Golden Success at the Empire Grappling South Yorkshire Open

Three of our team members made the short trip to Barnsley and put in outstanding performances at the Empire Grappling South Yorkshire Open, bringing home a series of medals and continuing our gym's legacy of success.

Toby Colling: Dominating Both Gi and NoGi

Toby once again showcased his high-level skills, competing in both the Gi and NoGi divisions. Toby faced the same opponent in both categories, and emerged victorious in both. His Gi match was over in under a minute, finishing with a slick armbar. He followed that up in NoGi, securing a triangle choke quickly for another gold. Toby’s consistency and adaptability in both formats make him a force to be reckoned with.

Matiass Damiao: The Portuguese Prospect

Matiass, known as "The Portuguese Prospect," took gold in the Gi with three hard-fought victories. Two of these wins came via submission, showcasing his technical prowess. One of the highlights was his Ezekiel choke finish, with Ruben in his corner shouting in Portuguese, "A minha finalização está lá!" "My choke is there!" a move Ruben himself is famous for. Matiass’s relentless drive and ability to execute under pressure were evident in every match.

James Carr: Shining in His Debut

James made his debut under Combat Base Leeds and did not disappoint. Competing in both Gi and NoGi, James took gold in the Gi and silver in NoGi, losing the final by points. Normally seen in the bright lights of the True Grit wrestling ring, James showed that his competitive edge extends beyond the squared circle and onto the mats. His transition from wrestling to BJJ has been seamless, and his results speak for themselves.

Looking Ahead

A huge congratulations to Toby, Matiass, and James for their incredible performances at the Empire Grappling South Yorkshire Open. Their dedication, skill, and hard work continue to make coach Nam and all those at Combat Base Leeds proud. Here's to more success on the mats as we look forward to the next challenge!