CLARK GRACIE WINS GOLD AT PAN AMS AND HEADS TO GOOD MORNING AMERICA

Clinch Gear athlete Clark Gracie took the Gold Medal in the middleweight black belt division at the 2013 IBJJF Pan Jiu Jitsu games using his signature omoplata move to setup a dramatic come from behind win by Gi choke over Marcelo “Lapela” Mafra in the closing seconds of the match. Gracie’s path to gold was not easy, having faced Otavio Sousa the reigning 2012 Pan Jiu Jitsu black belt middleweight champion in the quarter finals and winning by omoplata. In the semi-finals Gracie faced the reigning 2012 world middleweight no-gi champion DJ Jackson and defeated Jackson by judge’s decision. In the finals it appeared as if Gracie was running out of time as he found himself down by points heading into the final minute of the match. Staying calm and working continuously for the submission, Gracie worked for his signature omoplata shoulder lock. As Mafra tried to escape Gracie transitioned into a Gi choke which Mafra tried to wait out for the end of the match. Knowing he had the choke, Gracie motioned with the “Hang Loose” gesture to the crowd as Mafra tapped and slipped into unconsciousness from the choke. With the win Gracie has cemented himself as one of the top black belts in the middleweight division and continues his rise up the Jiu Jitsu ranks. With the Pan Jiu Jitsu medal secured, Gracie now heads to Good Morning America for a feature on his practice in the art of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. Tune in on Friday March 29th at 7:00AM on ABC. Congratulations Clark!

Clark Gracie defeats Otavio Sousa by omoplata