The Bonnyville Jiu Jitsu Club proved they’re a force to be reckoned with at the final tournament of the season.
On June 16, the club travelled to Edmonton to compete in the 2018 Mind, Body, Soul BJJ Muay Thai Tournament.
The competition featured athletes from across Alberta, and had matches for all age groups with any level of experience.
About half of club members were able to attend the tournament, with most participants coming home, medal in hand.
“I think it shows strength of the program that we can place in a city competition,” expressed Landon Boser, head coach.
Athletes who practice jiu jitsu are given belts to indicate their levels. Stripes are added to indicate their progress toward their next rank.
Club member, Ethan Lessard, has managed to add two white and two red stripes to his white belt since he started jui jitsu.
“In the tournament, I got a bronze and a gold medal,” Lessard said, who competed in the eight-year-old gi and no gi divisions.
Lessard immediately took to the individual sport when he started, and has told his mom that he doesn’t want to do anything else.
For some participants, this was their tournament debut.
“It was my first time being in a tournament,” explained Wiley Lemay, 10. “I was a little embarrassed at first, but after my second fight I felt fine.”
Lemay won silver medals in both matches, and encourages anyone with an interest to try the sport next year because of how much he’s enjoyed it.
While the season is over for the club, classes will be back in September. Boser is hoping once they’re back in action, they can expand the club and attend additional competitions.
