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KAI WINS 3rd BJJ KIDS WORLDS

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By Patrick Lujan

Kai McDermott wins his third World BJJ Kids championship, taking the gold medal via armbar in San Bernadino, Calif. (courtesy photo)

Kai McDermott wins his third World BJJ Kids championship, taking the gold medal via armbar in San Bernadino, Calif. (courtesy photo)

How about being a three-time world champion at the tender age of seven?

Kai McDermott can carry that honor after winning yet another gold medal in the World Kids BJJ Tournament in San Bernadino, California on Saturday.

Kai Kai, which he is better know as, took the medium-heavyweight class (73.5-lbs.) of the gray belt division via armbar in the gold medal match. He moved up to a heavier division (80-lbs.) and wound up taking silver.

“As Kai’s parents, we are always a bit nervous but we never show him, especially before he competes,” mom Tricia McDermott said. “Every time he steps on the mat it’s like his first time all over again. We instil in him that as long as he has fun, that’s all that matters.”

Kai has been competing since he was five-years-old and has won a world championship each year. It doesn’t hurt that his parents practice the sport faithfully with his dad Justin being a brown belt.

Proud parents Tricia and Justin with their seven-year-old world BJJ champion Kai. (courtesy photo)

Proud parents Tricia and Justin with their seven-year-old world BJJ champion Kai. (courtesy photo)

“We train together and most especially we enjoy our time on the mat,” Tricia said. “Kai as a competitor is humble. He doesn’t get nervous because he’s been training since he was four.”

While Guam celebrates its 69th Liberation Day, the little McDermott wears the Guam seal closest to his heart on his gi.

Tricia McDermott says her son looks up to his BJJ instructors Leo, Ricardo and Leandro Viera because he “admires their jiu jitsu techniques and personalities.”

The McDermott’s expect their second child in September. And yes, the child will be rolling on the mat. The pink gi awaits her!

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COMING SOON …

FD Alumni Basketball Tournament June 27-July 18

Pacific Mini Games June 29-July 9

 

QUICK HITS

Guam’s athletes performed well in the Spartan Race in Capas Tarlac, Philippines, picking up two division wins and two 2nd place finishes.
Belen Sidell 43 yrs (1st)
Phil Law 58 yrs (1st)
Tess Esma 48 yrs (2nd)
James Sardea 55 yrs (2nd)
Charles Esma 18 yrs (12th)
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Frankie Perez wins double gold at the IBJJF Asian Open in Chiba, Japan.
The brown belt doubled up in the Master 4 Ultra weight class.

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