Article by Kala Ibarra

Three members of the 2018 U.S. Gi Grappling Team became double champions claiming titles in the No Gi tournament.

Two- time No-Gi Grappling World Team member at 77 kg Steven Ramos of Essential dominated two of his three opponents with submission, including seven-time World medalist Michael Kelly of Old School Wrestling. This was Ramos’ second time this weekend beating Kelly. His third and final opponent of the day was Paul Barch of Independent, where he won by decision to make the World Team.

2018 U.S. Gi Grappling World Team member Luis Quinones of 10 Planet HQ won his second title this weekend at 66 kg defeating Kelly Johnson by forfeit and a 7-0 decision. Quinones was on the 2017 U.S. Gi Grappling World Team.  

Friends Ryan Loader (84 kg) of Apex Wrestling Academy and Eliot Kelly (100 kg) of Yemosa, made their first World Team together. With a history in wrestling this was Loader’s first time competing in grappling. Loader won by decision over Issac Underwood and Anthony Fox of Impact Indiana, and sealed the deal with a decision over James Clay of Independent. Kelly won by a submission and decision over Andrew Mostowa of Sityodtong LA.

At 62 kg Kalin Goodsite of Alliance MMA claimed his spot on the 2018 No-Gi Grappling World Team after defeating 2017 World Team member Aaron Johnson by decision in the finals. Goodsite also faced Rickly Lule of 10th Planet Freaks, picking up an 8-0 decision.

2017 No-Gi World Silver medalist and Gi World Champion Breanna Stikkleman of United Training Center claimed a spot on the 2018 No-Gi World Team after a submission and 2-0 decision over Kristine Campbell of 10th Planet Omaha.

Other winners in the men’s division were Ascary Lule of 10th Planet HQ at 71 kg, Carlos Soto of Impact Indiana at 92 kg, and Travis Clark of All American Wrestling Club at 100+ kg.

Maja Morgan of Hyper Modern Jiu-Jitsu made the 2018 No-Gi Women’s Grappling World Team at 53 kg after beating Jessica Philippus of Impact Indiana in two of three matches. Morgan came back in the third match with a 6-5 decision after Philippus claimed a submission over her.

Impact Indiana won the team title with 18 points, falling shortly behind tied runner-ups 10th Planet HQ and Essential with 13 points.