PJ Barch Brings Home The Gold From The Recent Emerald City Invitational Tournament

In an impressive display of No-Gi Jiu Jitsu skills, Phalanx athlete PJ Barch grappled, locked, and choked his way into winning the 2021 Emerald City Invitational 170-lb Tournament. Find out how PJ "The Butter Panther" Barch sliced through his opponents like a hot knife through butter and made them submit to his superior skills.

The Emerald City Invitational

Based in New York, the Emerald City Invitational (ECI) is a professional Jiu Jitsu tournament designed to build a remarkable competition scene while keeping fans entertained. The 2021 ECI Tournament was held on April 10 and assembled an impressive pool of talents.

The 170-lb bracket welcomed 16 skilled athletes. PJ fought Andrew Solano, Werther Marciales, John Combs, and Alan Sanchez in the opening round, quarterfinals, semifinals, and final round respectively. Each fight perfectly showcased what makes No-Gi Jiu Jitsu unique — fluid movement, patience, and determination.

If you missed it — make sure to watch the matches here! Witness how PJ used a flawless rear-naked choke, armbar, inside heel hook, and kimura to make his way to the top!

The Making of The Butter Panther

PJ comes from a family of wrestlers, making the transition to Jiu Jitsu come naturally to him. In the fifth grade, he asked his family to sign him up for a wrestling program. By high school, he was fully committed to the sport and ranked fifth statewide as a sophomore. He received All-American status in several high school events and continued competing for two years in college.

In 2011, PJ tried Jiu Jitsu in Hawaii and started competing in mixed martial arts (MMA) shortly after. He discovered the local 10th Planet Academy in the same year, and he became a standout in no time. The Butter Panther gained his blue, purple, brown, and black belts under the 10th Planet Academy.

PJ has been making waves in the Jiu Jitsu community for ten years — there's no stopping him now!

Elevate Your No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Game

PJ recommends training at least three times weekly, developing your physical conditioning, keeping a positive attitude, and using high-quality athletic wear to take your Jiu-Jitsu skills to the next level.