Sewell’s Raymond Gramenzi wins IBJJF Masters 7 world title

Raymond Gramenzi of Sewell, New Jersey, won gold in the Masters 7 ultra-heavyweight division at the 2026 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Las Vegas. The title caps 12 years of training at Daniel Tavares BJJ Academy in Clementon and adds another major IBJJF medal to the South Jersey school’s record.

Why it matters: - Gramenzi’s win puts a South Jersey athlete on the podium at one of the sport’s top age-group world championships. - The title also adds to Daniel Tavares BJJ Academy’s growing record of producing major IBJJF medalists. - The result shows how local athletes can reach world-class competition while balancing work and family obligations.

What happened: - Raymond Gramenzi of Sewell won gold in the Masters 7 ultra-heavyweight division at the 2026 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Master Jiu-Jitsu Championship. - The tournament ran Sept. 3-5 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. - Masters 7 is for athletes 61 and older. - Ultra-heavyweight is the open-weight class at the top of the division scale. - Gramenzi has trained in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for 12 years. - Gramenzi competes out of Daniel Tavares BJJ Academy in Clementon under fifth-degree black belt Daniel Tavares.

The details: - Gramenzi owns Harry's Plumbing & Heating Supply in Camden. - Gramenzi balanced training with work, family and a South Jersey schedule. - Gramenzi said the championship was the product of 12 years of showing up. - Gramenzi said Professor Tavares never treated a regular job or life off the mats as an excuse. - Gramenzi said the academy made it possible for a man from Sewell to train like a world champion without leaving the people who depend on him. - Gramenzi credited Tavares and the Clementon academy for the technical standard that made the title possible. - Daniel Tavares BJJ Academy was founded in 2014. - The academy draws both competitors and recreational students. - Tavares is a two-time IBJJF World Master champion and three-time Pan-American champion. - Tavares still competes while coaching students of all ages and belt ranks.

Between the lines: - The win highlights the value of coaching that supports adult athletes with jobs and family responsibilities. - Gramenzi’s comments suggest the academy’s culture matters as much as technical instruction. - Tavares’ competitive resume likely helps attract students who want training from an active elite-level coach. - A fellow black belt student, Tomislav Peric, said Tavares’ knowledge, commitment, concern and loyalty are what make the school stand out. - Peric said Gramenzi’s world title is proof of that environment.

What's next: - Gramenzi joins other Daniel Tavares BJJ Academy athletes who have won major IBJJF medals and brought them back to Clementon. - The title may further boost the academy’s profile with both competitors and recreational students. - Tavares will continue coaching and competing while the academy keeps building its tournament record.

The bottom line: - Gramenzi’s gold medal is both a personal milestone and a showcase for a South Jersey academy built around serious competition and real-life balance.