JitsCast #46 features top Norwegian Jiu-Jitsu competitor Tarik Hopstock as he prepares to defend the lightweight Ocean BJJ title. Hopstock is one of the best grapplers to come out of Europe in the last decade and he has also become incredibly popular after inventing the Tarikoplata, a shoulder-lock that was named after him. Hopstock has also become known for his fantastic leglocks too, and his ankle-lock is one of his most dangerous weapons. He’s used both to great effect since becoming a black belt in 2021 and before that, he won multiple gold medals at the IBJJF European Championship across every belt level.
Jits Magazine spoke to Hopstock about his journey through the colored belta and what his experience was like as part of a unique wave of Norwegian competitors alongside Tommy Langaker and Espen Mathiesen. He talked about the rivalry they had with each other during their rise through the ranks and how they’ve become friends and training partners since then. Hopstock also spoke about how he structures his training to make the most of the training partners he has in his own academy, and how he develops new skills to test out against Langaker and Mathiesen before debuting them at the highest level.
Hopstock also explained how he came up with the Tarikoplata and how he proved it’s efficacy in competition as a colored belt. He also broke down his amazing run in the under 80kg division of the Ocean BJJ Pro Championship 2024, particularly his final two matches where he faced his toughest opposition. He also explained how the ruleset for the event works and how he was able to play into it in order to improve his chances of winning. With one eye on the future; Hopstock then talked about his upcoming appearance on the second edition of the event, where he will attempt to defend his title.
JitsCast #46 with Tarik Hopstock is now available to watch on the official Jits Magazine YouTube channel, click here to subscribe for more or check out the interview below:
