Silver and gold for Rio Grappling Club
The Springs Rio Grappling Club recently hosted an in-house tournament at their sister gym, in Silver Lakes, Pretoria.
This was the first tournament for the year and coach Shaun Naudee says they will be hosting more tournaments in the near future.
Club member Bernice Allanis Jooste (9) fought in Gi-Comono at the tournament and won her first fight to obtain a silver medal.
“She has lots of energy and strength which works to her advantage, especially in fights against girls” Naudee says.
Her second fight of the day was against two boys where she won the fight by submission after the fight was stopped at 1.45 minutes.
Kyle Jacque Pretorious (12) also fought in Gi-Comono at the tournament and won the fight by a judges’ decision due to a safety hazard, to obtain a gold medal.
“Kyle is a really passionate young man who never wants to lose a fight and this is what makes him succeed,” Naudee says.
Naudee says mixed martial arts is not just a form of sport but also teaches self defence.
He adds it’s not only about strength but also technique.
”Being strong is a plus, naturally, but the technique we are taught gives us an additional advantage over our competitors,” he says.
“The tournament was a success and we are looking forward to the next one.”
