For the love of jiu jitsu

An afternoon was spent rolling around the mat in the hot Sylvan Lake sun.

On Sunday, June 24 – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitors from all around Central Alberta went to the lake shore of Sylvan for a day of camaraderie, community and fitness. One of the organizers from the event, Renshi Ken Sumner, was pleased to see people from Penhold, Red Deer, Rimbey, Blackfalds, Eckville and Sylvan Lake all gathered for the sport.

“It’s a chance for people to get together and enjoy some camaraderie and get some time on the mats,” he said. “This is the first time we have done it out at the beach and we were pretty scared about the weather and whether it was going to cooperate - but it has been fantastic.”

The day featured the appearance of five Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belts, which is “unheard of in Central Alberta” according to Sumner. He added that typically to obtain a brown belt – it takes 8-10 years of continuous training.

“To have five people with that level of training here is phenomenal,” Sumner said.

The event was a non-competitive day where competitors could share some time together, practice their skills and learn new things about Jiu Jitsu.

“It is just about having fun,” Sumner said. “We have 8-year-olds playing just as hard as the adults. It’s a family atmosphere.”

Although it was for fun, many high level athletes stopped by the beach – including some pro mixed martial artists – which helps everyone’s skills according to Sumner.

“Brazilian jiu jitsu is one of the only schools that does this,” he said. “We have over five schools hanging out for our love of jiu jitsu and this happens all over the sport. This is what it’s about and this is what we do.”

If you would like more information about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, you can contact Arashi Do Sylvan Lake at 587 400 9831.

“We have classes for kids four and up,” Sumner said. “We are getting new people all the time. Jiu jitsu is a fantastic art for community and fitness.”

reporter@sylvanlakenews.com