College football kept most people on their comfortable couches Saturday, but for eight locals who train at Relson Gracie Jiu-jitsu, sitting down was the last thing to do on their list.
Trent Zdarko, Bari Johnson, Jess Barker, Jen McGarvie, Jake Walker, Keith Wescott, Howie Sweater and Will McFall all competed in Edinboro’s Mission Submission Jiu-jitsu tournament.
The tournament had no time limit, with one way to win — submitting your opponent.
Out of the eight grapplers who took to the mat, six of them placed in their respective weight classes.
Zdarko, who has been training at Relson (pronounced ‘Helson’) Gracie jiu-jitsu for the past three months, had an impressive first tournament experience.
In two separate categories, Zdarko took the top spot.
He took first in men’s gi — a uniform worn in Brazilian jiu-jitsu — and first in men’s no gi.
Westcott ended the tournament taking third place in men’s gi and Walker took first in men’s gi.
Barker and McGarvie both took second place in women’s gi.
“I am just a beginner,” said McGarvie, “so I knew before the tournament that I have a lot more to learn. It just becomes more apparent as you are competing that there is so much you don’t know.
“What I take away most (from the sport) would be how much more I have to learn and how much harder I need to train.”
She also said that she started training as a way to get in shape, and ever since she started, she hasn’t quit.
Johnson, a four-month veteran of the sport, submitted her way to the top of the podium, as well.
Also, at her first tournament, Johnson took first place in women’s gi.
“It’s a really good tournament,” said Pat Madden, who is a black belt and has been teaching and training Gracie jiu-jitsu, at Titusville, for the last 17 years.
Madden acted as the grapplers’ coach at the tournament.
The group regularly trains twice a week under Madden.
Relson is the second oldest son of Helio Gracie and brother of Royce Gracie, the UFC Hall of Famer, and is considered by many to be the biggest influential figure in the history of modern MMA (mixed martial arts).
“I like learning new things,” said Zdarko, “I like competing.”
“I’ve wanted to try it (jiu-jitsu) since middle school, but I haven’t had the chance until now.”
“Heather and Pat Madden,” Johnson said when asked who was her biggest jiu-jitsu influences.
Heather, Pat’s wife, teaches women’s self defense and jiu-jitsu.
Her instructing is what Pat thinks is bringing more women to the mat.
“I heard about training through a family friend and decided to try it,” Johnson said.
“It was a great experience. I had a lot of fun.”
Although still not sure, Madden said he and the athletes might partake in Slippery Rock’s tournament, which will be held in February.
Courtesy of: Titusville Herald