Record numbers for Jiu-Jitsu Championships | Photos

The South-West Jiu-Jitsu Championships made a triumphant return over the weekend, setting a new record with 335 registrations in the one-day event at the Geographe Leisure Centre in Busselton.

Event Promoter Jai Macrides of Flow State Jiu Jitsu said the tournament held special meaning to the martial arts community after a couple of earlier successful events.

“So far we’ve held two events: the inaugural championship in August 2023 and another competition in March 2024,” he said.

“This August event is particularly special as it crowns the South-West Champions in each division for the year.”

The tournament featured competitors of all ages, from 6 year olds to adults, and included both male and female participants across various belt levels.

The action unfolded across five mats, with seven highly qualified referees overseeing the matches, including head referee Alvaro Bobadilla, a three-time Brazilian World Cup Champion with over 30 years of experience.

Bobadilla also conducted a specialist Jiu-Jitsu rules seminar the day before the event to enhance the skills of local referees and competitors.

The City of Busselton showed strong support for the event, with Mayor Phill Cronin present to award medals to the participants.

Local businesses, including Margaret River Properties, Trade Hire, and Shelter Brewing Co, stepped up as community sponsors to help ensure the event’s success.

The championships saw representation from 25 Jiu-Jitsu clubs from across the South-West, including Flow State Jiu-Jitsu in Busselton, Margaret River Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Base MMA in Dunsborough, as well as many teams travelling from Perth and beyond.

Local club Flow State Jiu-Jitsu emerged as a standout, winning the Best Academy Award with a remarkable medal haul: 13 Gold, 22 Silver, and 11 Bronze.

Local brothers Oliver (6 years) and Henry (8 years) Hunt achieved double gold at the event and brother, sister duo Ruby (6 years) and Blake (7 years) Waldren achieved an outstanding triple gold between them.

Their mother, Heather, expressed her appreciation.

“Jiu Jitsu has been fantastic for the boys-not just for their fitness and self-defence skills, but also for their confidence and the sense of community they’ve found,” she said.

“It’s wonderful to see such a supportive group for the kids.”

The growing local competition is fostering a stronger Jiu-Jitsu community in the region, with the next event set to take place in March 2025.

To find out more about the sport and how you can get involved, contact flowstate_jiujitsu@outlook.com or visit Flow State Jiu Jitsu on Facebook and Instagram.