THE GRACIE US NATIONALS LOOKS TO SET NEW STANDARDS AT THEIR INAUGURAL EVENT

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Gracie US Nationals looks to set a new standard for jiu-jitsu and submission wrestling tournaments. This event is scheduled to take place in conjunction with The Fit Expo at the LA Convention Center on February 15-17. Corners have not been cut in the organization of this tournament. Strategic partnerships, key sponsors and a well-developed agenda have laid a foundation for a very successful event.

Rose Gracie, president of the US Gracie Nationals enlisted the aid of Lili Luciano, head organizer of Copa Pacifica jiu-jitsu tournaments. "It just made sense. The Copa Pacifica is consistently one of the best run tournaments in the country. We are looking to make a big impact on this industry so we better have a well run event" stated Rose in regards to her partnership with Lili Luciano.

That's not the only strategic partnership behind this tournament. The Gracie US Nationals is also working with The Fit Expo to create the ideal environment and venue for top-notch competition. The Fit Expo is bringing industry leaders together for a weekend of jiu-jitsu, grappling, mixed martial arts, fitness challenges, and much more.

"This is not your ordinary tournament. There is no sitting around and waiting for your name to be called. This is a huge event with huge names in attendance" says Gracie. There are even American Gladiator tryouts scheduled to take place. Also, Mixed martial arts superstars will present. The list of names include Ralek Gracie (Pictures), Randy Couture (Pictures), Renato Sobral (Pictures), Kieth Jardine, Javier Vazquez (Pictures), War Machine many more. In attendance and on the mic will be Sherdog radio personality TJ De Santis. TJ will be announcing the tournament and will be offering his famous insight and hilarity.

Rose stated, "Now that we had laid the groundwork for a one of a kind tournament, we needed to find a great support system of sponsors to have our backs. We did just that." Event sponsors include Zebra Mats, Best in the West Promotions, True 2 Sport - Campaign Against Steroids, Widow Maker, Platinum Fighting, Kikskin and The Fit Expo. Given the magnitude of this tournament and the coverage of the The Fit Expo the list of worthy sponsors is likely to grow as the years go on.

For more information, visit http://www.thegracieusnationals.com