Corey Lillis, head instructor at the BJJ Lab in Prince Albert, credits professor Aj Scales (right) for getting him ready for what may be one of his toughest challenges on the mat to date. (Facebook/BJJ Lab)

By Nigel Maxwell

Martial Arts

Local Jiu-Jitsu athletes ready to test their skills against the best in Western Canada

Jul 14, 2022 | 2:00 PM

The second annual combat submission invitational takes place this weekend in Regina, and a number of local athletes will be competing.

Corey Lillis, head instructor at the BJJ Lab, will have a match against fellow instructor Chris Belbas, from the Forge Academy of Self Defense in Manitoba. The only way to win the eight minute match is by submission, forcing your opponent to tap.

“I think you always feel nerves and pressure but when you have experience you realize these are normal and learn to not pay attention to it,” Lillis told paNOW. “I am in the best shape of my life and credit that to a great team and an assault bike that I have been at war with for five weeks.”

Looking ahead to his opponent this weekend, Lillis said he is excited to test his skills against a heavier, younger, more experienced opponent.

“I thrive being the underdog,” he said.

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Cory Lillis has been training hard for his upcoming match in Regina. (Submitted photo)

Lee Gareau from North Wake Martial Arts is also competing. He said he likes the idea that there is no point system.

“You can kinda be a little bit more artistic. You don’t have to worry about giving up position because sometimes in a bad position you might have some kinda trap set out, or if something doesn’t work, you are not losing anything that way,” he explained.

(Submitted)

Gareau has been training in Jiu-Jitsu seven years and keeps a busy and dedicated schedule, honing his skills during the lunch hour and again after work. When asked what he enjoys about the sport, Gareau replied it’s both the self-defence and fitness aspects.

“And at the end of the day, it really is just a game like you are playing human chess with another person. It’s incredibly fun,” he said.

Also competing and representing North Wake Martial Arts is Caleb Ermine.

The competition Saturday at Regina’s Riddell Centre features 42 athletes from across Western Canada.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell