Manx Stars’ Amazing Medal Haul

Fresh from their victory at the IBJJF European Championships in Rome, Gracie Barra Isle of Man’s Jiu-Jitsu Competition squad were back out in force at the All Stars BJJ Manchester Pro tournament this weekend.

This was an opportunity for newer competitors to take part in a UK regional tournament and also for more experienced members of the Squad to stay sharpe.

The results were yet again fantastic, especially for some of the brand new competitors.

This particular tournament held both Gi (wearing the traditional kimono) and Nogi (wearing a rash guard and shorts) matches with many of the team competing in both.

Hayley Curtis added yet more metal to her recent IBJJF European Championship win by taking Gold in the Gi division after a win in the semi final against a larger opponent and then Silver in the Nogi division after a submission loss against a former Juvenile World Champion despite being ahead on points. She will next make an appearance at the British Nogi Championship and then the IBJJF European Championship in Paris in January.

Stuart Shimmin took part in his very first tournament on this occasion and convincingly won Gold in both the Gi and Nogi divisions with dominant high scoring matches. This is a rare occurrence in someone’s first appearance at a tournament and shows how much his dedication to training for this has paid off.

The Squad’s Strength & Conditioning Coach and CrossFit Isle of Man’s very own Dan Bonett returned to competition after a great win at his first tournament in the Summer to dominate both the semifinal and final this weekend taking home a well deserved Gold in the Gi division.

Fourteen-year-old Jayden Mahey proved his Jiu-Jitsu was on point with a fantastic submission victories and a win in the final of the Gi division to give him Gold. He then won his semifinal in the Nogi division which ultimately led to a Silver. Jayden saw big improvements in his game over the last few months which played in successfully in Manchester.

One of the Coaches at GBIOM Callum Perry was back competing in the Adult divisions. He really found his form in the Nogi winning the quarter and semi finals. The first via submission and the semi would have been a clear lead points win had his opponent not been disqualified in the final seconds. Callum put a great effort into the final and came away with a well deserved Silver.

Sarah Redmond returned to competition a year after her last with a convincing semi final win against a heavier opponent which brought her into the final against team mate Hayley Curtis. Although never ideal to compete against a team mate and in this case, regular training partners and friends but both women gave it their all with a close match which lead to Sarah taking Silver.

Gianni Fabrizio, who is the Nutrition Coach for the Competition Squad Training camps, faced difficult matches in his division in which was his first tournament. He won the semifinal via advantage points which lead to victory and a well earned Silver medal after a close final.

Joe Kane was also taking part in his first tournament and has only been training Jiu-Jitsu since the Summer time. He was in a strong Gi division but won his semifinal which took him to the final against a much more experienced competitor with Joe giving it everything and taking home the Silver.

Patrick Creer won his first rounds in both Gi and Nogi but finished just outside the medal winning positions in both categories in what was a large competitive Adult Division. A great effort nonetheless.

Aaron Mason’s opponent was unable to take part and therefore took default Gold in Gi and Nogi.

Harry Revill took default Silver in Gi after a loss in the final.

16 Year old Liam Blakemore put on a fine performance in the Juvenile division final but lost taking default Silver. He then moved into the Adult Category as his Juvenile opponent pulled out and put on a great display of Jiu-Jitsu in both matches. Much like Teen team mate Jayden Mahey, he is one to watch at future competitions.

Members of the Squad are next in action at the British Nogi Championship in December before training for the IBJJF European Gi Championship in Paris in January.

Head Coach Conrad Roberts said: “It’s been a very busy year and the team have gone from strength to strength each time. We had some people competing for the first time this weekend and they did so well including winning Gold and high point and submission victories. It says a lot about the effort everyone is putting into their training but also the wider coaching team and training partners”

The Team are always looking for new members to join from ages 3 upwards and looking for corporate sponsors to assist with competition costs.

www.graciebarra.im