At a recent competition at the London Open for Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), a team of 28 athletes from Huron BJJ brought home 29 medals.
Medals were earned by:
• Georgie Garrity (Gold)
• Genevieve Garrity (Gold)
• Nethanial McIntyre (Gold)
• Ben Bolinger (Gold)
• Ren Sayles (Gold)
• Thomas Bolinger (Gold, and Bronze)
• Scott Phillips (Gold, and Silver)
• Jacob Burns (Silver)
• Miles Adams (Silver)
• Preston Mackay (Silver)
• Kyle Hoelscher (Silver, Silver and Bronze)
• Jim Burns (Silver)
• Jonathan Hoogenes (Silver)
• Mark Strapp (Silver, and Bronze)
• Amy Boyce (Silver)
• Danika Tait (Silver)
• Dexter Bolinger (Bronze)
• Ryan Clay (Bronze)
• Brett James (Bronze)
• Ava Van Beek (Bronze)
Honourable mentions: Corbin Nivins, Jacob Denys, Grayson Garrity, Justin Burke, and Jesse McKone.
In the overall adult standings, the Huron BJJ team came in first place. The team also came in first place overall (adult and kids combined), and second place for the kid’s grouping.
With the London Open being one of the busiest tournaments of the year, Huron BJJ co-owner Sarah Garrity said that having this tournament close to home is a nice change for the Huron BJJ team.
“It was a nice change, and we had a great crowd of our members, friends and families there cheering on the team,” said Garrity.
“The support was amazing, and it definitely helped motivate our athletes on the mats.”
Although reason to celebrate, this isn’t the first time members of Huron BJJ have been to the podium at tournaments in urban centres such as Toronto, Niagara Falls and London.
Garrity credits the team’s success because of dedication and the family atmosphere at Huron BJJ.
“Our athletes push each other to be their best, and we focus on both technique and mental toughness,” Garrity said.
“Plus, we always make sure to have fun.”
The Huron BJJ academy is rapidly growing into a strong competitive team. In 2024 alone, the academy has already attended 16 tournaments, with head coach Shaun Garrity competing in four U.S. tournaments.
Shaun Garrity is currently ranked among the top 100 black belts in the world according to the IBJJF, the most reputable ranking system in BJJ.
According to Garrity, this marks the first year the academy has elevated the team to this level.
“It’s been an exciting journey,” added Garrity.
“This year, we were fortunate to secure sponsorships from generous local businesses that believe in our mission. We’ve been able to support our youth and adult competitors, helping them chase their goals on a larger stage.”
Sponsors include Sky Ranch, The Cannabis Guys, Kwik Bite/Shell, J and J Welding and Repair, and Boston Pizza.
The Huron BJJ academy has a few more tournaments lined up for this year. The team will be competing at the ADCC Niagara, followed by the annual Jiu Jitsu for Life Team event in Toronto.
“This will be a significant team competition, and we expect to have around 20 to 30 competitors participating,” explained Garrity.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for all the teams to come together and compete in our tournament.”
Additionally, there will be a black belt ceremony honouring all the newly graded black belts under the Jiu Jitsu for Life team.
Garrity is excited to share that Huron BJJ had added three new programs to their gym. This includes Little Ninjas for the youngest athletes, ages three and four, White Belt Basics for anyone over 18 who have just started, and a dedicated Teen BJJ programs for those aged 13 to 17.
“We’re welcoming new members in all of our programs, so it’s a great time to get involved,” added Garrity.
Huron BJJ is located at 199 Anglesea Street in Goderich. Find Huron BJJ on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
See more photos on page 5
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