The 2013 IBJJF No Gi World Championship takes place this weekend at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, CA, November 2-3, 2013.
This submission grappling tournament should be another exciting one with 1,000+ athletes all vying to be recognized as the best no-gi grappler in the world in their respective divisions for the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation – the largest and most universally recognized BJJ tournament organization in the world.
To make a long story short, it’s pretty much one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
As for War Tribe, we’ll be represented at the IBJJF No Gi Worlds by a couple of our sponsored athletes – including black belts Carlos Diego Ferreira and Jarrod Clontz.
Most of you guys have heard about Carlos Diego by now as we’ve been sponsoring him for some time but Jarrod has come on for our War Tribe Gear sponsored team more recently so we wanted to profile him here on our blog.
As a 41 year old ironman of the sport and a coach, teacher, and competitor he’s got a lot to offer in giving back to the community and standing as a testament to the standards we set for ourselves as a brand.
Read more about Jarrod Clontz in the interview below.
War Tribe Sponsored Athlete – Jarrod Clontz
War Tribe Media: How long have you been involved with BJJ altogether? What led you to the sport?
Jarrod Clontz: I have been involved with BJJ for the past 16 years. I already had a black belt in traditional Jiu Jitsu when I started. Once I saw the effectiveness of Brazilian style Jiu-jitsu in 1997 I was hooked. I had my first pro MMA fight later that year and won. It’s been a fun journey since then.
War Tribe Media: Tell me a little bit about your journey from white belt to black belt.
Jarrod Clontz: Man, I did NO GI BJJ for years before putting on the GI. I was entering NO GI pro tournaments as a white belt… <laughs> Once I started training in the GI, advancement to blue was fast. I spent 3 years at purple belt, I competed at NO GI worlds. Then I spent 3 years at brown belt winning the NO GI worlds in 2009 and taking 2nd in the open. I made a switch in teams in 2010 to train under Alvis Solis. I received my black belt Jan 1 2011, 3 months later I enter my first big tournament, the Pan Ams. I finished my first guy and lost my second match. I placed 3rd.
War Tribe Media: What was the toughest time in your BJJ journey and how did you get through it?
Jarrod Clontz: For sure my toughest time was at brown belt, I can remember the slump I was in. I was over training and trying too hard. I needed to step back and evaluate what I was doing, that’s when I reached out to coach Alvis. His mentoring and advice has been great!
War Tribe Media: What does being a black belt mean to you?
Jarrod Clontz: Being a black belt, to me, is a lot of things in one package. Technical knowledge, hard work, Being able to pass the knowledge on correctly, being in shape, being a good example on and off the mat. Above all I have learned that the black belt is not the end of learning, but now you’re ready to learn.
War Tribe Media: You complete all the time – often with guys a lot younger than you. What motivates you to do that?
Jarrod Clontz: Yes, I love to compete. The young guys are very tough!! I believe to teach correct and up to date Jiu-jitsu, it is good to compete with the best. If I compete with the top black belts here in TX win, lose or draw, I learn. I take that back to my students and we all learn. I try to keep in the best possible shape to fight the young ones. I hope the 40 plus guys will read this and just GO FOR IT.
War Tribe Media: What would it mean to you to be a world champion at the black belt level?
Jarrod Clontz: Yes the elusive Black belt gold. It would be a huge blessing; I came up short last year. It would mean a lot, the time training and preparing is endless. It would be one of the great achievements of my life, besides asking Jesus into my life, and having the awesome family who backs me 100%.
War Tribe Media: Coaching or competing – what is the difference between the two and why do you love both?
Jarrod Clontz: Coaching is a passion, and competing is a passion. I believe it takes someone special to excel at both. Coaching is awesome; I love to hear stories of people’s lives being changed because of BJJ and our team. Also hearing how a teen was depressed and bullied, but now is empowered and happy. Competing complements the coaching because I learn about myself, my mind, how to overcome. I try to pass that on……Also winning. I always look for the submission and feel like I’m still in the fight even if I’m down. Isn’t that a great way to view life?
War Tribe Media: What does it mean to you to be a War Tribe sponsored athlete?
Jarrod Clontz: War Tribe recently picked me up as a sponsored athlete. At 41 years old that’s pretty cool. Going to Worlds, Pans and buying gear is expensive! I would not be able to compete at these big comps without the backing of War Tribe! Randy (Olson) and the guys are awesome, they make great gear, and above all if they say they are going to do it. Bank on it. Very professional. Happy to rep the team.
War Tribe Media: Any last words for fight fans or anyone else in the community?
Jarrod Clontz: Get off the couch and compete old guys, we only live once. Thanks for all the support from the fans at tournaments. Having people I don’t know tell me that I inspire them. I don’t come out to be the token old guy. I want that win too! See you on the mat.
