The 2012 IBJJF NY Open proved to be quite an event for Pa Combat Sports Head Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Coach, Casey Leonard.
Winning the sought after "Double Gold" in his division at the New York Open would be just the beginning. After taking 1st Place in his weight class, Casey then went on to dominate the Open weight division.
It was during the awards ceremony that the next, and definitely the most rewarding moment of the day would occur. Casey would be surprised by his instructor, Professor Vicente Junior, while standing on the 1st Place podium as he was promoted to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Brown Belt in front of all in attendance!
"I was completely surprised by the promotion, it's definitely something I'll never forget...When you have guys like Marcelo Garcia (a grappling legend) standing there clapping and cheering as you get promoted to brown belt, while on the 1st Place Podium at the New York Open, it was surreal."
Pennsylvania Combat Sports now has a resident Brown Belt Instructor who apparently has no plans of slowing down.
"With this promotion Im just looking to really up my game for International BJJ competition and develop my students through the experiences Ive gained through training and competing since 1998. Being able to work with Professor (Vicente Junior) has been a real game-changer for me as well, and Im looking forward to whats in store."
