Team SBG Niagara had a very successful day today at the Grappling Industries Brazilian Jiu jItsu Competition in Hamilton, Ontario. While only having a team of 5 competitors, with it being our 3 children competitors first time ever competing in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Competition, we brought home a total of 5 medals: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze.
Olivia was bumped up from the 11-12 year old division to the 13-15 year old division, and took it to her opponents each match. Once she got top position, she played a very heavy top game and never gave up top earning the Gold.
Alexander brought home Silver in his 9-10 year old division. He stayed focused, listened well, and even when he was in trouble he stayed calm and overcame the odds to win.
Alexandra fought in the 9-10 year old “rooster weight” (under 60 lbs) and showed incredible heart and tenacity, never giving up and always working through some tough situations. Had to fight a boy that was much heavier than her, last minute entry, and even though it did not go her way, never complained once and stayed in it as long as she could, bringing home a Bronze medal.
Mike fought some really hard gi matches, and ended up hurting some ribs first match. Gutted it out for 4 more matches, and showed some very good technical jits. Won some, lost some, and took home a lot of new things learend to implemet into his game.
Coach Andrew stepped up to compete and had a phenomenal day. He exemplified the posture leads to pressure model. No one wanted to open their guard against him because of his excellent posture. When caught on bottom, he showed some very good defesne and guard recovery, working for sweeps and such. Coach Andrew always moved forward, taking the fight to his opponents, and he ended up bringing home a Silver and Bronze medal for his efforts.
I am very proud of everyone. Great sportsmanship from all, and win or lose, everyone was always looking to learn from their experience.
A great way to spend a Saturday, being surrounded by such quality people. It is my privilege to be a part of their experience.
Like Coach Travis says...”Steers try...Bulls get it done!”
Thank you all!
Coach Rich