One of the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments in the World is the Pan American Championships, held every Spring in California. As always, Team Lloyd Irvin sent a large crew out and although not 100% complete, here are the results:

Black Belt

Nakapan Phungephorn had a tough draw in the first round. He faced Kron Gracie, son of Rickson and current European Champion, as well as a former Pan Am and World Champion at Purple and Brown belt. Kron pulled guard and was able to catch an armlock for the win.

Jared Weiner, owner of BJJ United, defeated his first opponent but lost a controversial match in the semi-finals. While rolling out of bounds Jared made the mistake of stopping- his opponent did not and caught a leglock for the tap. Jared ends up with a Bronze medal in Masters Lightweight.

Shawn Hammonds out of Nashville, TN took home a bronze medal in the Senior 1 division. We weren't able to get details on his matches but congratulations to Shawn on his showing.

Brown Belt

Jonathon "JT" Torres beat his first opponent in the Lightweight category with a quick choke from the back. In the second round his opponent was able to hang on but JT advances by a score of 6-0 after again taking the back. His third opponent was the 2008 Brown belt World Champion.. JT tapped him with another collar choke from the back. Now in the Semi-Finals, JT faces last year's Pan American Champion. After a complete stalemate, 0-0 in points and advantages, the referee declares JT's opponent the winner. JT ends with a Bronze medal.

Jay Hayes won his first match then defeated a very tough opponent in the second round by an advantage. After winning his 3rd match, Jay loses in the Semi-finals to a very tough opponent who he's faced before. The score is 6-6 but his opponent has 2 advantage points and wins the match. Jay Hayes earns a Bronze medal.

Also...

At purple belt light featherweight Cory Robinson (student of Shawn Hammonds) from Team Lloyd Irvin in Nashville, TN took home a Silver medal.

Mike Tenaglia from Paramount BJJ entered the Blue belt Featherweight. Mike trained hard and had a tough bracket. After beating his first opponent with a takedown and several near guard passes, Mike faced the eventual winner and succombed to a choke from the back. Despite the disappointment, a good experience for Mike.