ACADEMY ATHLETES DO WELL AT NEXTGEN NIAGARA!
NIAGARA – Saturday (March 5, 2023) saw the second Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament on this year's calendar hosted in Niagara Falls, at the Niagara Fall Convention Centre. With almost 900 athletes registering for the 2023 NextGen Niagara Tournament, the circuit is heating up with a return to maximum capacity tournaments, following the Pandemic. Once again Kilian Academy athletes represented Grey-Bruce County and did not disappoint.
Thirty-Eight-year-old military veteran from Owen Sound, Jonathan Newiger, fresh from his 5th place at the previous tournament, hit back to secure himself a silver medal in Niagara in the Master 2, Super Heavy Division. “I am still trying to find my rhythm at competitive jiu-jitsu in preparation for the Canadian Nationals later this year. I am still grateful to represent my Academy and my fellow athletes in securing second place.” Stated Newiger.
Twenty-year-old Jonas Renaud from Sauble Beach, made his debut at 2023 NextGen Niagara, competing in the Men’s No-Gi category in the Medium-Heavy (-85kg) division. Jonas was able to secure bronze in his maiden tournament and won his first match, which could be argued as one of the submissions of the day. “I was slightly nervous in competing in my first tournament, however, when my opponent started strangling me, I knew I had to wake up and fight back. I was able to finish the match with a submission, despite being down a few points,” stated Renaud.
“The big boys at the Academy are getting ready for the ADCC tournament that will be hosted for the first time in Canada. Getting some of our newer athletes to compete and gain experience, will greatly benefit our Academy in general, by lifting the standard of our competition team,” stated Abrie Kilian, program director at Kilian Academy.
“We have seen a sudden influx of new athletes, and even exponential growth in our female athlete numbers. We are presently building a lady's team, to break a few Toronto ladys’ hearts, by bringing precious medals back to Grey-Bruce County,” added Kilian.
If you are interested in an adventure in the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, contact Kilian Academy and start your journey with one of Ontario’s top training facilities, established in Shallow Lake in the heart of Grey-Bruce County.
