Joey Lopes of Madison County traveled to West Virginia Saturday December 16, 2023, to compete in the WV Grappling Open. Lopes entered the gi and no gi division in 2 different weight classes and the absolute division which pairs all division winners across weight classes together.
In all 5 divisions Lopes earned gold. In his 3 opening matches Lopes completed his signature move the “Captain Kirk” throw to knee on belly to an arm bar finish in under 10 seconds each time. Lopes success with this throw has fondly earned him the nickname Captain Quirk. He was able to finish all matches with submissions.
Joey Lopes will return to jiu jitsu competition tomorrow night at Kumite in Cincinnati for a superfight event which includes two 10th planet Richmond teammates.
Full results
Gold
Gi: 70-79.1
Gi 79.1-88lbs
Gi Absolute
No Gi 79.1-88
No Gi Absolute
