July was a month of incredible achievements for the Renzo Gracie Clarksville family, as our students lit up the competitive scene with performances that truly embodied the spirit of dedication and hard work. From the mats in Ft. Lauderdale to Kissimmee, Florida, our athletes showcased their skills, bringing home accolades that we couldn’t be more proud of. Let’s take a moment to celebrate their remarkable accomplishments!
US Judo Open Highlights
Three of our dedicated members made the journey to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to compete in the prestigious US Judo Open. Each of them brought their best to the mat, and their efforts were nothing short of spectacular.
- Miyon Alkubechy: Competing in the Male Intermediate division, Miyon demonstrated incredible skill and determination, earning a first-place finish! This victory is a testament to his relentless training and passion for the sport.
- Sensei Brinna Lavelle: Our very own Judo Sensei, Brinna Lavelle, took on the tough Senior Advanced division and secured a third-place finish. She faced fierce competition, including a challenging match against the eventual gold medalist, Toni Peppia. Sensei Brinna’s performance was inspiring, reflecting her deep knowledge and mastery of Judo.
- Cruz Castillo: In a highly competitive field of 18 participants, Cruz Castillo gave an impressive effort, showcasing his growth and skill. While the podium eluded him this time, his performance against such tough competition was commendable, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for him.
IBJJF PANS Kids Achievements
Meanwhile, at the IBJJF PANS Kids in Kissimmee, FL, our young warriors proved that they’re a force to be reckoned with. The energy and determination they brought to the competition were nothing short of spectacular.
- Liam Marsh: In the Pee-Wee 2 / Grey / Heavy division, Liam secured a third-place finish. His tenacity and skill on the mat were evident, and we couldn’t be prouder of his achievement.
- Michael C Lasanta: Competing in the Pee-Wee 3 / Grey / Heavy division, Michael earned a second-place finish. His focus and technique were impressive, and he gave it his all to reach the finals.
- Brooklyn Anderson: Brooklyn also brought home a third-place finish in the Female / Pee-Wee 3 / Grey / Medium-Heavy division. Her hard work and dedication paid off, and she represented RGC with pride.
Former Students Making Waves
A special shoutout to our former students, Emma Forrester and Noah Forrester, who also competed at the IBJJF PANS Kids. Emma secured a third-place finish in the Female / Pee-Wee 2 / Grey / Medium-Heavy division, while Noah earned a third-place finish in the Male / Teen 1 / Grey / Super-Heavy division. Their continued success is a testament to the strong foundation they built at RGC. We’d also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Travis Israel (Slow Roll BJJ) and Andrew Hansen (Hansen BJJ) for coaching our kids at this national tournament. Their guidance and support played a crucial role in our students’ success.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations to all our competitors! Your hard work, determination, and sportsmanship continue to inspire us all. Whether on the mat or off, you represent the very best of Renzo Gracie Clarksville, and we couldn’t be prouder of your achievements.
Let’s keep this momentum going as we head into the rest of the year! Onward and upward, RGC family!
