The 11th edition of the Italian Open and the 2nd one of the Jiu-jitsu Expo is back in Florence
One of the biggest jiu-jitsu competitions and unique conventions in Europe will take place in Florence next week. GrappleCulture will be covering the 11th edition of the Italian Bjj Open and its Jiujitsu Expo vol 2, you better come and live the experience with us!
Starting on Friday 26th the Mandela Forum will welcome around 2000 competitors over three days of competition with kids, adults and masters categories. Some of Italy finest black belts have already registered, Luca Anacoreta, Bernardo Serrini, Manuel Pilatto, Ingrid Pavese or Fabio Pittito will try to conquer the top of the podium facing adversaries such as Michelle Nicolini or Pedro Dias. You have until Monday 22nd of May to sign up here if you want to try your luck.
More than just another tournament
This tournament is the biggest one in Italy organised by a local federation. The Unione Italiana Jiu Jitsu is trying to create a European version of the famous JiujitsuCon and, so far, they are doing an excellent job.
Over 20 shops will be selling their products at the Jiujitsu Expo this year. You can get your new gear from Tatami Fightwear or Kano Kimonos there. Iconic brands like Zebra mats have partnered with the Italian Federation and will have a booth along side with the biggest Bjj camp in the world, the emblematic BJJ Summerweek. For those looking for other clothing brands, you should visit Blor Crossfit, and, if you need something to eat, Bud Power and the mandatory Açai shop will have you covered!
A really special booth has drawn our attention as we’ve been told that the Japanese tattoo artist, Emanuele Peren, will be working at the expo. Have you been waiting to get a tattoo? Well… You better get your best design ready and get it done in Florence!
Competing or not, you can always learn!
What the Unione Italiana Jiu Jitsu is trying to built with this event could become something bigger than just a Jiujitsu tournament or exhibition. Their idea is to grow the community in Europe even more, creating a place for amateurs and professionals, competitors or not, everyone will find something they will love to do at the Jiujitsu Expo.
Anyone will be able to sign up for free seminars with BJJ world champion Michelle Nicolini or Olympic Judo champion, Fabio Basile, spots will be limited in order to guarantee the best learning experience so make sure to register through Strive. Don’t forget to check other available seminars with Fabricio Nascimiento, with Polaris champion Manuel Pilato, the multiple times Italian Champion Jacopo Pasquini, and some of the most beloved Italian Black belts like Remo Cassella, Luca Caracciolo, Simone Franceschini, Nicola Castellano or Ghenadie Popa.
By the way, talking about learning from the best, Italian speakers are lucky at this 2nd edition of the Jiu Jitsu Expo as, thanks to a deal with the Publisher Harper Collins, Rickson Gracie’s book Breathe (Respira in Italian) will be available to buy at the venue.
Already looking into the future
At GrappleCulture we love to see the BJJ community thrive, we can see everything that the Italian Open and the Jiu-jitsu Expo are offering already and how they are already working to improve the experience for next year. We will be covering it thoroughly and we hope you’ll enjoy it! If you are there, please make sure to say hi and share some of your experience with us on our social media too!
