KILIAN ACADEMY AT THE 2023 ADCC CANADA OPEN
Updated: Apr 27
Ottawa – On Sunday, April 24, 2023, the 2023 ADCC Canada Submission Grappling Championship was hosted for the first time in Canada at the Collège La Cité, Ottawa. Arguably one of the toughest tournaments in the world, the ADCC Submission Grappling Championships drew athletes from across the globe, with both World, US and Canadian Champions competing at the championship. Once again Kilian Academy was present, representing Grey-Bruce County at this year's inaugural event.
Thirty-two-year-old Nick Mole made his debut at the championships in the intermediate -70kg division, a division for those that have either trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo and Wrestling for 2 to 4 years. Nick faced off against BJJ phenom and tournament champion, Jonathan Pridham. Mole lost against Pridham by way of triangle submission and ended the tournament in 9th place out of 23 competitors. “Making my debut at submission grappling was educational. I would love to have had a better outcome, however, the result has just motivated me to work harder towards the next tournament”, stated Nick Mole, who lost for the first time in almost two years.
Twenty-five-year-old Curran Dixon also made his debut at the championships in the intermediate -76kg division. Curran lost by points and ended the tournament in 17th place out of 45 competitors. “My opponent’s disengaging approach to the match made it hard for me to apply my game. I have learned a lot from the experience and am looking forward to competing at the next submission grappling championships”, stated Curran Dixon.
Thirty-four-year-old Mike McGahan also made his debut at the championships in the beginner -83kg division, a division for those that have trained Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo and Wrestling for less than 2 years. McGahan lost by way of submission and ended the championship in 17th place out of 19 competitors. “It was an awesome experience to compete at ADCC. I have learned a lot from the experience and will be implementing my hard-learned lessons in the upcoming tournaments,” added Mike McGahan.
Abrie Kilian, Head Coach and Program Director at Kilian Academy stated that the calibre of submission grappling portrayed at the ADCC is of world-class standard: “The experience was simply fantastic. Facing world-class quality athletes will benefit our academy and community, and in time we will produce our own world champions. Clubs that did well, are well-established clubs with amazing depth to their athlete roster. Our club is but 3 years old and it is only a matter of time until we will be more competitive at submission grappling. Time to dust ourselves off and set our sights on the next tournament.”
Kilian Academy wishes to thank all sponsors, supporters and athletes for contributing to the opportunity to participate in the 2023 ADCC Canada Submission Grappling Championship. Feel free to contact Kilian Academy, should you have an interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Wrestling or Grappling.
External Links:
Kilian Academy athletes compete at submission and grappling championship by the Hanover The Post
Kilian Academy athletes compete at submission and grappling championship by the Lucknow Sentinel
Kilian Academy athletes compete at submission and grappling championship by Grey-Bruce This Week
Kilian Academy athletes compete at submission and grappling championship by The Mitchell Advocate