STEPHAN Barry and Clare Callahan exhibited fine form and techniques to emerge as champions of Guyana’s first ‘National Jiu-Jitsu Championships’, which was held last Sunday at Georgetown Cricket Club.

The event, which had representatives from three of the five Jui-Jitsu clubs invited, was organised by the Rising Sun and Phoenix Jiu-Jitsu and Judo clubs.
Head organizer, Bruce Fraser, told the Guyana Chronicle that the event took the no-gi format, where no points were awarded for throws, takedowns or sweeps, while leg-locks (including ankle locks, heel-hooks and calf slicers) were allowed.

“Exponents battled their way searching solely for the submission, rendering their opponents unable to continue by tapping out.”
Fourteen persons represented the various clubs at the event.
In the lightweight division, Corwin D’Anjou finished first, followed by Shem Wilkie and Daniel Sooklall.

In the Ladies’ division, Callahan won ahead of Katrina Ford, while in the absolute division, Stephan Barry won top honours, with Rondie Phillips placing second. Ryan Soares and Webster Mcrae Jr. were tied for third place.

According to Fraser, the clubs will continue to push the sport forward.
“We intend to push forward as we have great talent here in Guyana. The next move is to officially form a federation to govern Jiu-Jitsu and this will come into being within a few months.”