EVERETT, WA, SEPTEMBER 10, 2016 – The North American Grappling Association (NAGA) hosts the country’s oldest and largest Submission grappling and Braziian Jiu Jitsu tournaments. Straight Blast Gym in Kalispell and SBG North in Whitefish sent 18 athletes to compete in the NAGA Tournament outside of Seattle this past weekend.
Marnic Mann, Rachel Sanders, Michele Johnson, Maddee Michels, Stella Davison, Bella Downing, Keara Weiczorek, and Coach Leah Taylor set a stellar example for ladies competing in jiu jitsu. They earned 10 golds, 4 silvers and 2 bronze medals between them while showing poise and sportsmanship.
The kids and teens of SBG who competed (10 in all) brought home 10 golds, 8 silvers and 2 bronzes along with lessons in grit, patience, overcoming fears, focus and following directions. Ricky Davison, Joe Davison, Colton Weiczorek, Lakoda Weiczorek, Cayden Weiczorek, Kalijah Weiczorek and Gus De Souza along with Maddee, Stella and Bella showed that the future for SBG is bright and in capable hands.
Jake Garratt not only coached but led from the front with a beautiful display of Jiu Jitsu earning silver in both the men’s no gi and gi expert division. Simon Doyle medaled in his weight class and won the championship belt in the purple belt division at a weight class above his own using solid fundamentals and a technical approach. Cody Bessette earned double gold but not before going to the wire in finals, where he managed to remain calm and pull out the last second sweep to earn the win.
Travis Davison, head coach and owner of Straight Blast Gym in Montana, added, “It was an incredible weekend filled with many opportunities for growth and improvement through Jiu Jitsu competition. Two days of driving, one day of coaching and a lifetime of memories. Thank you to all the families and the Gorilla Booster Club for your support”.
Ricky Davison (center) earns double Gold in both of his divisions the NAGA Tournament outside of Seattle this past weekend.
Gorilla Booster Club 