Sporting his favourite hat and boots, Henry Jubenvill accepts his silver medal at the Queen City Open. (submitted/Bri Atkinson)

By Nigel Maxwell

Outstanding athletes

Prince Albert youngster proves jiu-jitsu has no age restrictions

Oct 25, 2023 | 2:00 PM

Within less than two years of practicing jiu-jitsu, six-year-old Henry Jubenvill has made quite an impression on the mat.

Last weekend, competing at the Queen City Open in Regina, Henry fought three matches, won twice, and took home a silver medal. Speaking with paNOW on Tuesday, when he was back in class at the Renegade Grappling Academy in Prince Albert, he was asked if he was happy with his medal.

“A little bit,” he replied. “Last time I got gold.”

Prior to competing in Regina, Henry had his first competition in June and finished first in his two-person division.

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Dean Jubenvill, Henry’s dad, confirmed he started his son in the martial art at the age of four, and explained it was at first just an activity to get him into.

“But then as he got about eight months into it, he got super competitive and super interested in it,” he said.

Noting there four other kids in his son’s division in Regina, and most were much bigger in size, Jubenvill acknowledged it was pretty intense watching his son in vulnerable positions.

“But seeing him fight his way out of it and getting full guard and trying to submit the other kid, it was a pretty competitive back and forth match,” he said.

Henry stands proudly on the podium (far left). (Submitted photo/Bri Atkinson)

Acknowledging his son’s competitive spirit, and laughing about his son’s desire to win gold again, Jubenvill said he has encouraged his son to keep working hard. He also noted the positive change in his son since registering.

“It teaches a lot of heart and determination in kids and grit”

Brad Parent is a coach at the Renegade Grappling Academy and said he loves seeing his young students succeed.

“The smile on their face is just awesome,” he said.

Acknowledging his own teenage sons started when they were four and six years old, Parent said the martial art provides youth with confidence. He also explained they don’t teach kids how to fight, bur rather how to defend themselves.

“We’re looking to equalize the playing field and they can walk away feeling comfortable about themselves,” Parent said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell