By Frank Camacho
Guam’s largest single sport contingency is set to compete at the Marianas Open Pro Japan on March 25th at the Japan Komazawa Olympic Stadium.
As the Marianas Open Pro Japan approaches, Guam’s Jiu-Jitsu community is ready to support their athletes and celebrate their accomplishments. The contingency is prepared to make a lasting impression on the world of Jiu-Jitsu and showcase the talent, dedication, and passion of the island’s athletes. With a hopeful outlook, Guam’s Jiu-Jitsu practitioners look forward to making their mark on the global stage.
We spoke to some of the team leaders heading to Japan and asked the following questions:
Q1: As an athlete or coach, how does it feel to be a part of Guam’s largest single sport contingency to compete in a single event off island?
Q2: How do you feel about this large contingency speaks about Jiu-jitsu on Guam to the island?
Q3: What do you feel this speaks of Guam Jiu-jitsu to the world?
Carlson Gracie Guam’s Hayato Atalig
A1: As a coach it’s an amazing feeling to see your students be a part of something this big. They all worked very hard and deserve this opportunity to represent Guam.
A2: Guam Jiu-Jitsu has come a very long way since I started. Jiu-Jitsu’s popularity speaks for itself (on Guam) and it’ll only get bigger.
A3: Guam, if not already, will be even more recognized by the world if we can keep up this pace. I’m very hopeful we will have a black belt gi world champion one day.
New Heights Academy’s Omar Damian
A1: It’s an honor. Any time you’re able to compete off-island, win or lose, you acquire invaluable knowledge and competition experience that you can bring back home to share with our island’s Jiu-Jitsu community.
A2: It’s such a positive thing. Being part of this group means that we all must support each other regardless of team and understand that showing respect at all times is essential since we are representing ourselves, our teams, and our island.
A3: Biba Jiu-Jitsu!
Carlson Gracie Guam’s Gabe Baker
A1: For all competitors being able to represent Guam on any athletic platform is a true honor. Regardless if there are so many teams from Guam competing even against each other. In the end, we are all under one flag.
A2: As a long-time Jiu-Jitsu instructor, Guam’s Jiu-Jitsu has only grown throughout the years. So much talent is born on this Little Rock.
A3: Guam’s Jiu-Jitsu has always been seen world wide. People know once they see that Guam seal on someone’s chest. The fight is not going to be easy. The only difference now is that we have larger numbers compared to when I was competing internationally.
Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s David Harris
A1: I feel blessed to be a part of this large traveling contingency to compete off-island. It’s going to be an awesome experience for all of our athletes. It will provide them with the opportunity to showcase their skills and compete against some of the best athletes in the Asian region. It can also be a chance to learn from other athletes and coaches, make connections, and promote Guam Jiu-Jitsu.
A2: In terms of how this large traveling contingency speaks about Jiu-Jitsu on Guam to the island, it can be seen as a positive representation of the sport and the athletes who participate in it. It shows that there is a strong community of Jiu-Jitsu practitioners on Guam who are dedicated to the sport and willing to travel to compete at a high level. It will make it easier for our athletes to acquire sponsorships and maybe even some government funding for future competitions.
A3: On a global scale, this large traveling contingency can help to raise awareness about Jiu-Jitsu on Guam and showcase the talent and skill of the athletes who participate in the sport. It can also help to promote Guam as a destination for Jiu-Jitsu training and competition.
Overall, being part of Guam’s largest single sport contingency to compete in a single event off island can be a great opportunity for our athletes to represent our island and promote the sport of Jiu-Jitsu.
Purebred Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s Oliver Cruz
A1: I didn’t know it was the largest sport contingency-to compete off island. I took it as another day at the office; however, I’m truly honored and very excited to represent our island and showcase Purebred Jiu-Jitsu.
A2: It’ll open more doors for upcoming Jiu-Jitsu athletes as well as give them confidence to compete in the toughest prestige tournaments and put themselves out there in the circuit as well as sponsors supporting the athlete.
A3: Guam’s Jiu-Jitsu speaks as a contender for sure to the world, if the world doesn’t know where Guam is they’re going to find out; hence, Come bring it – we’re ready.
