Nick's first year competing as a black belt couldn't have gone too much smoother, taking 2nd at IBJJF Nogi World's, first in Houston and Dallas, and now first place in the 220 lb Super Heavy Weight division for nogi on June 28 and gi on June 29. Not only did Hawk win every match, he didn't have one point scored on him. A feat that few every get to experience. He also took out the Brazilian National Champ in the semi-finals. We're not quite sure how he competed at both but it was an intense match and we're glad it happened. Nick hit a spectacular fireman's carry on the Brazilian champ and also his opponent in the finals. He says he feels much stronger and much more "appropriately placed" at Super Heavy Weight, up from Light Heavy Weight, where he used to mostly compete. Typically wrestlers, such as he, have greater success at higher weights. Hawk has plans for the ADCC Trials in the Spring and IBJJF Nogi World's in December. He does say he wants to start spending more time in his studio and and create some more music again but BJJ has been #1 in his life this last year and a half.
