Continent’s best jiu-jitsu practitioners compete at Randburg Sports Complex

For a sport that is often referred to as chess but with the human body, Brazillian jiu-jitsu sees more out-thinking of opponents in its moves, counter-moves, feints and combos, than raw physical strength or even technique.

The best-grappling talent in Africa descended on Randburg Sports Complex to demonstrate their incredible skills during the Submission Kings, Queens and Kids event on July 24 and 25.

The Walter Sisulu Hall was abuzz over the weekend with hundreds of athletes turning up to represent themselves and their gyms, competing for glory against opponents from other provinces, if not countries.

A crowd of family and friends was always present cheering on six competitors as they engaged on the three mats at any given time. A host of weight and age divisions was available for contestants to vie for medals.

“This is our fourth or fifth time hosting here and I must say the quality has been excellent,” said co-owner of the event, Justin Ferrier. He said the theme of Submission Kings, Queens and Kids was chess, and the organisers live-streamed the contests so those who couldn’t attend were able to watch.

“What I wanted was a safe competition where there are always paramedics and an ambulance on site, where practitioners can test themselves to their full extent. I also want to create hype and exposure about it, and show people they can win title belts and money, which will motivate them further.”

Ferrier recalled how the now world-famous and successful Luke Griffith won the first Submission event ever hosted.

Live stream videos from the tournament can be watched here 

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