This content was published: January 2, 2013. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Sylvania faculty member medals in international Jiu-Jitsu competition
Photos and story by Kate Chester
Richard Rangel, a part-time instructor in Sylvania’s physical education department, proudly displays his gold and silver medals from the recent Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu U.S. Open tournament. In addition to teaching mixed martial arts at the college, he travels throughout the world to compete in Jiu-Jitsu competitions.
Richard Rangel, a part-time instructor at the Sylvania Campus who teaches mixed martial arts and Jiu-Jitsu, brought home gold and silver medals from the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu U.S. Open, which took place this fall in San Jose, Calif.
Rangel – a brown belt master who graduated from PCC’s fitness technology program and now competes locally, nationally and internationally – is a member of the Beaverton-based Impact Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He and 15 academy teammates traveled south to participate in the competition, where Rangel placed first in the light weight division (154-168 pounds). He lost in the finals but took second place in the absolute weight division.
“Our department is so proud of Richard and his accomplishments,” said Moe O’Connor, faculty chair of the Sylvania Campus physical education and fitness technology program. “And the fact that he’s one of our graduates, too, makes news of his honors and awards extra special.”
This tournament was the 17th annual Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu U.S. Open. It precedes the Los Angeles Invitational, Pan American Games and World Jiu-Jitsu Championship each year.
Richard, Great Job! All of your instructors in the PCC welding shop are proud of your accomplishment. Congratulations!