The IBJJF European Championships are back, this time in Paris. The tournament will attract some of the best grapplers from around the world, including some of the top European athletes looking to defend home turf.

It’s the last chance for citizens of European, African, and Middle Eastern countries to qualify for the biggest event in submission wrestling history. Seven new ADCC competitors will earn their tickets to the big show in Poland on May 7 at the 2nd ADCC European Trials.

The black belt class of 2021 is a who's who of top notch competitors, many of whom are likely to grace the top of black belt podiums in the coming months. Below are the athletes who earned the rank of black belt in December.

Day one of the IBJJF World Championships was filled with the action, submissions and incredible stories expected of an event of this caliber. Day two is sure to deliver as well, as the male purple and brown belts will take their place on the mats in search of the most coveted title in jiu-jitsu. With hundreds of competitors in search of just a few medals, we're guaranteed  thrilling action throughout the day.

The year-long qualification process for the 2022 ADCC World Championships is one of the most fascinating things in jiu-jitsu. I love watching the divisions take shape as Trials winners earn their spot at the best-known no-gi tournament in the world, and the names of those invited slowly get revealed.