QuanWessels Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Academy celebrated a major milestone, hosting the largest kids’ grading in the academy’s history.

13 junior athletes, aged 7 to 16, earned new belts after months of hard work and dedication on the mats. The grading day showcased not only technical knowledge and skill, but also resilience, discipline, perseverance, and character, values that lie at the heart of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the QuanWessels community.

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Family, friends, teammates, and coaches gathered to support the young athletes as they completed the academy’s grading process, demonstrating their understanding of techniques, positional awareness, and their ability to perform under pressure and fatigue.

Coach Guy Lazarus said: “This grading wasn’t simply about new belts; it was about recognising the journey each child has been on, and celebrating the people they are becoming, both on and off the mats.”

Among those recognised were brothers John (16) and Kgaugelo Meso (13), both proud members of the Tribe Martial Arts Foundation programme.

The programme aims to create opportunities for young people through martial arts, using Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a vehicle for personal growth, education, leadership, and community development.

Their achievements on grading day stand as a testament to their commitment and the positive impact that access to quality coaching and mentorship can have on young athletes.

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Another special moment was celebrating the progress of Geo Basson (10), who has been training at QuanWessels for almost five years.

Having spent nearly half his life on the mats, Basson’s journey reflects the long-term benefits of consistent training, perseverance, and growing up within a strong martial arts community.

For many of the juniors, receiving a new belt represented the culmination of countless early mornings, tough training sessions, competitions, and moments of overcoming challenges.

“In Brazilian jiu-jitsu, belts are not given for attendance alone; they are earned through demonstrated skill, effort, attitude, and growth.

Besides consistent training and competition, the students are also required to present and teach a class to their peers under the watchful eyes of their coaches.

A culture of giving back and solidifying one’s knowledge by passing it on is strongly encouraged among the juniors. Congratulations to all 13 juniors who levelled up. The journey continues.”

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