We had the great opportunity to have a chat with the manager of Team Kasai (@kasaigrappling), Matheus Lutes (@matheuslutes), about the team’s formation and expectations for the AIGA tournament (@aiga.global) qualifying round, which will have a prize of $1 million in the final stage.
- What was the process of selecting and assembling the team for the AIGA qualifier?
MATHEUS LUTES: “We had a very detailed selection process. The magnitude of this event and prize requires this type of work. Several factors were analyzed, some examples were takedown game, endurance during fighting periods, career momentum, and one of the most important, character. The Kasai brand is very strong and has a fantastic history; it must be represented appropriately.”
- The Kasai team looks tough, what are the team’s expectations for the tournament and the possibility of advancing to the final event?
MATHEUS: “The name Kasai is highly recognized and has helped us attract the best names in the sport. This team we’ve assembled has a huge chance not only to reach the final but to win the Champions League title. I think it’s very difficult for them to put together a selection like ours.”
- Is there any team that you see as the main opponent in the tournament?
MATHEUS: “In recent years, No-Gi Jiu Jitsu has exploded in Brazil! Great athletes are present in this stage, some of them are Ceconi, Ruan Alvarenga, Fábio Caloi, Honório, and so on. But they are in various separate teams, so right now we are the team to beat in the qualifier. An opponent we can’t wait to face is the Modolfo Team. That battle would be epic! Literally a great spectacle. NBA All Stars Game.
- What are the main investments and resources that have been directed to ensure the team’s success in this event?
MATHEUS: “Time and effort; a task force was made by our team, we had many meetings among our team, a series of calls and messages with athletes, coaches, businessmen, and organizers to ensure satisfaction among all of us. And of course, a mega logistics to ensure the treatment that this super team deserves.”
- How do you see the impact that a potential victory in the qualification and participation in the final event could have on the team’s image and reputation?
MATHEUS: The victory in the final event will certainly have a significant impact on the image and reputation of the Kasai team. Kasai was one of the pioneers in treating athletes with the respect they deserve, and AIGA is following that example, attracting only the best in the sport. A victory in this grand event will further enhance the prestige of the Kasai brand and put it back in the spotlight.
