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By Patrick Lujan
Two of Guam’s premier Brazilian Jiu Jitsu schools were well represented in the 2016 IBJJF Pan Kids Jiu Jitsu Championship in Long Beach, CA on Sunday.
After a long day of competition featuring over 1000 young practitioners, Guam representation walked away with eight medals: one gold, three silver and four bronze.
“Besides the Brazilian teams, Guam presence is noticeable,” Purebred head coach Stephen Roberto said. “It was good vibes.”
Lone Gold
Figo’s Ava Mari Cruz was the lone gold medalist for Guam, winning her only match in the yellow belt middleweight (Teen 2) division.
Three Silver
Figo rooster competitor Ethan John Leon Guerrero made some waves on his way to the silver. At 11-years-old, Leon Guerrero was 20-lbs. lighter than the lightest division. Facing much bigger competition, Leon Guerrero took care of his first two matches before finally succumbing to his opponent in the finals in the last 30 seconds on points.
“Ethan really showed heart,” Figo coach Luis Reyes said. “To be that much lighter against his competition goes to show that heart and technique will outdo size anytime in jiu jitsu.”
Purebred’s Francesca Lizama took silver in the orange/green belt medium-heavy division while multiple champion Kai McDermott (Konde Coma) settled for silver as well as he ventured into a new age bracket.
Bronze Medals
Rounding out the medalists for Guam were Purebred’s Colin Ada (orange belt, junior 3 featherweight) and Ava Schembari (grey belt, peewee featherweight) and Figo’s Ajia Fegurgur (grey belt, teen 3 middleweight) and Benjamin Borja (grey belt, junior 3 featherweight).
Team Figo pose for a team picture after the Pan Kids Tournament in Long Beach, CA. (courtesy photo)
Purebred Academy takes a team photo on the podium of the Pan Kids Championship. (courtesy photo)
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