PATGON JIU JITSU TOURNAMENT SET FOR OCTOBER

By Patrick Lujan

A jiu jitsu event specifically for kids is in the works.

Påtgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament – Guam’s first kids Gi and No Gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Tournament – is set for Saturday, October 22 at the Calvo UOG Field House.

What’s been special about this event is the many workshops for the kids leading up to the big event.

Organizer and visionary of the whole program is black belt practitioner Jayronne Gandaoli, who was inspired to create this event as a successful BJJ competitor and a young mother.

“As a product of youth Jiu Jitsu starting at 11 years old, growing up in the ranks all the way to black belt at 23 years old, I had the opportunity of competing at various international tournaments such as the IBJJF Pan Kids and Worlds to name a few,” Gandaoli said. “I really wanted to bring that experience to our kids on Guam without having them to pay thousands of dollars. I feel if we create more opportunities for our Jiu Jitsu practitioners to compete this will help them prepare for tournaments overseas.”

Aside from the main event on Oct 22, there has been ongoing workshops and mock tournaments leading up to the tournament to help provide the tools needed and equip the kids to reach new heights in their competition regimen.

“We hope this can help them in the future. Everything about this event is based off of experience as a martial artist and bringing our community together.”

– Event Organizer Jayronne Gandaoli

There are already 84 kids registered. If you’d like to get more information, you can email pacificgrappling@gmail.com.

“Our goal is to inspire and empower the future through presenting opportunities,” Gandaoli added.

Matches will start at 8:30 am on October 22. Along with BJJ matches we have kids activity corner by Mañelu, their community partner. There will also be local retail and food vendors on the day of the event.