The first Italian Grappling Open under the FILA rules took place in Milan on 20 December 2009. The competition was successfully organized by the Italian Grappling Federation chaired by Mr. Francesco Saverio Longo (www.figr.it) and placed under the responsibility or Mr. Dino Fuoco from the Accademia Kama. Due to the terrible weather conditions that affected Northern Italy that weekend, only about 100 out of the 166 entered athletes were able to reach the competition. Regardless, the tournament showcased high-level grappling and incredible matches with competitors from Italy, Austria, and Brazil. Only the No-Gi division was held for competitors divided into novice and advanced categories.  

 

The most outstanding athlete of the competition was without a doubt Julia Klammsteiner who dominated and won both the 67kg and Open divisions. It also came to an impressive final in the already strong 66kg division with one of the top Italian grapplers, Alessio Di Liberti, and the Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, Marcelo Sasso de Oliveira. The Italian managed to control the Brazilian grappler throughout most of the match and earned a narrow victory. See the complete results

 

The tournament was another good indication of the fast growing Italian grappling community and we are looking forward to the next years' Italian Opens. Congratulations to the organizers for their efforts in bringing our sport to the next level. We also would like to congratulate the Italian Grappling Federation for the good results of the two Italian grapplers who competed in the World Championship in Florida. Bernardo Serrini made 5th in No-Gi 84kg and Raffi Lamberto got the bronze in Gi Open and made 5th in Gi 84kg.