Golden performance at championships
A small but mighty team of competitors from a Lawnton fitness club has brought home a swag of medals from local, state and national Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) championships.
Training under Jason Miller (3rd Degree BJJ Black Belt) at Real Fitness Training Studio, the team returned from the Australian Federation of Brasilian Jiu Jitsu (AFBJJ) Queensland Championships with nine medals after taking on top competitors from around the state.
Jada McMullen and Ellie Begeda won a gold medal each, while Hayden Begeda and Mike Gillett both scored two gold medals.
Stephen Gillett and Tarmo Lytter each won silver and Jordan Mulry won bronze.
The stellar performance followed an equally impressive showing at the Queensland Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Circuit Moreton Bay Championships, where the club earnt 13 medals.
Jada won gold and silver, Ellie, Hayden and Tom two gold, Tarmo a gold, Jordan gold and bronze and Tane Roberts two silver.
Dedication and commitment
As well, Mike and Tom have brought home gold on the national stage, with success at the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation and AFBJJ Championships.
Jason says Jiu Jitsu competitions are tough and the results were reward for the team’s dedication and commitment.
“Considering the Queensland line-up, they did extremely well – Mike had seven fights across two divisions in one day.
“Other clubs were much more focused on winning – these guys go out to have fun and they still win.”
Tom Graham
Mike Gillett
Ellie Begeda
Tarmo Lytter
Stephen Gillett
Jada McMullen
Jordan Mulry
Hayden Begeda
Jason says his studio, which is affiliated with Garra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Australia, is proudly family focused.
“We do group classes and private lessons and we have a family class where parents can train with their kids.
“The studio is family run too and I’ve been local here since I was five.”
He says no special skills are needed to take up the sport and he loves seeing students evolve.
“You don’t need anything, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is suitable for everyone.
“It’s about giving kids a little bit of confidence, it’s great for self esteem and without the violence of the striking arts.
“With all the various risks out there, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches them security, and allows them to build lifelong skills and friendships.”