Last year, the Johnny Hernandez Invitational provided an action-packed event, with all but one match ending with a submission in regulation. This year, they have adopted the Professional Grappling Federation (PGF) ruleset, giving even more incentive for fast and fierce submissions. Every grappling fan should mark their calendars to watch YouTube on October 8th to watch an insane display of athleticism and submissions!
In their first event, they used Eddie Bravo Invitational rules along with overtime and a traditional single-elimination bracket. For the second iteration of the Johnny Hernandez Invitational, the showrunners are implementing a PGF ruleset with a round-robin or “everybody faces everybody” format. The six competitors (addressed shortly) will have the opportunity to face each of their five opponents once. Using PGF rules, each of those matches will last only six minutes, forcing competitors to push the pace. Indeed, they must move quickly because players can only score points with submissions. A Kill or choke (e.g. RNC, Darce, guillotine) earns a competitor six points. A Break or joint lock (e.g. armbar or leglock) garners them three points. Further pushing the action, any competitor who scores a submission within the first minute of a match earns the Elbow Genie bonus point for their quick submission. The competitor who scores the most points overall wins the event.
This format changes up the strategy from most jiu jitsu events. Since every competitor has a finite number of matches in which to put up points, each match is a precious opportunity. Competitors who end up with a draw against their opponent end up with the same amount of points as if they had lost – both 0. In the PGF ruleset, a Draw is a LOSS! This reality forces competitors to only increase their intensity and sense of urgency as a match approaches its end. This format also means that even if a competitor loses to a frontrunner, they can still win the entire event if that competitor can outscore that frontrunner in their other matches. This format not only demands exciting grappling, it also keeps every competitor in the game. While some fans might see their favorite grappler eventually eliminated from the title hunt, they will still see them have an opportunity for five full matches – always having a shot to make a greater name for themselves with their grappling in each match.
This year they are moving the action from Cancun to Monterrey, Mexico. The famous Mexican rapper Babo of El Cartel de Santa will host the event at his residence and will stream the show on their YouTube channel (simulcast on the PGF World Channel). Once again, the competitors will vie for a $2,000 prize; however, this time, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Hall of Fame Inductee Carlos Machado is personally putting up the prize money for the winner. At the end of the event, the show will feature some performances from Babo’s son Eduardo III’s new album.
While all the competitors will bring their best to this event, fans might see something a little out of the ordinary. The Johnny Hernandez Invitational involves a unique uniform requirement referred to as “No Gi OG.” As a nod to Master Eddie Bravo, founder of 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, the athletes will compete in rash guard tops and gi pants. Jiu jitsu fans will undoubtedly enjoy seeing how each competitor responds to this unique uniform set.
Your Johnny Hernandez Invitational II athletes are returning Champion Kyle Chambers, Jorge Tax, Adrian Madrid, Chuy Magana, Derek Atkins, and Yair Perez. Kyle Chambers won the inaugural Johnny Hernandez Invitational with a 100% submission rate in regulation. But he’ll face very motivated competitors with Jorge Tax, Yair Perez and Adrian Madrid all earning their spots in this competition with standout performances in the Kaan Kun Open back in May 2025. Chambers rematch with Chuy Magana looks to be a fun match since their first faceoff in the inaugural event led to a heated leglock shootout. The smart money is on 10th Planet Oceanside standout Kyle Chambers to repeat as champion. However, in a round-robin format, the big target on Chambers’ back might just make him the Super Bowl for all the other competitors. While Chambers will likely draw the best efforts of his foes (even to the point where they feel a moral victory of just letting him submit them), Chambers opponents have a chance to compete inconspicuously, racking up submissions when no one suspects them. With only five matches to maximize his points, Chambers can’t afford to ease up on his opponents one bit. As a true submission hunter, one has to think Chambers is excited to answer this call and to repeat as champion.
Tune in on 8 October for the Johnny Hernandez Invitational II it will be free on YouTube on both the PGF World and the ElCarteldeSantaTV channels. Again, after the matches, stick around for some premier music from Eduardo III’s new album. This event blew everyone’s minds last year and they intend to rock into 2025 taking it to 11! (that’s a Spinal Tap reference – sorry had to include at least one movie reference).
BTW, if you’re looking to get some new jiu jitsu gear, PGF World Season 6 Team Champion XMARTIAL has some great gear. I wrote a review of my XMartial shorts and rash guard HERE. If you use the coupon code “EGGHEAD,” you will get 15% off your order (and you’ll help me out a bit). XMARTIAL has some really fun rash guards and everyone I know loves their shorts. So check them out.
Finally, keep your eyes out for PGF Season 9 news…it’ll be here before you know it. No, I’m not saying anything – I’m not going back on double-secret probation (ok, so a second movie reference).
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