AJP Canada National: Local black belts seize gold and glory in Toronto

August 12, 2023

On this Saturday, August 12th, the AJP Tour Canada National Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 has reached North American shores, bringing incredible fights for local athletes and fight fans. With three fight areas set up in the Toronto Metropolitan Area, all bets were off as fighters of all ages and graduations went up against each other, aiming for the top of their respective podiums.

As usual, the black belt finals were a show to behold, especially with the outstanding performances of the locals Janine Mutton, Justin Primrose, and Dainis Nguyen Huu who used their prowess to submit their opponents and rise as the tournament's champions. Check out below the hightlights, and for the full results, click here!

Women's GI / Brown / Black / Professional 

62kg - Janine Mutton vs. Gursharn Gill

Two armbars put Canadian Janine Mutton at the top of the 62kg division. After going through Amy Harris in the semis, Janine faced Gursharn Gill, who had also beaten Amy before in the round-robin. To win the final match, Janine passed guard straight to the north-south position, postured up, and went for the arm, stretching the armbar in the first few minutes of the fight.

Men's GI / Black / Professional 

85kg - Vinicius Reis vs. Nathan Santos

Coming out on top of three exciting fights on his way to gold, the Brazilian Vinicius Reis was the undisputed champion of the 85kg division. With two submissions on the neck propelling him to the final, Vinicius entered the gold round ready to face Nathan Santos. At the start of the match, Vinicius seized the initiative, pulling guard to sweep. Fast on the counter, Nathan jumped and almost took Vinicius' back, with the latter managing a good defense to enter a 50/50 guard. Those who thought the duel would grow lukewarm from there had a surprise coming, as a true war for control of the 50/50 ensued between both athletes. Vinicius went up first and scored two points, but Nathan promptly fought back and tied the score. Vinicius then exploded upwards and brought the battle to its feet, but with the legs still tangled up. Twice they stood on their feet, fighting for the upper position, but Vinicius managed a backspin to go up, settling the score at 4-2 and taking the gold medal.

120kg - Justin Primrose vs. Fawaz Haddadin

Two submissions landed the local Justin Primrose atop the 120kg podium. After submitting Nathan Genehr from the back, Justin had to face Fawaz Haddadin for the title. After pulling guard and going up to score 2-0, Justin went for a cross-choke while still in the lateral position. He then positioned his knee in the opponent's stomach and mounted, but maintained the hold. From the mount, he was able to put even more pressure and tap out Fawaz, securing the division gold.

Men's GI / Black / Master1 

85kg - Dainis Nguyen Huu vs. Gurdip Rangi

Two quick submissions brought Dainis Nguyen Huu the gold medal and another achievement for the Canadian team. After beating Kelvin Almeida with a deft armbar, Dainis went to the gold round against Gurdip Rangi. Gurdip pulled a half guard and tried going up with a sneaky attack, but Dainis saw his opponent's leg unprotected and didn't waste any time, quickly locking a precise leglock to take the top of the podium.