BJJ Head Instructor Cory Lillis (second from left) stands with his students. (Submitted/ Cory Lillis)

By Nigel Maxwell

Jiu-Jitsu

Prince Albert jiu-jitsu athletes win big at provincial competition

Oct 25, 2022 | 5:00 PM

A number of students from Prince Albert went to Regina last weekend for the Queen City open, and returned home with medals.

Representing the BJJ Lab, Kayley Clarke won gold, Mathieu LeBlanc claimed bronze, and both Darren Sokulski and Ashwin Geoans Paul won silver. This was the first tournament experience for all except Clarke, who had competed in one prior.

“I have had one exhibition match before that was able to be won by submission only,” Sukolski told paNOW. “The takeaway was I learned in areas that I excelled and areas that I need to work on before heading back into a competition.”

Leblanc shared when he first started training Brazilian jiu-jitsu, participating in a competition was a goal to test his skill and knowledge.

“Now, after winning a bronze medal in the heavyweight division I’m hooked on continuing to improve my game in the sport and to compete again,” he said.

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Despite being a novice to the sport, Kayley Clarke has already experienced tremendous success. (submitted photo/ Cory Lillis)

BJJ Lab Head Instructor Cory Lillis noted this was the second tournament that Clarke won a gold medal in, and is now preparing for the Provincial Championship in Moose Jaw in November.

“The students in general showed that they could transfer lessons they learned in the academy and use them under stress in a tournament situation made me very proud of them,” he said.

Mark Hillock from Renegade Grappling Academy also competed and won Gold in the heavyweight, white belt division (220 plus 18-29 year old).

He had two matches, and won the first one with by points and the second on by submission. After he won his division he went on to compete in the absolute division, which is the open division or champions of champion division. Hillock won gold.

Mark Hillock. (Submitted photo)

The Queen City Open is a Gi (uniform) only tournament, and the age of the competitors ranged from five years old to masters (41-plus).

Over 200 athletes from across the province registered.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell