By Robert Balajadia

Tears were shed, medals were won, and a legend of the sport tied it all together.

The first ever GSPN Kids Jiu-Jitsu Open played out to a successful tune thanks to tournament organizer Kevin Cruz and the handful of notables in the sport. Each of Guam’s esteemed jiu-jitsu gyms had participants flood the Agana Shopping Center for the all-day event.

Legendary jiu-jitsu black-belt Royce Gracie arrived early Saturday morning and made his first public appearance right before the gold-medal matches. Gracie even got to crown each of the medal winners at tournament’s end.

Mighty Mites (5-6 years) Medium (45-55 lbs.)
GOLD – Kiera Piper (CG)
SILVER – Silvestre Perez (CG)
BRONZE – Madison Santos (CG)

Pee Wee (7-9 years) Light Feather (40-50 lbs.)
GOLD – Caiden Mendiola (FG)
SILVER – Eddy Jaymz Leon Guerrero (FG)
BRONZE – Asher Bogard (CG)

Pee Wee (7-9 years) Feather (51-60 lbs.)
GOLD – Ethan John LG (FG)
SILVER – Camillo Castillo (CG)
BRONZE – Arionnie Santos (VD)

Pee Wee (7-9 years) Lightweight (61-70 lbs.)
GOLD – Tristan Valendo (FG)
SILVER – Zander Taitano (PB)
BRONZE -Malaki Patterson (CG)

Pee Wee (7-9 years) Medium (71 lbs. & Above)
GOLD – Aleric Piper (CG)
SILVER – Bubba Sillivan (CG)
BRONZE – Ryan Martinez (SPK)

Junior (10-12 years) Light Feather (75 & Below)
GOLD – Zavier Camacho (VD)
SILVER – Isabella McGowen (CG)
BRONZE – Ely Pocaigue (PB)

Junior (10-12 years) Feather (76-85 lbs.)
GOLD – Ethan Mantanona (PB)
SILVER – Colin JP Ada (PB)
BRONZE – Ben Borja (FG)

Junior (10-12 years) Medium (91 lbs. & Above)
GOLD – Shadrianna Taimanglo (FG)
SILVER – Emma Taitano (PB)
BRONZE – Kloey Tedtaotao (FG)

Teen (13-15 years) Feather (105-115 lbs.)
GOLD – Davin Manglona (VD)
SILVER – Caster-Rey Cuevas (VD)
BRONZE – Ava Cruz (FG)

Teen (13-15 years) Lightweight (116-126 lbs.)
GOLD – Davin Chamerblain (FG)
SILVER – Ryo Eda (FG)
BRONZE – Jaythan Cruz (VD)

Teen (13-15 years) Medium (135 & Above)
GOLD – Darren Limtiaco (FG)
SILVER – Lance Corpuz (FG)
BRONZE – Audrielinn Santos (VD)

Juvenile (16-17 years)
GOLD – Kyle Palomo (CG)
SILVER – Corey Quitugua (FG)
BRONZE – Jude Cruz (VD)

TEAM MEDALS

GOLD – Figo
SILVER – Carlson Gracie
BRONZE – PureBred

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