Pan Kids Delivered Again | Look Back at Another Remarkable Event

Jiu-Jitsu Federation: The year's most important kids event finally wrapped in Kissimmee, Florida. Next generation talent was on full display. An incredible collection of young prospects showcased an impressive blend of preparation, technique and competitiveness. It's fascinating to witness such dedicated effort from competitors, parents and coaches. Pan Kids 2026 served as a tremendous showcase of jiu-jitsu and a reminder of the sport's bright future. The competition featured tremendous talent across all divisions, with a series of exceptional performances from elite prospects and dominant academies.
AOJ secured the Pan Kids team title with a remarkable 437 points. The Mendes-led association has long been known for its expertise in guiding and building young champions. The Pan Kids 2026 event proved this notion even further. Athletes like Icaro Moreno, Arthur Fontes, Sahara Wells, Steven Ortiz, Hadley Weber, and Alek, Ace and Ayla Mendes represented their academy under the brightest spotlights. Remarkably, out of 100 athletes competing, AOJ placed seventy-seven on the Pan Kids podium over the weekend. AOJ continues to reap the rewards of its elite professionalism and dedication at the grassroots level.
"I've always wanted to have a good kids team because it's the foundation of this sport." - Gui Mendes
Gracie Barra claimed second place in the overall team awards. The powerhouse association posted 366 points and delivered 104 athletes to the Pan Kids podium. The "Jiu-Jitsu For All" slogan that has impacted so many individuals around the world was on full display in Florida this weekend. A phenomenal collection of young champions represented themselves and their academies with admirable vigor. Exceptional prospects like Kyara Barral, Charley Caballero, Kaitlyn Klein, Blake Russell, Adam Farneti, and so many other young warriors displayed their knowledge on the world's biggest stage. Through the work of these next generation prospects, Gracie Barra secured another solid performance at a major grassroots event.
Another major association claimed podium positioning in the overall team category. Alliance captured third place with a tight nine-point margin over CheckMat. Fifty-two athletes combined for 206 points at the Pan Kids 2026 event, highlighting the fascinating talent in the grassroots ranks of Alliance. Saiteia Dias, Gabriel D'Agostino, Dohyun Kang, Cassandra Gallegos, and Branca Lago among so many other unnamed champions delivered solid performances on the year's most important stage. The international Alliance organization continues to deliver extraordinary results at the sport's biggest events. Its continued commitment to forging an extraordinary grassroots program is evident not only in performances like Pan Kids 2026, but also in its incredible dominance at the adult division.
Congratulations to all Pan Kids 2026 competitors. The sacrifice, dedication and courage to step on the competition mats is apparent. The skill and competitiveness is appreciated. Pan Kids 2026 is now officially in the records, and the entire jiu-jitsu community recognizes the young warriors that make the event so special.

Source: IBJJF (News) — read the original