The eponymous founder of the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) will be bringing open palm strikes to his competitions in 2017.
According to Eddie Bravo in an interview on BJPENN.COM RADIO:
I’m going to finish what I started with combat jiu-jitsu. We’re going to be EBI Combat Jiu-Jitsu. Imagine EBI just the way it is: 16-man jiu-jitsu tournament, same stage, everything looking the same, same 10-minute rounds with the overtimes – except when the competitors are on the ground, open palm strikes, old Pancrase style to open up the submissions, to increase the submissions even more. No punches, no MMA gloves . . . no elbows, no kicks . . . we’re going to have that in 2017.
Bravo was quick to point out that this is not going to be like MMA. Mixed martial arts, in his view, is still “the top dog” and “most gangsta.”
However, EBI Combat Jiu-Jitsu could be a good way for guys who want to do MMA to transition up to the sport; a good way for MMA fighters to transition down to jiu-jitsu; and just something for people who want more than jiu-jitsu, but aren’t ready for MMA.
You can listen to Bravo’s entire interview here. He begins talking about EBI Combat Jiu-Jitsu at 49:34.
Looking forward to EBI 12, women’s division CJJ.