SBG’s Mann Defends MMA Title Against Graves

GREAT FALLS, MT, NOVEMBER 10, 2018 – Fusion Fight League’s Border Wars
SBG Montana’s Marnic Mann defended her title against Veronica Graves at Fusion Fight League’s Border Wars MMA event.

Mann won by a unanimous decision after 5 rounds of back-and-forth, technical fighting, retaining her belt and her title.

Graves started the fight strong with a deep arm bar attempt in the 1st round, but Mann remained composed, defended and made it to the bell.

From there they alternated winning rounds. Mann did damage on the feet with hard punches and knees to the liver of Graves in the clinch, and crushing blows to the head when they were at distance.

As the the rounds wore on Mann’s wrestling and body shots made the difference as she put Graves on the mat multiple times and the accumulated body attacks exhausted Graves.

By the time they entered the 5th and final round, Mann and Graves had won 2 rounds each. Mann immediately opened the round with hard punching and a take down, only to be reversed a short time later, ending up on the bottom.

Mann maintained her calm, did damage with up kicks and punches from the bottom, took no damage and eventually worked her way back to the feet. The judges awarded Mann a close but unanimous decision to retain her belt.

Coach Daniel Di Stefano of SBG Whitefish commented, “Mann worked hard in training camp and it showed. She was fresh throughout all 5 rounds, neutralized her opponent’s offense, and maintained composure when she was in trouble.”

Di Stefano continued, “Her mental toughness combined with excellent conditioning allowed her to keep coming down the stretch. She’s a special athlete with a bright future, I can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.”

SBG Montana’s Gage Morsette fought on the same card and moved to 3-0 as he displayed a dominant grappling game against explosively athletic striker Louie Lopez. Despite Lopez’s attempts to keep the fight standing, Morsette was relentless in his pursuit of take downs that Lopez simply could not stop.

Morsette displayed an arsenal of trips, double legs, and upper body throws, at one point hoisting Lopez above his head, carrying him across the cage and slamming him to the ground. Morsette’s positional dominance led to punishing ground and pound resulting in a TKO in the second round.

Di Stefano shared, “Gage has all the potential in the world, this dominant display is just a preview of what he is capable of. This fight tested him, but his calm unruffled cage demeanor and solid grappling will be hard for any opponent to deal with.”

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.

SBG Celebrates Wins, 10 year Legacy at Revolution

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

SBG’s 1st Female MMA Athlete Wins Fusion Title

KALISPELL, MT, OCTOBER 2, 2018 – Fusion Fight Night, Billings, MT

Straight Blast Gym’s Marnic Mann won the Fusion Fight League Title in an MMA bout on Saturday, September 29th in Billings, MT.

She was declared the winner by TKO and the new champion in the Women’s 115 lb division.

Mann fought against Ireland Moran of Billings. Mann dropped Moran with a straight left hand to start the first round and finished the round on top in the guard.

The second round saw two exchange punches and kicks before clinching up. Mann managed to mount Moran off a failed takedown attempt and ultimately won the fight with strikes from the mount.

Mann said of her performance, “ I trained so hard, put my mind where it needed to be, stayed relaxed, and got it done.”

Head Coach Travis Davison commented, “She was 3-0 going into the fight but none of her previous fights were against opponents with Ireland’s experience or with title implications. The fight was in Moran’s hometown of Billings and the crowd was overwhelming in her favor. Despite all this Marnic kept her composure and fought a near perfect fight.”

Davison is excited to see where Mann takes her MMA career from here.

“She is now 4-0 with her first title defense scheduled for November 10th in Great Falls, MT. SBG’s Marnic Mann has a bright future and is definitely one to watch.”

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

Straight Blast Gym of Montana’s Stella Davison is one step closer to making the USA Olympic Judo Team

KENT, WA, FEBRUARY 17, 2018 – Washington State Judo Championships

Straight Blast Gym of Montana’s Stella Davison is one step closer to making the USA Olympic Judo Team.

Davison placed 1st in the International Judo Federation Junior Division at the Washington State Judo Championships.

The 16-year-old athlete and green belt in Judo is reaching for the USA Olympic Judo team. The tournament in Washington is one of many that Davison will compete in this year to rise to the level of Olympic athlete.

Davison said of the experience, “What a great way to start this year’s competitions, and this is only the beginning. I’m looking forward to many more successful tournaments. I will continue to train hard and make the improvements needed to be the best! As always, thank you so much to everyone who continues to support me and goals.”

Davison trains with SBG’s Coach Sean Saadi, a black belt in Judo. Saadi said of the results, “We’ve been preparing since July last year for the 2018 season. Becoming the WA State Champion was a good warm-up to the 7 national tournaments we have planned for 2018. Stella is poised to make Team USA and start climbing the international ranking ladder very soon.”

Davison will leave March 2nd for Pennsylvania, where she will try to earn a spot on the national team.

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

SBG Bigfork, Whitefish Athletes Medal At Regional Tournament

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 Montana Promotes New Black Belt To It’s Ranks

KALISPELL, MT, December 29, 2017 –
SBG MONTANA BLACK BELT PROMOTION

Ryan Asay became SBG Montana’s newest black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu on Friday, December 29th. Approximately 50 members of the martial arts school attended this special event.

Asay’s promotion to black belt marked a particularly special milestone for the BJJ school. Asay was one of the gym’s very first students when it opened in 2008.

Head Coach Travis Davison shared Asay’s rise from the school’s first white belt student to 2nd homegrown black belt.

“Nine years ago when Kisa [Davison] and I were out of work and collecting unemployment we hatched a plan to start SBG Montana. I had been teaching a handful of guys Jiu Jitsu in my garage and at another person’s dojo and decided to pitch my idea to them at Moose’s Saloon. Ryan and Zach [Dickson] were there and opted to write checks for a year’s membership upfront. That money helped to open our first location and Ryan became a fixture on our mat.”

For Asay, that initial investment was “money well spent”. He shared:

“Little did I know that years later this small investment would improve my life exponentially and surround me with amazing men and women who push me and make me want to be better everyday.”

Asay’s journey is on of many stories of transformation that comes out of SBG Montana. For him, as well as many others, SBG is not only provides a physical activity but vastly improves his quality of life.

“Jiu Jitsu is powerful but without people it’s impossible, and the community at SBG deserves much of the credit for my accomplishments today and in the future. I cringe a little bit when I think of the path my life might have continued if I hadn’t made the right choice 9 years ago.”

Davison also shared the positive changes training made in Asay’s life, saying:

“He was a 19 year old kid when I met him and to say he was quiet and shy would be an understatement. I couldn’t be prouder of the man he has become or happier about his success and accomplishments.”

For belt promotions, SBG International celebrates with a tradition unique to the organization, which they call an “Ironman”. A student rolls with each and every teammate who attends the event, which can range anywhere from 40-50 people. The event culminates when the student rolls with their coach, who then awards them their new belt.

In addition to Coach Davison, Asay joins two other black belts from SBG Montana’s team: Coach Leah Taylor, who received her black belt from SBG President Matt Thornton and Coach Gus Nolte, SBG Montana’s first black belt. Nolte is now the Head Coach at SBG Missoula, which opened in November.

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

Revolution Tournament Victories Mark Growth Of SBG In Montana

Tacoma, WA, November, 4th & 5th, 2017 – Revolution XXXV Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament

As SBG celebrates the opening of new locations in Bigfork and Missoula, they sent twenty competitors to the Revolution Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament in Tacoma, WA. This marked a special event for SBG’s teams in Montana as athletes from all four locations came together to compete and support each other in the event.

Head Coach Travis Davison opened the first location in Kalispell in 2008, and in that time he has opened other Montana locations and lead athletes to tournaments throughout the West.

Davison said of the tournament:

“SBG opened its first location in Montana 9 years ago this December. We are now in 4 different cities including Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, and Missoula. This past weekend all 4 of our locations were represented at the Revolution Tournament in Tacoma, WA and had athletes earning Gold medals. In total we sent 20 competitors from Montana and earned 11 Gold medals, 7 Silver, and 4 Bronze!”

SBG Bigfork Head Coach Cody Bessette was one of the 20 competitors from Montana to take home 22 medals. Bessette, a blue belt, won Gold in the Master’s division, Gold in the Men’s Intermediate No-Gi, and Bronze in the Absolute Division.

Bessette trained at SBG Montana before opening the location in Bigfork. He praised his tribe’s admirable performance at the tournament.

“Our Tribe doesn’t just build top notch competitors. We build well-rounded, respectful people who are willing to step out of their comfort zone to better themselves through adversity. The competition was strong in Tacoma and I am looking forward to going back to represent SBG in the future.”

Coach Daniel DiStefano from SBG North in Whitefish prepared his students for the tournament, while training to compete himself. DiStefano shared of his experience:

“SBG consistently shows that our small-town Montana team builds elite competitors. I had been chomping at the bit to compete, and knowing that I prepare with such a talented team made it much easier to step on the mats and perform to my potential. It was fun to grab the gold, and I look forward to the next challenge.”