Big turnout for second South West Jiu-Jitsu Championships

Busselton played host to The South-West Cup, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu competition on Sunday at the Geographe Leisure Centre.

The second-ever event held in the region by the South West Jiu-Jitsu Championships (SWJJC) attracted hundreds of competitors from across the South West, and with many making a weekend of it and travelling down from clubs in Perth.

A total of 216 competitors from ages 6 to 65 competed in 102 divisions and over 400 matches throughout the day, overseen by a team of highly experienced and accredited referees.

Head Referee Alvaro Bobadilla is a Black Belt 5th Degree and three-time World Cup Champion with over 30 years of experience.

The event organiser, Jai Macrides, is a Black Belt, two-time National Champion, and the owner of local Busselton club Flow State Jiu-Jitsu.

In 2023, he was the winner of the City of Busselton’s inaugural ‘Coach of the Year’ Award.

“We wanted to build on the first event’s success and continue to grow jiu-jitsu competition in the region,” Jai said.

“We saw record numbers of competitors keen to test their skills on the day, and it was great to see so many friends and family members come down to cheer them on. Jiu-jitsu is an inclusive sport, and the event included kids and adults of all ages and genders.”

He said the competition would not be possible without the backing of the local community and businesses.

“We are supported by the City of Busselton and local businesses Osborn Roofing, Mandalay Resort, Margaret River Properties, Muirs WA and Shelter who help to make the event possible,” he said.

Local Dunsborough resident River Brown, age 10, competed in two divisions.

“It was a day full of tough fights,” River said.

“I was really happy to win a silver and bronze medal.

“The best part of my day is not only fighting but also making awesome friends with my opponents. We fight hard, but then we leave it all on the mat.”

Margaret River BJJ took up their strongest team yet, with an adult from the club competing in almost every available division.

The annual South West Jiu-Jitsu Championships will return in August this year.