More than 100 participants are expected to take part in a unique grappling tournament in Steinbach this weekend.
John Sawatsky of Revelation Martial Arts says this is a no-points jiu-jitsu event, similar to wrestling.
This is a sub-only competition, meaning the match only ends if one of the competitors submits or abandons.
“We are one of the only submission-only tournaments in Manitoba,” Sawatsky says. “I don’t know if anyone else is actually doing that other than us.
He notes that jiu-jitsu is “growing like crazy” in the southeast, with more people taking up jiu-jitsu.
Sawatsky encourages people of all ages to check out the tournament and learn more about the sport.
“You definitely see what's out there and what you can accomplish if you put your mind to it. And just by showing up in front of these contestants, they're already our heroes, because Just coming to the competition is very nerve-wracking.”
The event will be held on Saturday, April 13th at Clearspring Middle School in Steinbach.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m., first game at 9 a.m.
“It's going to be very noisy up there,” Sawatsky said. “The coaches will be yelling, the parents will be cheering and things like that. There's so many emotions that come up there and tears from disappointment and victory. It's just amazing. And here You can see that it's different than a lot of other places. You'll see players hugging and shaking hands after a hard-fought game. There's no animosity or anything. It's really something different. ”
-With files from Carly Koop
