Looking at the brackets of the IBJJF New York Spring International Open revealed an unusual fact: there was a lack of the big name black belts signed from Marcelo Garcia's team, a strange occurrence given that the competition is on their doorstep and usually brings the team out in force. 

Due to a number of factors, only a handful of the most well-known black belts saw action. 

Dillon Danis and Mansher Khera both missed signing up when registration was closed early due to  reaching capacity. They both tried but were unable to find a way to compete. Khera was signed up for the no-gi, but did not feel 100% on the day of the tournament and withdrew. 

Marcos Tinoco signed up but couldn't compete due to a rib injury, while Gianni Grippo had a superfight at Fight To Win Pro 30 in New Jersey on the same day as the gi divisions. 

Matheus Diniz won gold in the heavyweight division on Saturday, but nursing an injury did not compete in the no-gi. 

Even when not competing, all of the above athletes attended the event to support their teammates.  

Gianni Grippo did manage to compete in the no-gi division the day after winning a gi title in a superfight on Fight To Win, emerging with double gold (weight and absolute).  

The absent black belts did not stop Alliance from taking the team trophy in both gi and no-gi. 

Academy Standings - 2017 New York Spring International Open
1 - Alliance - 236
2 - Unity Jiu-jitsu - 146
3 - Renzo Gracie Academy - 107

Academy Standings - 2017 New York Spring International Open No-Gi
1 - Alliance - 125
2 - GF Team - 104
3 - Gracie Barra - 82