HUGE DILEMMA- Need help in trying to advance JJ career

[Tori Applegate]

So it was just confirmed yesterday, i will not be going to Gracie worlds. I will be going to a training camp that weekend. I'll get to meet everyone in Florida. Haven't been to a camp since I got my blue belt almost two years ago and I already said I was going to this before I knew the dates were conflicting. Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely pumped about the training camp!!

SO, I need help finding some big tournaments to compete in this fall and winter. I don't feel there are as many options in this way for females so that why I'm looking for suggestions. I've thought about trying to contact PGL and see what to do to get on there, but I think you have to be invited..I'm not sure.

Listen guys, I want to be the best female no gi grappler. Period. In the world. I want to be in the first 10 of Eddie's female black belts, if not the first five or less. I want to really start progressing in my Jiu Jitsu career in the next year or so. I don't care that I'm a blue belt. I have an aggressive & entertaining style. I'm working my butt off to get my finances in a place where I can travel more by the end of this year and start to make a push to reach these goals in the future.

Sorry if this sounds kind of like a rant. I'm just working really hard and Gracie worlds was my one really big tournament for the year...so I really just need y'all's help in finding some new tournies. And please do not say freakin naga.............BIG tournies....


Edit: Guys, I'm only talking about tournaments, all of my goals I hope to reach before thirty, but I'm finally getting in a place where I can better pursue traveling to bigger tournaments and so that's what I'm trying to get going in the fall. I'm also trying to get in better shape athletically starting hopefully in the fall. Just trying to take it to the next level of serious for my current and upcoming circumstances.

[Tori Applegate]

I can, but trust me, my husband competes at 145/55 and he has trouble finding matches with purple belts that are around that weight. There aren't a lot of smaller guys at tournies around here. Usually the smaller people get bumped to 170. Now, I could do 170, but I'm 128 lbs and a female. #1 this doesn't make much sense. #2 doubt anyone that put on a tournament would let me do that with the size difference and #3 doubt they would do it bc I'm sure it'd be insulting for their competitors..and finally.. I am looking for a BIG tournament to travel to. I got 2nd at Gracie worlds last year. There ARE women to fight. I know it. I need something that replaces Gracie worlds for this year, equal in value if you will.

[Cora Sek]

Come to TX. There are plenty of female purple belt over here that are around your size. Maybe super fights?? Fight 2 win promotion draws in some really tough ladies from all over TX, LA, AR, and OK. Most compete high level at IBJJF events. There is a HUGE event called Fight 2 Win Europa, there's going to be close to 1000 competitors. It's at Dallas Convention Center on June 20th. And if you plan to come, let me know I can help get the word out.

[Brandon Mccaghren]

IBJJF events is where you're gonna find the most competition for now.

[Tori Applegate]

I need something later this year. Like August or later. It's going to take me a good amount of the summer to get my funds good to travel. Bruce, how often do they put on that tournie?

[Tori Applegate]

IBJJF events is where you're gonna find the most competition for now.

Sounds like. So do I need to be going to try to go to the bigger Ibjjf tournies and if so which ones are those?

[Ross Davidson]

I feel ya on missing worlds I've been looking forward to it.

[JMHarper]

IBJJF No Gi Pan Ams is in the fall. Also, the next IBJJF Atlanta Open will be both Gi and No Gi.

[sean applegate]

Ibjjf is the spot, for now. You already know that, though.

[Tori Applegate]

Hey thanks guys!! Great suggestions. Sorry for the rant. I had a really bad morning so I hope that didn't come across too crazy. Just was googling tournaments and couldn't really find any that were that great, but you guys have been super helpful!