Longtime readers of OntheMat.com will no doubt recall that I have great affinity for the Southern United States, and in particular, the grappling and Jiu Jitsu scene there. There is a certain spirit and geniality here that exists here that seems unique in my travels. It’s also been satisfying to watch the scene grow and mature here as well, as each time I observe an event, the talent level of all the competitors seems to improve by leaps and bounds.
The Southeast Grappling Classic put on by Global Grappling on July 28th in Concord, North Carolina showcased many of the things I like about the sport, mainly the talent and the sportsmanship. Held at Joe Hurst’s huge new academy (actually a four thousand square foot warehouse he shares with a wrestling team) the temperatures inside and out were sweltering (welcome to the Southern United States in July) but no one seemed to mind too much, as much of the heat was generated by the action on the mat. The day began with the gi divisions, which actually saw more brown belts enter the competition than even the larger flagship Budweiser World Championship Tournament has. The competitors fell into two weight divisions here, Shannon Chav looked impressive in the higher weight division, and Bryan Atterson won the lower weight division. It should be mentioned that Rusty Haun performed very well in the lower division as well, despite being outsized by a significant margin, Rusty was game and seemed most interested in testing himself as opposed to worrying about the odds, which typifies the spirit of the competitors here.
Although the gi divisions were exciting, most of the competitors and then some went on to participate in the no gi divisions later in the day. All told about 150 competitors got on the mat for the tournament, a respectable field in this area, and many of the competitors having entered their first event.
More information, and a photo gallery can be found at
http://globalgrappling.com/Southeast Grappling Classic 2007 RESULTS
CHILDREN'S NO GI DIVISION
(Beginner Light) (5-7 years)
1) Elijah McComa Relson/Kirby
2) Deven Snyder LDMA - Steve Snyder
(Beginner Light) (8-9 years)
1) Noah McGowan Relson
2) Patrick Viars Scott Clawson
3) Wilson Rulle Living Defense MA
(Intermediate Light) (8-9 years)
1) Noah McGowan Kirby/Relson
(Beginner Light) (10-13 years)
1) Forest Lee Joe Hurst
2) Chase Cunningham Leadership Marital Arts
3) Mikhail Publico Joe Hurst
(Intermediate Light) (10-13 years) 1st Division
1) Cisco DiGiovana Joe Hurst
2) Timothy Blackmon Paul Boone
3) Troy Butler Paul Boone
(Intermediate Light) (10-13 years) 2nd Division
1) Lucas Lewis Dan Villis
2) Michael Richards Independent (No School)
3) Troy Butler Living Defense
(Beginner Heavy) (10-13 years)
1) Troy Butler Living Defense
2) Michael Richards Independent (No School)
(Beginner Light) (14-17 years)
1) Steve Montgomery Fight Farm
2) Juan Cediel Living Defense
3) Lucas Lewis Dan Villis
(Beginner Intermediate) (14-17 years)
1) J.J. Bradley Joe Hurst
2) Lucas Lewis Dan Villis
(Light) (Advanced) (14-17 years)
1) Nathias Mansel Joe Hurst
(Intermediate) (Heavy) (14-17 years)
1) Cisco DiGiovana Joe Hurst
2) Mikhail Publico Joe Hurst
3) Forest Lee Joe Hurst
CHILDREN'S GI DIVISION
(White) (Heavy) (5-7 years)
1) Eligah McComa Kirby/Relson
2)
