GroundControl BJJ & MMA

TAURANGA GOLD + RANKINGS UPDATE 🥇📈

A massive result for Sadie in Tauranga yesterday.

After a tough competition last weekend, she bounced back exactly the way we knew she would—adjusted the plan, stayed aggressive and fought her way to gold. Sadie also continues to hold #1 in the SJJFNZ Juvenile Women Blue Belt Gi rankings.

There has been some outstanding movement across the rest of the team too:

🥇 Kourtney Sublette — #1 Youth Girl Yellow Belt Gi
🥋 Sam Liu — up to #8 Youth Boy Yellow Belt Gi
🥋 Tim Liu — #22 Youth Boy Yellow Belt Gi
🥋 Olivia Rhee — #48 Youth Girl Grey Belt Gi

With the season entering its final stretch, Kourtney and Sam have both made huge jumps up the rankings, while Sadie continues to defend that number-one position.

Rankings aren’t the be-all and end-all of grappling. They don’t tell the whole story but they do represent more than one good tournament. They show consistency, repeated performances and the level these athletes have maintained over an extended period.

And although the rankings carry individual names, these are team results.

They come from athletes showing up for one another, working hard together, sharing techniques, challenging each other and supporting their teammates even on days when they aren’t competing themselves.

Steel sharpens steel.

Very proud of all of them. 🥋🩷

A well deserved level up for Sam at our coloured belt juniors grading last night. Our juniors team continues to go from strength to strength and Sam is at the pointy end of it. He’s a dedicated learner, great training partner and emerging leader and mentor for the younger students. Awesome job Sam!

This was one of those nights that reminded me why I love martial arts so deeply. Only a few dedicated folks on the net, but what a great night. From introducing kokyu ho,kite gaeshi nikkyo and sankyo (with a focus on third pont) to guard passing to kimuras. Throw in some discussion on martial arts, history and philosophy in the contagious enthusiasm of a dedicated beginner and you couldn’t ask for a better night on the mats. Love this place 

Any grade in BJJ is an accomplishment to be proud of. But Black Belt is a singular achievement that signals someone who is truly out of the ordinary. It takes 10 years or more of hard work, persistence and discipline - and the willingness to face up to your own limitations and self doubt.

I was stoked to award Dan Stewart this grade today. Dan is a core part of what GC offers - running the juniors program, mentoring our adult students and challenging our senior grades. He measures up to the bar required of a Black Belt in every facet and I could't be prouder to have GC associated with him.