Gladstone gold does club proud – Gladstone Observer

MARTIAL ARTS: The Gladstone Martial Arts Academy's stocks continue to pack a punch with its latest achievements yielding more medals.

Nine students collected a total of 18 medals at the recent Queensland Brazilian Jiu-Jitsi State Titles on the Gold Coast.

The tally was made up of five gold, six silver and seven bronze in an event that attracted 515 competitors.

Among those was 13-year-old Trinity McKenzie who beat more experienced boys on her way to a gold medal for Gi and No-Gi divisions.

The teenager said enjoyment is the key to her success.

"All the people at GMAA are like my family now and it's just so much fun every class I love it, Trinity said.

What's more impressive is that she has been doing BJJ for just two years and she also trains in Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai and Zen Do Kai under GMAA head coach Rob McIntyre

"This was her sixth BJJ tournament, McIntyre said.

"Her favourite submission is definitely the rear naked choke and her second is the arm bar.

McIntyre said the club's athletes have excelled in the competitions they have competed in.

"It has been a big year for GMAA in Jiu Jitsu and after only three competitions, the club has earned an amazing 40 gold, 27 silver and 11 bronze medals, McIntyre said.

"The club will travel to three more tournaments this year in Rockhampton, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

The BJJ competition is based on grappling only, with competitors earning points for take-downs, controlling top positions and reversing positions.

They can win outright with a submission making their opponent tap from chokes, arm locks or leg locks and has been made famous by its skills being used in the UFC.

People interested in BJJ can contact McIntyre on 0439739619 or visit the club's Facebook site or website http://www.gladstonemartialarts.com.au.

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Gladstone gold does club proud - Gladstone Observer