TACOMA, WA, NOVEMBER 3RD & 4TH, 2018 – Revolution XXXVIII BJJ Tournament
As SBG Montana celebrates it’s 10th anniversary, the years of competing at tournaments across the northwest paid off at this weekend’s Revolution BJJ tournament in Tacoma, WA.
Sixteen athletes brought home a total of 23 medals in the youth and adult divisions: 7 gold, 9 silver, and 7 bronze.
Head Coach Cody Bessette of SBG Bigfork took gold in No Gi and was named Top Ranked Athlete for 2018 in his division. Colton Wieczorek (15 yrs) took double silver in the Men’s White Belt Gi and No Gi divisions. Lakoda Wieczorek (13 yrs) took double gold in the Youth Yellow Belt Gi and No Gi divisions. Isabella Downing (11 yrs) took Silver in Gi and Gold in No Gi in the Youth Yellow Belt Divisions.
Tournaments are the way in which SBG Athletes can test their jiu jitsu skills. Competition offers a unique learning environment that, win or lose, takes an athlete’s training to the next level.
Bessette shared, “The Revolution Tournament was another phenomenal experience and a well-run tournament where we were able to put our skills to the test and learn so much more about ourselves than we ever thought possible. As a competitor I have always found it a wonderful eye opener to realize the depth of the art that is BJJ.”
More valuable than the medals are the life lessons that athletes learn from the experience. Downing’s mother, Kristin Downing, shared how competition has enriched her daughter’s personal development.
“In the three years she has been competing, traveling and tournaments has shaped her into a better athlete. She has learned patience, how to lose, how to work hard for her end goal, and that she will not always leave with a medal.”
SBG’s supportive training environment and knowledgable coaches gave Downing the space to learn those lessons. “Bella’s coaches have taken time to work with her when she needs extra time and skill lessons for upcoming tournaments. They have been very supportive for all of the competitions she attends, not matter the distance.”
Wieczorek is part of a family of 7 that has been training with SBG for four years. This was his first time competing in the adult divisions. His experience in BJJ tournaments gave him the skills to overcome obstacles beyond SBG.
His mother, Angela Wieczorek, commented, “We have competed in almost 25+ tournaments since starting at the gym. No matter the outcome of each competition we always walk away with new lessons, new experiences, and new growth as individuals.”
Ms. Wieczorek is one of dozens of adult athletes at SBG who train alongside her children. Competition offers her the same outlet for personal growth that it does her children.
“Competition makes you face your fears and step out of your comfort zone,” she shared. “How do you know how you will react in a real life defense situation if you don’t force yourself to react under pressure in a controlled environment?”
For more information about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Yoga, Fitness, and Kids Programs, call 406-752-7244, email at info@sbgmontana.com, or visit the website at www.sbgmontana.com.
Team Results:
YOUTH
- Aiden Shaver (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze
- Bryn Anderson (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze – No Gi, Bronze
- Cayden Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze – No Gi, Silver
- Fisher Sliter (Whitefish) – Gi, Silver
- Isabella Downing (Whitefish) – Gi, Silver – No Gi, Gold
- Kalijah Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Silver – No Gi, Gol
- Keara Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze
- Lakoda Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Gold – No Gi, Gold
- Lex Bessette (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze – No Gi, Silver
- Nevi Bessette (Kalispell) – Gi, Gold
ADULT
- Cody Bessette (Bigfork) – No Gi, Gold
- Colton Wieczorek (Kalispell) – Gi, Silver – No Gi, Silver
- Meral Jobes (Kalispell) – Gi, Bronze – No Gi, Silver
- Sarah Garcia (Kalispell) – Gi, Silver – No Gi, Bronze
