NAGA began in high school gymnasiums on borrowed high school wrestling mats. As NAGA has grown, every aspect of the operation has constantly improved, from the qualifications of the officials, to the time clocks, to the venue itself. In place of a high school basketball court, NAGA New Engleand took place in the massive and beautiful ballroom at the Twin Rivers casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island. In contrast with most ballrooms, this one has tiered bleacher seating for 1,800 spectators.

A TWO-DAY SPECTACULAR
The location was such as success at the previous NAGA New England that the decision was made, despite the doubling of many costs, to turn it into a two-day event, with adults on Saturday and kids and teens divisions on Sunday. As part of the continuous improvement plan, NAGA now offers two teen divisions across the various weight divisions (14-15 and 16-17). Unfortunately, a previous contract meant that the kids and adults would all have to vie for belts, swords, medals, and an elevating challenge all on the same day. As the previous event received uniformly positive feedback, despite the struggling economy, a modest increase in competitors and spectators was anticipated. Extra staff was secured and everyone looked forward to one of the best events of the year.

AN UNEXPECTED CROWD
Then it happened. An extra 100 competitors came in with perhaps one to two hundred extra spectators. The another hundred extra, and then another 100, and another until a record 1,386 competitors showed up to put their best on the mats, with perhaps 3,000 spectators enjoying the spectacle. The NAGA staff went into a frenzy, calling in even more seasoned officials, hastening the first matches of the day, and warning all officials that they could expect lunch at night. So who showed up? Well, everybody!

TOP TEAMS SHINE
The overall team title was taken by perennial powerhouse Team Link under the direction of Marco Alvan and Gabriel Gonzaga. A scheduled superfight between Marco and UFC contender Jorge Rivera was unfortunately cancelled due to an injury, but Team Link still shone brightly in all divisions, kids, teens, and adult, men and women, gi and no gi at all skill levels.

Taking second place in the team competition was Brazilian Martial Arts Center under the direction of Marcelo Siqueira. Marcelo has an amazingly diverse background that is reflected in the success of his students. A 35 year veteran of the martial arts, Marcelo started training with Rudimar Ferdigo at the famed Chute Boxe in the '80s and holds black belts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo among others. Just as Lyoto Machida famously announced "Karate is back," Marcelo also hold a 3rd degree black in wado ryu. Sharing teaching tasks at BMAC is Carlson Gracie black belt Leonardo Rodrigues.

Also prominent on the winner's stand were the soldiers of submission from K-Dojo, under the direction of Murat Keshtov (Master K) who walked out with three championship belts. Brigitte Narcise (2009 top Ranked female no-gi grappler) competed in Master Expert and Expert divisions, taking first in both. Ozzy Dugulubgov, coming off a recent MMA submission of the night victory in 89 seconds, took the title belt in the Men's Middleweight No Gi division. Rus Chsiev earned the same honors in Cruiserweight action, taking the title back home to Fairfield, NJ.

COACHES COMPETE
NAGA New England proved to be a popular draw not just for the best students in the Northeast, but also for many instructors as well who stepped on the mats. Dan Simmler, who has over 10 years experience on the NAGA mats and showed no signs of slowing down. If anything Simmler is accelerating, with dominant wins in NAGA, success in the MMA cage, and a phenomenal group of students out of his Worcester, MA school.

Marc Stevens opened up Jiu-Jitsu Nation academy just months ago in Watertown, NY and immediately developed a team that headed East to NAGA New England with great success. Stevens, a highly decorated wrestler and feared MMA fighter, took a strong second to Rich Moskowitz, who recently transplanted to Texas. Fiona Watson headed the large and successful Dragon Spirit Martial Arts kids team and led from the front, entering the Women's Expert division. Fiona has for years demonstrated the poise of a veteran coach, despite being only a teenager herself.

A FAMILY AFFAIR
NAGA New England was so massive that entire families stepped onto the mats to challenge themselves! Earp's and Clanton's step aside, there is a new family in town. Christopher Botello and his four sons, Chris, Mike, Nick, and Mark all entered Expert Divisions, taking home a combined three NAGA championship belts. If you are thinking that their family sounds like an entire Grappling Team, you're right! Expect to see Team Botello in the winner's circle for many years to come.

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL
In the end, everyone made it home in time to see the UFC, and the NAGA staff survived what they called "The Great Grappler Blizzard of 2010." NAGA New England now stands with the North American Grand Championship, the NAGA World's, and the other leading NAGA events as a full two-day sparkling gem in the crown of the world's largest grappling tournaments.

For more information on upcoming NAGA events and for complete results visit www.nagafighter.com. All photos by Ken Osborn (www.kenosbornphotography.com)