became evident.
Inside the Pit
Entering the coaches’ pit, the intensity was palpable. Winners and losers lined the mats, and medics were called several times. The sheer pace of these competitions increases the probability of injury, making insurance coverage not just a recommendation, but a necessity.
Why Accident & Injury Insurance Matters
At the Jiujitsu Insurance booth, many parents had questions about coverage. Key takeaways:
Accident and injury insurance covers injuries sustained during BJJ competitions, including those requiring x-rays.
Policies pay cash back directly after medical treatment.
There are no exclusions for non-cash competitions like state championships.
Family plans are available in all 50 states, with quotes as low as $45/month.
For parents, having coverage means peace of mind while your child competes for medals rather than cash prizes.
Real Stats: Injuries and X-rays
During day two, the loudspeaker announced “Call for a medic” approximately eight times. Out of those, three athletes required x-rays. Accident and injury insurance ensures that such unexpected costs are handled promptly, minimizing disruption to training and competition schedules.
Risk Management Tips for Parents and Gyms
Fuji and Jiujitsu Insurance work together to manage risks on-site, including controlled entry points, safety barriers, and clear signage. Key recommendations:
Parents should ensure kids are insured before competitions.
Gyms can adopt risk mitigation strategies to protect both athletes and staff.
Proper signage and safety measures help prevent accidents and maintain smooth operations.
Stay Protected and Informed
Whether you’re a parent, athlete, or gym owner, staying prepared is essential. You can:
Scan the QR codes displayed at events
Visit jiujitsuinsurance.com
Send a message on Instagram: @jiujitsuinsurance
Don’t leave your BJJ journey to chance—protect yourself, your athletes, and your gym today.
Chris Wojcik Seminar – Athlete Q&A & Training Insights
Recently, Misfits Gym hosted a seminar with world-class grappler Chris Wojcik, giving students a chance to learn directly from one of the sharpest minds in the sport today.
During the visit, Chris shared some of his favorite techniques, training insights, and competition mindset with the room. We also had the opportunity to film a Pro Tips Q&A session, where he broke down concepts that have helped him succeed at the highest levels of grappling.
If you're a fan of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or looking to sharpen your game, it’s worth taking a few minutes to listen in. There’s always something to learn when a high-level competitor shares how they think about training, strategy, and improvement.
🎧 Take a listen to the Q&A session — you might just pick up a few valuable insights from a great grappling mind.
During the Chris Wojcik seminar at Misfits Jiu Jitsu (St. Charles, IL), we sat down for an in-depth Q&A covering competition mindset, training habits, recovery, and life as a professional grappler. This blog post breaks down the full conversation into an easy-to-read FAQ format, pulling directly from the seminar discussion.
Below, you’ll find insights that apply to white belts, seasoned competitors, and coaches alike.
Seminar Vlog Highlights
Athlete Q&A Video
Athlete Q&A
BJJ Competition Mindset & Match Preparation
1. What’s your best advice for white belts when starting a match?
Focus on staying calm and executing simple techniques you’ve already trained. Avoid overthinking or trying new moves under pressure.
2. How early do you start warming up before a match?
Warm-ups usually begin well before the first match to allow the body to loosen up gradually without wasting energy.
3. What about multiple matches in a day?
Between matches, the goal is to stay warm, mobile, and relaxed while conserving energy.
4. Does warming up help nerves?
Yes—warming up helps regulate breathing, reduce anxiety, and mentally prepare for competition.
BJJ Competition Warm-Up Tips & Nutrition
5. What do you eat before a match?
Nutrition stays simple and familiar. Easily digestible foods that provide energy without upsetting the stomach are preferred.
6. Do you lift and do cardio?
Yes. Strength training and conditioning are important parts of preparation, balanced carefully with skill training.
7. Recovery tips, especially after drinking?
Hydration, sleep, and proper nutrition are key. Alcohol can slow recovery, so managing intake is important.
Skill Development & Training Safety in BJJ
8. How do you bring a new skill into high-level competition?
New techniques are introduced gradually—first in training, then against trusted partners, before being used in competition.
9. How do you teach leg locks to beginners?
Leg locks are taught with an emphasis on control, awareness, and safety before submission pressure.
10. How do you make training safe for pros and lower belts?
Clear communication, controlled intensity, and situational awareness help keep training productive and safe for everyone.
High-Level BJJ Competition Experience
11. How was your experience at CJI?
CJI was a unique and challenging experience, offering high-level competition and valuable lessons despite physical setbacks.
12. Compared to when you first started in Jiu Jitsu, do you enjoy it more now?
The enjoyment is different. Early excitement has evolved into satisfaction from growth, strategy, and mastery.
13. Is there a certain match you want that you haven’t had yet?
The focus is on continuing to face higher-ranked opponents and challenging matchups that support long-term progress.
14. Do you have any favorite matches so far?
Rematches stand out the most, as they highlight improvement and evolving strategy.
BJJ Cardio & Strength Conditioning
15. You talked about lifting—what do you do for cardio, and do you periodize it?
Cardio changes throughout the training cycle. Far from competition, zone one and two cardio build an aerobic base. Closer to competition, training shifts to higher-intensity intervals. After competition, volume is reduced before rebuilding again.
BJJ Career, Lifestyle & Longevity
16. Do you ever plan to open your own gym?
It’s a possibility in the future, but the focus remains on competing and continuing to grow as an athlete.
17. Inspirations in Jiu Jitsu?
Inspiration comes from athletes who push the sport forward and continue evolving their game.
18. Hobbies outside Jiu Jitsu?
Time away from the mats is important for balance and mental reset.
19. What was the group like when you went to Austin? Did you feel like you had to go there?
Austin provided a high-level training environment that helped accelerate development, though the move was a choice rather than a necessity.
20. How do you deal with plateaus?
Plateaus are addressed by reassessing training, focusing on fundamentals, and trusting the long-term process.
21. Injuries & recovery?
Managing injuries involves smart training decisions, rest, and adjusting intensity when needed.
22. What career would you choose if not Jiu Jitsu?
While Jiu Jitsu remains the priority, there’s an appreciation for having transferable skills and long-term planning beyond competition.
This seminar and Q&A offered a rare look into the mindset and preparation of a high-level competitor. Whether you’re just starting out or already competing, these insights reinforce the importance of process, consistency, and environment in Jiu Jitsu growth.
📍 Location: Misfits Jiu Jitsu – St. Charles, IL
👤 Instructor: Chris Wojcik
Get access to the full Leg Lock Seminar with Chris Wojcik.
Fuji BJJ Expo 2026 in Kansas City: Community, Competition, and the Importance of Proper Protection
The Fuji BJJ Expo 2026 in Kansas City brought together athletes, families, and gym owners for two days of competition, seminars with Victor Hugo, and community celebration. Learn how Jiujitsu Insurance supports safe, professionally organized BJJ events nationwide.
The Fuji BJJ Expo 2026 in Kansas City brought together athletes, academy owners, families, and industry leaders for a powerful weekend celebrating the growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Held in Kansas City, this year’s Expo showcased not only high-level competition but also the continued expansion of structured, professionally organized BJJ events nationwide.
As a proud supporter of the sport, Jiu jitsu Insurance was on-site to engage with gym owners, competitors, and families who are shaping the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Watch the Full Fuji BJJ Expo 2026 Event Coverage
Highlights, seminar moments, and community interactions from Fuji BJJ Expo 2026 in Kansas City.
Elite Instruction and High-Level Competition
A major highlight of the weekend was a seminar led by world-class competitor Victor Hugo. Athletes across divisions had the opportunity to refine their skills under elite instruction, reinforcing the technical depth and professionalism of modern BJJ events.
Throughout the weekend, youth divisions, adult brackets, and advanced competitors shared the mats — demonstrating the sport’s multigenerational appeal.
A Growing, Family-Driven Community
Beyond the matches, the Expo reflected the strong community culture that defines Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Attendees included:
First-time youth competitors
Expanding academy teams
Traveling families
Supporters cheering from the stands
The atmosphere underscored how BJJ tournaments have evolved into professionally organized, family-friendly events that draw participation from across regions.
The Role of Structured Insurance in Modern BJJ Events
As tournaments continue to grow in size and complexity, so does the need for specialized protection.
Many general liability policies exclude:
Combat sports participation
Live sparring
Tournament competition
Participant-to-participant injuries
That gap creates significant exposure for gym owners and event organizers.
Jiu jitsu Insurance provides coverage designed specifically for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academies, events, and instructors — addressing the unique risks associated with combat sports.
Through partnerships with organizations such as FUJI Sports, structured protection supports:
Venue compliance
Participant coverage
Youth divisions
Event certificates
Operational risk management
When protection aligns with the realities of the sport, organizers can focus on delivering safe and successful events.
Upcoming Fuji Events in 2026
The momentum continues throughout the year.
Ensure your academy is properly covered before competition season.
Why Gym Owners Should Review Their Coverage Before Tournament Season
Events like Fuji BJJ Expo highlight the importance of reviewing insurance coverage before registering teams or hosting tournaments.
Key considerations include:
Does the policy explicitly include combat sports?
Are tournaments covered?
Are youth divisions listed?
Does coverage extend to spectators?
Are certificates readily available for venues?
Specialized BJJ coverage reduces uncertainty and protects the long-term stability of academies and events.
Looking Ahead
The Fuji BJJ Expo 2026 in Kansas City demonstrated the strength and continued expansion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu across the United States.
Jiu jitsu Insurance remains committed to supporting the academies, instructors, athletes, and organizers who are advancing the sport.
As the 2026 season progresses, the focus remains clear:
Strengthen the community.
Support structured growth.
Protect the future of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Building Community Through BJJ: Our Partnership with Primal MKE.
We recently partnered with Primal MKE and the Marquette University Jiu Jitsu Club to host a beginner-friendly BJJ scrimmage in Milwaukee. Focused on safety, fun, and community building, this event gave new grapplers a low-pressure way to experience competition—while ensuring the gym was properly covered under its liability insurance. At JiuJitsuInsurance.com, we’re proud to support events like these that help grow the sport the right way.
At JiuJitsuInsurance.com, our commitment has always gone beyond offering insurance policies—we’ve aimed to actively support the growth and safety of the jiu-jitsu community. That’s why we proudly partnered with Primal MKE, one of our valued clients, to host a beginner-focused, low-risk BJJ scrimmage in Milwaukee, alongside the Marquette University Jiu Jitsu Club.
This white belt no-gi scrimmage provided new grapplers with a unique opportunity to gain real competition experience in a controlled and supportive environment. Rather than throwing first-time competitors into high-stakes tournaments, this event gave them a chance to test their skills, build confidence, and enjoy the sport in a low-pressure setting.
As one participant put it, “It was almost like an organized open mat.” The event emphasized fun, learning, and community, while helping students get their first taste of what it feels like to compete.
Safety was at the core of everything. Matches were arranged with each participant’s comfort level in mind. For example, referees spoke directly with competitors to understand whether they were comfortable with leg locks or preferred to avoid certain techniques. This level of care ensured that all participants felt respected and protected, while still being challenged on the mats.
Marquette University jiu jitsu team at the Primal MKE scrimmage.
Hosting an event like this also required thoughtful planning and proper insurance coverage. We worked closely with Primal MKE to ensure the scrimmage was fully endorsed under their liability policy, giving them peace of mind that they were protected should any issues arise. For any gym hosting a scrimmage, tournament, or seminar, this step is crucial. Without proper coverage, a single incident could pose significant legal and financial risks.
Our partnership with Primal MKE demonstrated what’s possible when jiu-jitsu schools and insurance providers work together to serve the community. These scrimmages weren’t just fun afternoons—they were a way to grow the sport, build connections, and create a positive first competition experience for new athletes.
We were honored to help make this event happen and are looking forward to supporting many more like it in the future. Milwaukee’s jiu-jitsu scene is growing—and we’re proud to be part of that journey.
Protect yourself on and off the mats. Get affordable personal injury coverage for Jiu-Jitsu athletes starting at only $30/month from JiuJitsuInsurance.com.