GOLD FOR OWEN SOUND’S MIKE MCGAHAN!

Mike McGahan (Black) in action in the Master 1 Male White Belt -200 lbs division finals. (2023 Grappling Industries Toronto)

TORONTO – Saturday and Sunday (the 21st and the 22nd of January 2023) saw the start of the 2023 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu season, with the highly popular Grappling Industries Tournament held at Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto. Grappling Industries saw close to 1300 athletes competing in both Gi and Nogi in a Round Robin format, with athletes from Kilian Academy representing Grey-Bruce County.

Mike McGahan, securing side control at the 2023 Grappling Industries Toronto.

Thirty-Three-year-old Mike McGahan from Owen Sound, blasted through the Nogi White Belt Master 200 lbs division, beating 5 athletes from across Canada to be crowned 2023 Grappling Industries Toronto Champion. “My 2022 results were somewhat disappointing. However, I have set my sights on conquering the 2023 circuit. I am happy with our off-season preparation, my coach, and teammates that are constantly molding me into a champion.” Stated McGahan.

Logan Robbins in action at the 2023 Grappling Industries Toronto.

Seventeen-year-old Logan Robins from Tobermory, a student at Bruce Peninsula District School, made his debut at the tournament and secured one gold and one silver in the Boys 16-17 White belt 170 lbs division. “Logan is another one of our teen prospects that have been training the last year in preparation to make his debut in 2023. Logan faced an athlete that has trained for far longer than he and has lost marginally by two points. We are looking forward to seeing how his season will unfold.” Stated Abrie Kilian, Program Director at Kilian Academy.

Jonathan Newiger setting up a pretzel pass at the 2023 Grappling Industries Toronto.

Jonathan Newiger, the military veteran from Owen Sound, also made his debut at the tournament and was able to win two of his four matches, securing 5th place in the Master White belt 215 lbs division.

Canadian Champion Nick Mole and teammate Ethan Scott had to withdraw due to illness.

“The Academy is preparing a strong team this season and hope to improve on our performance of last year, which secured us 5th place on the AJP Canada National Academy Rankings. We are looking for more athletes to join our ranks to march on Toronto and bring back more precious metal to Grey Bruce County.” Added Kilian.

Mike McGahan awarded gold at the 2023 Grappling Industries Toronto, Master 1 Male White Belt -200 lbs division.

Logan Robbins (Top) awarded gold and silver medals at the 2023 Grappling Industries Toronto.

Abrie Kilian, Jonathan Newer, Mike McGahan, Robin McGahan and Nick Mole. Logan Robbins in absentia. (2023 Grappling Industries Toronto)

Article by the Owen Sound The Sun Times on the 28th of January 2023. Photo by Abrie Kilian.

External Link:

1. Owen Sound's McGahan wins gold at BJJ tournament by The Sun-Times.

2. Tobermory’s Logan Robins Secures One Gold, One Silver at Grappling Industries Tournament by The Bruce Peninsula Press

3. Tobermory’s Logan Robins Secures One Gold, One Silver at Grappling Industries Tournament by The Bruce Peninsula Press