Kids BJJ

SBG Celebrates Wins, 10 year Legacy at Revolution

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TACOMA, WA, NOVEMBER 3RD & 4TH, 2018 – Revolution XXXVIII BJJ Tournament

As SBG Montana celebrates it’s 10th anniversary, the years of competing at tournaments across the northwest paid off at this weekend’s Revolution BJJ tournament in Tacoma, WA.

Sixteen athletes brought home a total of 23 medals in the youth and adult divisions: 7 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze.

Head Coach Cody Bessette of SBG Bigfork took gold in No Gi and was named Top Ranked Athlete for 2018 in his division. Colton Wieczorek (15 yrs) took double silver in the Men’s White Belt Gi and No Gi divisions. Lakoda Wieczorek (13 yrs) took double gold in the Youth Yellow Belt Gi and No Gi divisions. Isabella Downing (11 yrs) took Silver in Gi and Gold in No Gi in the Youth Yellow Belt Divisions.

Tournaments are the way in which SBG Athletes can test their jiu jitsu skills. Competition offers a unique learning environment that, win or lose, takes an athlete’s training to the next level.

Bessette shared, “The Revolution Tournament was another phenomenal experience and a well-run tournament where we were able to put our skills to the test and learn so much more about ourselves than we ever thought possible. As a competitor I have always found it a wonderful eye opener to realize the depth of the art that is BJJ.”

More valuable than the medals are the life lessons that athletes learn from the experience. Downing’s mother, Kristin Downing, shared how competition has enriched her daughter’s personal development.

“In the three years she has been competing, traveling and tournaments has shaped her into a better athlete. She has learned patience, how to lose, how to work hard for her end goal, and that she will not always leave with a medal.”

SBG’s supportive training environment and knowledgable coaches gave Downing the space to learn those lessons. “Bella’s coaches have taken time to work with her when she needs extra time and skill lessons for upcoming tournaments. They have been very supportive for all of the competitions she attends, not matter the distance.”

Wieczorek is part of a family of 7 that has been training with SBG for four years. This was his first time competing in the adult divisions. His experience in BJJ tournaments gave him the skills to overcome obstacles beyond SBG.

His mother, Angela Wieczorek, commented, “We have competed in almost 25+ tournaments since starting at the gym. No matter the outcome of each competition we always walk away with new lessons, new experiences, and new growth as individuals.”

Ms. Wieczorek is one of dozens of adult athletes at SBG who train alongside her children. Competition offers her the same outlet for personal growth that it does her children.

“Competition makes you face your fears and step out of your comfort zone,” she shared. “How do you know how you will react in a real life defense situation if you don’t force yourself to react under pressure in a controlled environment?”

For more information about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Yoga, Fitness, and Kids Programs, call 406-752-7244, email at info@sbgmontana.com, or visit the website at http://www.sbgmontana.com.

Team Results:

YOUTH

  • Aiden Shaver (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze
  • Bryn Anderson (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze – No Gi, Bronze
  • Cayden Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze – No Gi, Silver
  • Fisher Sliter (Whitefish) – Gi, Silver
  • Isabella Downing (Whitefish) – Gi, Silver – No Gi, Gold
  • Kalijah Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Silver – No Gi, Gol
  • Keara Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze
  • Lakoda Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Gold – No Gi, Gold
  • Lex Bessette (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze – No Gi, Silver
  • Nevi Bessette (Kalispell) – Gi, Gold

ADULT

  • Cody Bessette (Bigfork) – No Gi, Gold
  • Colton Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Silver – No Gi, Silver
  • Meral Jobes (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze – No Gi, Silver
  • Sarah Garcia (Kalispell) – Gi, Silver – No Gi, Bronze

 

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For SBG Athletes, Confidence in Competition Expands at Oregon Open

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HILLSBORO, OR, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 – Oregon Open Jiu Jitsu Championship

Students from Straight Blast Gym traveled to the Oregon Open Jiu Jitsu Championship in Hillsboro, Oregon on Saturday, September 8th.

SBG Whitefish’s Isabella Downing won gold in both the Gi and No Gi divisions. SBG Kalispell’s Bryn Anderson won bronze in the beginner No Gi division.

Head Coach Travis Davison commented, “Bryn Andersen and Bella Downing are a joy to coach and both performed well. Bryn earned a bronze medal and Bella had a flawless performance earning double gold.”

The tournament is the largest jiu jitsu tournament in Oregon and a valuable opportunity for competitors to experience International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation rules, an organization that hosts some of the largest BJJ tournaments in the world.

Both Downing and Anderson have previous experience competing in the Oregon Open. Traveling to tournaments in the northwest, California, and Nevada has been formative experiences in the athletic and personal development of these young athletes.

“Attending tournaments away from home helps these children gain confidence and also forges friendships with fellow teammates,” said Kristin Downing, Isabella’s mother. “My child is very lucky to have these opportunities provided by SBG as well as by [Head Coaches] Travis and Kisa [Davison].”

Tournaments offer a unique opportunity for SBG’s young athletes to gain confidence by performing in front of a large crowd in an unfamiliar environment.

Davison added, “Both of these kids handle pressure well and continue to gain confidence with each passing tournament.”

For more information about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Yoga, Fitness, and Kids Programs, call 406-752-7244.

Team Results:

Isabella Downing (SBG Whitefish)
Youth Gi – Yellow – Gold
Youth NoGi – Intermediate – Gold

Bryn Anderson (SBG Kalispell)
Youth Gi – Grey – No placement
Youth NoGi – Beginner – Bronze

SBG Bigfork, Whitefish Athletes Medal At Regional Tournament

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Spokane, WA, January 6, 2018 – Northwest Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament

SBG Bigfork’s Will Allen and Head Coach Cody Bessette medaled in the Northwest Open Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament in Spokane, WA on Saturday, January 6th. This marks SBG Bigfork’s second tournament since opening its doors in September.

Allen won two gold medals in Masters 1 White Belt Gi and No Gi Novice. He shared of the experience:

“This moment in my journey is one that I will never forget. It is inspiring to be led by Coach Cody. Without a doubt all of the successes garnished this past weekend are a direct result of his mentoring, teaching and coaching.”

Competitors from SBG Whitefish also participated in the event: Paul Downing, Bella Downing, and Tanner Downing. Bessette took the opportunity to coach these competitors while at the event.

Head Coach Cody Bessette shared:

“It was an honor to coach such wonderful people. The humility our tribe displayed was world-class. To have SBG North (Whitefish) and SBG Bigfork come together and represent the organization truly exemplifies what tribe is all about. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this experience with each one of our competitors. This is SBG, you will be okay!”

For more information about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Yoga, and Fitness call (406) 420-2888, email at info@sbgbigfork.com, or visit the website at http://www.sbgmontana.com.

Team Results

  • Will Allen- Two gold medals – Masters 1 (30+) White Belt Gi, and No Gi Novice 186-205 lbs.
  • Cody Bessette – Two silver medals – Adult Purple Belt Gi and expert No Gi 186-205 lbs.
  • Paul Downing – Silver in No Gi – Masters 1 (30+) White Belt Gi, and No Gi novice 166-185 lbs.
  • Bella Downing – Two gold medals – Girls’ Grey Belt Gi and No Gi Intermediate 67-76 lbs.
  • Tanner Downing – Two bronze medals – Boys’ Grey Belt Gi and No Gi Beginner 67-76 lbs

PRESS RELEASE: SBG Teams From Across the Nation Dominate NW Submission Challenge

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Boise, ID, April 29th & 30th, 2017 – NW Submission Challenge

SBG Montana joined teammates from across the country in Boise’s Northwest Submission Challenge jiu jitsu tournament on April 29th & 30th.

Of the six adult competitors who competed, four placed first in their division. In her first competition as a blue belt Marnic Mann placed 1st in Gi and 2nd in No Gi.

Black belt Gus Nolte won the black belt Absolute Division, took 3rd in the Advanced No Gi Absolute Division, and 2nd in his weight class in the Gi and No Gi.He said, “The Northwest Submission Challenge was phenomenal. SBG was closing out each bracket.” Nolte will be opening SBG Missoula in the summer, where he will be Head Coach in Montana’s third SBG location.

Head Coach Travis Davison said:
“SBG swept the Northwest Submission Challenge this past weekend. Winning the overall Team Championship, Gi Championship, No Gi Championship, and taking all the money in the Absolute divisions. The Tribe was represented by competitors from SBG Burien, SBG Portland, SBG Elko, SBG Idaho, SBG Montana and SBG North. The purple belt, brown belt, black belt and advanced No Gi Absolute divisions were all won by competitors from different SBGs. SBG’s training methods are producing predictable results with repeatability, regardless of where, in the world you train. The Revolution is in full swing and what Matt Thornton started over 25 years ago is getting bigger everyday! Viva SBG!”

 

Team Results:

ADULTS
Sierra Benjamin – 1st in Gi
Marnic Mann – 1st in Gi, 2nd in No Gi
Aaron Westphal – 1st in Gi
Matt Okonsky – 1st in Gi, 3rd in No Gi
Patrick Brooks – no placement
Gus Nolte – 1st in Absolute Gi, 3rd in Absolute No Gi, 2nd his division in Gi & No Gi

YOUTH
Isabella Downing – 3rd in Gi, 2nd in No Gi
Tanner Downing – 3rd in Gi, 2nd in No Gi
Owen Dodrill – 2nd in Gi, 3rd in No Gi
Bryson Rowell – 1st in Gi
Bryn Anderson – 2nd in Gi
Hayden Knauer – 1st in Gi
Kylin Pope – 3rd in Gi
Gage Acton – No Placement

For more information about Martial Arts, Yoga, and Fitness, contact Kisa Davison at 406-752-7244, by email at info@sbgmontana.com, or by web at www.sbgmontana.com.