January 28, 2003

The path to the Cabarrus Arena was easily found. Just follow the line of trucks and cars with "8" decals displayed on their car. Residents along route 601 and 49 proudly displayed their allegiance and support with "3" and "8" flags scattered along the way.

The Inaugural Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Grappling Classic took place on Saturday, January 25, to a faithful audience of race fans and Jiu Jitsu devotees alike. For students of the sport - young and old alike, this was an opportunity to test their skill and knowledge against others who have dedicated themselves to the art of jiu-jitsu. For others, it was the name that drew them here; it was a chance to see their favorite driver up close.

The event also drew the sport's biggest names. Joe Hurst, 2001 Jiu Jitsu World Champion and one of the key catalysts behind the event, and Royce Gracie, son of Carlos Gracie who founded the Brazilian form of Jiu Jitsu which is used in international competition, were on hand throughout the day's events.

When he announced the tournament, Earnhardt, Jr. ensured that CVAN, a local North Carolina domestic violence service for women, would benefit. "Everyone should be able to defend themselves and the Jiu Jitsu schools are a great training ground for women," Earnhardt, Jr. said.

Clearly, Earnhardt, Jr. was on to something. In the morning session, the women of the Grappling competed just a few feet away from the children and provided some of the fiercest competition of the day. Women of all ages and backgrounds took to the mat and faced each other with a fierce sense of determination and focus. These women demonstrated tremendous strength and skill, and while sometimes exhausted from their battles, their perseverance carried them on to the next round. It was an impressive exhibition of the sport and an eye-opener for any woman in the audience who had previously not known the benefits of Jiu Jitsu.

Just after noon, the men's competition began. From heavyweight to featherweight, six matches took place simultaneously on the Arena's floor. At times, the men's matches were a battle of sheer will, a test of who could out-maneuver who, and a display of extraordinary skill. The men competed for nearly three hours before the brackets for the next round were announced, and the second round of competition began.

Late in the afternoon, Earnhardt, Jr. arrived and posed for group pictures with all of the children who had competed earlier in the day. He talked happily with some of the teenagers and spent a few moments with each of the younger children who had approached him before he settling in to watch the remainder of the competition.

When this tournament was announced, many race fans questioned why Dale Earnhardt, Jr. would get involved with a Jiu Jitsu competition. The #8 Budweiser driver said that he hoped to bring "a ton of exposure to this exciting, unique sport" by helping to host this event. "The point is to get the word out about Jiu Jitsu," Earnhardt, Jr. said. "It's about people who train and compete in intense settings like we do on the racetrack everyday. I hope to convert another group of fans by doing the Grappling Classic."

And perhaps he did just that. For the connection between racing and Jiu Jitsu goes a lot deeper than just training and intensity. The focus and determination required for both sports is amazingly similar. And as the M.C. noted, "It is about great sportsmanship that is taught from the very start."

A special thank you to Scott, who competed in the Grappling and who showed interminable patience with my endless questions.

You can send feedback to L.M. Burke at: Insider Racing News