Gracy Llana Represented Team USA in France
The Los Angeles athlete competed in the International Combat Organization World Martial Arts Championships.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Gracy Llana served as the sole competitor from the West Los Angeles area at the 2026 International Combat Organization World Martial Arts Championships. She competed in kata and weapons events as part of the Team USA delegation in Thonon-les-Bains, France.
Why it matters
Llana participated to demonstrate the resilience of the Gerry Blanck Martial Arts Center following the destruction of its original facility by the Palisades Fire. Her appearance highlights the recovery efforts of the local martial arts community in the Pacific Palisades.
The championships hosted 1,200 competitors from 32 countries at the Maison des Sports. The event drew from an International Combat Organization membership that spans 50 nations.
The players
Gracy Llana
She is a martial artist who serves as the representative for Team USA from the West Los Angeles area.
Gerry Blanck
He is the founder of the Gerry Blanck Martial Arts Foundation and operates a dojo on Palisades Drive.
Ben Zamel
He is a junior martial arts competitor who recently placed at the Orange Coast Junior Nationals.
The details
Llana, who trains at a new dojo on Palisades Drive, prepared for the colored-belt division by focusing on kata and weapons forms. Her sensei, Gerry Blanck, coordinated training with other experts to support students after the Palisades Fire destroyed the center previously located on Marquez Avenue.
Timeline
September 2026: Ben Zamel and Eden Savoian achieved podium finishes at the Orange Coast Junior Nationals.
October 14-18, 2026: The International Combat Organization World Martial Arts Championships took place in Thonon-les-Bains.
Season Trajectory
The participation of athletes in global events marks a key developmental milestone for the organization after regional successes at the Orange Coast Junior Nationals. These international appearances help determine future coaching strategies and training focus at the new Palisades Drive facility.
Llana's performance in the colored-belt division serves as a benchmark for student progress within the Gerry Blanck Martial Arts Foundation. Local students and members can monitor these results to gauge the competitive standard of the newly established dojo.
The takeaway
Llana's journey represents the commitment of local athletes to maintain high performance levels despite the disruption caused by the Palisades Fire. Her efforts demonstrate how community-based foundations rebuild competitive programs through collaborative sensei training.
Further reading
Learn more about local fighters and events on the Mixed Martial Arts page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Palisadian-Post.
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