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PALACIOS WINS PAN IBJJF BLACK BELT GOLD

Guam’s Jay Palacios wins black belt gold in the Pan Ams.

By Patrick Lujan

Guam’s Jay Palacios, living out of Lacey, Washington, won the gold medal of the Pan IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championships Black Belt Masters 1 lightweight division on Sunday in Carson, CA. It is his first ever gold medal in the Pan Ams.

He was the lone representative of Team Royce Gracie in the division of 26 fighters. Masters 1 division is for 30-35 years old.

Palacios grew up on Guam and attended Ulloa Elementary and Dededo Middle School before graduating from JFK in 2001. He took up jiu-jitsu after high school when he joined the Army. Ten years later, he was awarded his black belt by none other than Guam friend Master Royce Gracie.

“All my credit goes to my family, friends and Master Royce equally,” Palacios told GSPN. “If it wasn’t for any of them I wouldn’t have become the person I am today.”

As for the Pan Ams, Palacios went through four grueling matches before finally beating Igor dos Santos by points (2-0) in the gold medal match.

“The guy was really tough and strong. I had a hard time disrupting his base but once I figured his base I was able to sweep him and put the pressure.”

He defeated his second opponent by kick stand choke.

“I am blessed to represent Guam,” Palacios exclaimed. “Life is full of challenges, it’s up to us as the individual to make a change. We all want what we want, but do not deserve. It’s up until that time to earn what we deserve! I learned that jiu-jitsu is about the quality of the human being. We must earn that.”

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COMING SOON …

FD Alumni Basketball Tournament Playoffs

 

QUICK HITS

Guam’s Jeremiah Camacho shot a perfect game at the 48th Hong Kong Open. The 22-year-old Guam National Team Member shot his 18th career perfect game on lanes 1 and 2 at Top Bowl Lanes in Hong Kong.
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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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