RYZE ACADEMY PERFORMS WELL IN NAGOYA

PRESS RELEASE – Representing the high technical standard of the Marianas, RYZE Martial Arts & Fitness Academy has returned home following a successful campaign at the Marianas Pro Nagoya. The team secured significant podium finishes, led by a 1st Place Team Title in the Kids No-Gi division and a 3rd Place Team Title in the Adult No-Gi division.

The team was guided by Head Instructor and Co-Owner Clifton Nededog, alongside instructors and co-owners Brittany Funes and Michael Carlo Nededog. The championship run was supported by a dedicated group of assistant instructors and coaches: Ken Thomas, DJ Jackson, Anthony Cruz, Brandon Fernandez, Bernard Fausto, Gionn Buenavides, Wes Ponio, Leandra Fulgar, Kiyori Blanding, Shaun Taitano, Javier Pereda and Ted Tamashiro.

A testament to Guam’s Jiu-Jitsu community while celebrating these titles, RYZE leadership credits the success to the caliber of training found across the entire island. “You can walk into any jiu-jitsu academy on Guam and find a strong community and a family-type environment led by hardworking instructors who take immense pride in their students,”said Head Instructor Clifton Nededog. “This collective dedication across the island is what pushes us to improve every day. We are just happy to represent Guam Jiu-Jitsu; practitioners in Guam are built for success in this sport and martial art.”

Community Support and Lineage

The journey to Nagoya was made possible through the extensive fundraising efforts led by Jennifer Taitano and Shadene Blas. Their leadership of the RYZE fundraising committee, alongside the support of local families and sponsors, provided the foundation for the athletes to compete abroad. The academy’s technical heritage was also on display following the tournament. In a moment honoring the team’s roots, Carlson Gracie Jr. was pictured holding the championship award, signifying RYZE’s commitment to passing down world-class technique to the next generation. RYZE Martial Arts & Fitness Academy remains focused on the daily discipline of training and looks forward to future opportunities to showcase the strength of Guam’s grappling community.