GSPN
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)
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)
“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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