| Zainul Zaini |
BRUNEIAN Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) once again showed its combined strength when competitors took part in the Copa de Borneo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Luta Livre Tournament recently.
Hosted by Unity Jiu-Jitsu Academy and held in Kota Kinabalu’s Palm Square Centre Point from October 6-7, the two-day grappling event was the biggest in Borneo, bringing together international athletes from over 13 countries and 23 gyms to compete in both the adults and children’s divisions.
Competitors took part in the gi (wearing traditional martial arts outfit) or no gi events, or both.
Each division is split into graded categories, from white belt (beginner) to black belt (expert), which are further broken down into weight classes to ensure a relatively even match according to size and strength. However, each grade category also fights off for an absolute championship.
The event showcased the sport of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to appreciative crowds.
The Bruneian contingent again proved their abilities, racking up an impressive medal count in both the adults’ and children’s divisions.
Khalifah MMA (BSB) brought home an impressive haul of three gold, six silver and two bronze medals. Kuala Belait’s The Refinery contributed one gold, four silver and five bronze medals, while ADN MMA bagged two gold medals and Wolfpack MMA (Tutong) two silver medals.
Khalifah MMA comprised silver and bronze medallist Fakhrul Islam Dahari (white belt under 76kg no gi and absolute gi); silver medallist Fauzi Salleh (blue belt under 64kg gi); gold medallist Zaim Roslan (absolute blue belt gi and under 73.5kg no gi); silver medallist Rasimoon Adinin (blue belt under 82kg gi); silver medallist Hadi Haseri (blue belt under 76kg gi); and silver medallist Zaim Norzairi (purple belt under 70kg gi).
Gold medallist Eva Azriman (girls under 16 category), silver medallist Nadine Kong Xiang Ying (girls under 16 category) and bronze medallist Noble Townsend (boys under 12 category) competed in the Children’s Division.
Wolfpack MMA was represented by silver medallist Rynnol Haikal (white belt under 70kg no gi) and silver medallist Jannah Thaqifah (white belt under 48kg gi).
Bronze medallist Marel Meludin (white belt under 50kg gi); gold, silver and bronze medallist Nobel Lee (purple belt no gi absolute, absolute gi and under 76kg gi); silver and bronze medallist Angel Lepi (blue belt no gi absolute, under 58.1kg no gi and under 60.1kg gi; silver and bronze medallist Nicholas Gumma (blue belt under 79.5kg no gi and under 82.3kg gi); and bronze medallist Abi Umamah (purple belt under 70kg gi) represented the Refinery.