In the lobby of Pennsylvania Combat Sports in Greensburg, sits many of the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu trophies and medals earned by BJJ Coach, Casey Leonard. Some awards dating back to 1998 when he lived in Southern California as an active duty Marine at Camp Pendleton. Well, a couple of new additions will be welcomed into the collection as Casey came away with a “Double Gold” showing at the 2012 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federations New York Open.

Double Gold Victory at 2012 IBJJF NY Open

Being able to achieve this feat is the goal of most all competitors in IBJJF events, as you must first place (1st, 2nd or 3rd) in your weight division to be eligible to enter the Absolute Open Division later. Once you get a slot in the Open, your sure to be facing the best BJJ competitors from all the weight classes in your designated belt division…the smallest guys would go against the biggest in a winner take all bracket.

At the end of a long day, Casey would come out on top of both divisions with two IBJJF gold medals…and an additional bonus. His BJJ instructor, Professor Vicente Junior would surprise him with a promotion to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt while on the podium receiving his Open Division Gold Medal!

To get an idea of what International BJJ competition is about…check out the IBJJF TV episode on the 2012 NY Open.