BJJ hat-trick for Springs’ JP Kruger
Springs BJJ fighters excel at three competitions over three weekends,
Gold was the order of the day(s) for Springs’ JP ‘Tinkerbell” Kruger when he participated in three Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) tournaments over three weeks.
The well-known athlete from House of Tinkerbell (H.O.T) took part in the South African Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s (SABJJF) Gauteng Provincial Open at Riverside Country Lodge on May 27 and walked away with two gold medals.
These were in the under-94kg purple belt division as well as the absolute category in which all gold, silver and bronze winners in all weight categories in a division can compete.
This was a gi (requiring the wearing of a gi) competition which JP explains helps opponents to grip and hold one another more easily.
He then fought at the John Barrable Hall, in Benoni, in the no-gi Fight Stars grappling tournament on June 3.
Here he took gold in the under-100kg division.
Travelling to Durban for the third weekend of competition, JP took gold at the ADCC no-gi tournament on June 11 in the men’s professional senior under-87.9kg division.
He says this three-weekend journey was the highlight of his career. “The most beautiful thing about this game is that it is for everyone.
“The athletes don’t have to worry about politics and drama; all they have to concern themselves with is the slap, pump and roll, and sharing the love.
“I wanted to show my students how important it is not just to talk about the journey but to walk it as well.”
He says tournaments like these allow the athletes to win; but, more importantly, to learn from one another and make friends.
Izak Lombard
JP was joined on his journey by fellow coach, and one of his students at H.O.T, Isak Lombard.
He won silver, bronze and two golds in the three tournaments.
Isak took silver at the SABJJF tournament and bronze at Fight Stars.
He took two golds in the final competition in Durban in the 100kg-and-over division, as well as the absolute category.
Isak comments, since taking on the role of coach, he wanted to get greater experience at a competitive level.
“When I heard my coach (JP) had committed to these three tournaments I thought it would be the ideal opportunity to put my skills to the test and learn new techniques, from other fighters, which I can pass on to my students.
“I made great friends and learned from some fine athletes so I really want to thank all my rolling partners for the camaraderie and the new skills they demonstrated,” Isak says.
“As usual we would like to thank all our sponsors for supporting us, clothing us and fuelling us all the way to Durban, as well as our manager James Read from Proleague.
“I also have to thank my beautiful wife, Tracey and of course, Jesus.”
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