By Voice staff
A team of competitors based out of RISE Athletics in Winkler had a standout weekend at the recent jiu-jitsu provincial championships.
RISE Athletics youth (above) and adult (top) teams brought home 31 medals from the jiu-jitsu provincial championships
The event held June 6-7 in Winnipeg saw the 20 local participants bring home an impressive total of 31 medals.
RISE was represented by five athletes from the adult team and 15 from the kids and youth team. Many athletes competed in two separate divisions: Gi and No-Gi.
In the Gi division, athletes wear the traditional jiu-jitsu uniform and belt, and a major part of the strategy involves gripping and controlling the opponent’s uniform to set up takedowns, control positions and submissions.
In No-Gi, athletes typically compete in athletic wear such as rash guards and shorts, where they are not allowed to grip clothing. This creates a different style of match with its own unique challenges, faster movement and different control strategies.
Across both divisions, team RISE earned eight gold medals, 18 silver, and five bronze
The team’s gold medalists now recognized as Manitoba provincial champions for their respective age and rank divisions include Amy Wiebe in Gi and Spencer Sullivan in No-Gi in the adult category, Simon Penner, Cole Payne, Erina Isableo and Dorian Fox in No-Gi, and Oskar Unruh in both the Gi and No-Gi youth categories.
Head coach John Ramon said the results were a reflection of the commitment shown by the athletes and the entire team at RISE.
“Our athletes have been training very hard, and it showed this weekend,” he said. “I am very proud of everyone who stepped on the mats and represented RISE. It is not just the competitors who make these results possible. It is also all of their teammates who push them, support them and help them prepare every week in training.”
Ramon also emphasized that while competition is a great opportunity for those who want to test themselves, it is not a requirement to train in jiu-jitsu.
“One of the great things about jiu-jitsu is that it can be for everyone,” said Ramon. “Some people train because they want to compete; some train for fitness, confidence, self-defence or simply because they enjoy learning. The schedule can be flexible, and competition is never mandatory, but it is always available for those who want that challenge.”
Following the provincial championships, the RISE team will continue training and preparing for future opportunities while also welcoming new students to try the sport.
“We encourage anyone who has been thinking about trying jiu-jitsu to come in and experience it,” said Ramon. “For kids, it is an amazing way to build confidence, discipline, focus and resilience. For adults, it is a great physical and mental challenge. We are proud of our team, and we are excited to keep growing the sport in our community.”
