Sport
Gracie Barra’s Successful Return
The UK National Tournament, held in Wolverhampton last weekend, saw a total of 19 medals won.
Images and text supplied by Gracie Barra Isle of Man
Grace Barra Isle of Man has returned from its latest trip across the sea with decent haul of medals.
The UK National Tournament, held in Wolverhampton last weekend, saw a total of 19 medals won.
The team, composed of the Island’s talented Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors from various weight classes, dominated their respective divisions, showcasing the essence of the revered combat sport.
Coach and seasoned competitor, Hayley Curtis competed in the Adult Featherweight division and came up against two tough opponents. In her semi-final she took on a competitor over 10 years her junior and submitted her with an Americana shoulder lock causing her opponent to tap out. In the final she met an experienced competitor but remained composed and continually racked up positional points earning her a 10-0 victory. Hayley brought home the Gold and as a result of these wins, she currently places third in the overall Compnet Global rankings in the Adult division.
Teen Competitor Jayden Mahey continued his undefeated streak and came up against an experienced student from one of the largest and most successful Jiu-Jitsu Academies during his semi-final. Jayden was determined from the start and broke a GBIOM record by finishing the match in just 8 seconds with a remarkable submission victory! Team mate Kye Greenhalgh was in the same division and bracket and earned his place in the final against Jayden after a confident and well executed semi-final 14-0 point win! The final ended in a submission win for Jayden who took Gold with Kye picking up the well deserved silver.
Junior Alan Greenhalgh was on great form and dominated his bracket in both his semi-final and final to take Gold! A submission victory at 2 minutes 40 seconds into the match came after racking up a score of 13-0 in his semi-final. His confidence going into the final meant he scored 6-0 before a further submission win at 2 minutes 36 seconds! A fantastic day for Alan who has excelled this year.
Recently promoted grey belt Junior Amelie Henson took part in her first tournament at this level and produced an inspired performance in her final winning by Submission in just 22 seconds into the match! An incredible accomplishment and well earned Gold medal.
Junior Maisie Meban claimed a fantastic submission victory in her final just 2 minutes into the match! Dominant throughout, Maisie collected positional points which led to her being 6-0 up prior her submission. Along with the win, Maisie should be also praised on her subsequent sportsmanship toward her opponent.
Oscar Nation took part in his first ever tournament after working hard in the lead up at the various competition preparation sessions and training camps. He faced two more experienced competitors but worked exceptionally hard in his first match to take the win on points. A close match in the final, Oscar equalled his opponent on points by the end of the match but had scored secondary advantage points to take home the Gold. A fantastic first outing for him.
Juvenile Blue belt Liam Blakemore obtained a default bronze in his own weight class which meant that he could take part in the Absolute division. This is made up of those competitors who have obtained a medal in their own weight class and then go against those of all weights. Liam faced a skilled opponent from a high level Academy and initially had some points scored against him but expertly turned the match around and went on to submit his opponent with a leg lock 3 minutes into the match which ultimately meant he brought home Silver.
Head Coach Conrad Roberts said: ‘The mixed Squad have worked incredibly hard in the lead up to this tournament and displayed great resilience and mental fortitude. The camaraderie and support within the team remained second to none, as they cheered each other on and celebrated the victories together and consoled any losses. We potentially have five more tournaments this year including major Internationals and we already back working towards those with yet more learning under our belts.’
In total the team won:
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