MALONEY MOVING UP AFTER GOLD

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By Patrick Lujan

So long juvenile division, it’s been nice.

Guam’s Robert Maloney spent his last time in the youth division at the 2013 Pan Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Irvine, California winning gold in the medium-heavy blue belt division (175-lb.) this past weekend.

“It was just to have fun and work hard,” Maloney said about his approach going into the Pan Ams. Why of course, it’s his second time winning gold at this big event.

The 17-year-old from Arizona won three matches on his way to the gold medal, submitting two via bow and arrow choke and the last opponent with an armbar.

Normally travelling all over the nation to compete in different tournaments, Maloney looks to finish his juvenile career by entering the New York Open, Vegas Open, maybe the Dallas Open and the IBJJF Worlds, where he is the defending champion in his division.

As for his sights on the next step into the adult division, he’s already had a taste of that.

“I’ve recently done a local tournament in the adult weight class and I really like it,” he said. “The fighters are more aggressive and have a lot of great technique. I am really excited to start competing in the adult division soon. I think I will do well in the adult division.”

After winning 15 gold medals as a juvenile, the chances are high that the success will carry over to the adult division.

Young Robert said he couldn’t do it without the support from his parents (Sean and Edwina), Gerson Atoigue, Gabe Baker, Moyabrand and Moyabrand Guam, Carlson Gracie Guam, Marcelo Alonso, Arthur Ruff, Lotus Club, Jay Pages and GSPN.

Fellow Chamorro practictioner Mike Carbullido was a silver medalist in the adult medium-heavy purple belt division.

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