THREE MORE CANADA NATIONAL PRO CHAMPIONS!
Updated: Aug 18
TORONTO - This past weekend saw Kilian Academy compete at the prestigious 2023 AJP Canada National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship, hosted at Toronto Metropolitan University. With four athletes representing both Grey and Bruce counties, three were able to secure gold and be crowned Canada National Pro Champions.
The Academy teenage sensation, Derrick Scheper, took gold in the Boys Teen Grey Belt Middle Weight division, in what can be called the battle of the phenoms. Scheper faced off against Waylon Roote from Saugeen Shores in a all Grey Bruce finals. Roote, like Scheper, burned up the BJJ circuit this year. “We anticipated this match between Roote and Scheper, both highly talented athletes and the future of BJJ. Derrick was able to secure a win in a low-scoring bout, winning the match two points to one. BJJ has seen significant growth in both Grey Bruce Counties, with both counties sporting the gold and silver medalists in this final. This is a testimony of the potential of our region and as a result of the collaboration and hard work of all the academies in both counties.” Stated Abrie Kilian, Program Director at Kilian Academy. Scheper, the Harvest Christian Reformed School graduate, successfully defended his title this year, after being crowned Canada's national champion last year.
Another Academy teenage sensation, Ethan Guichelaar, was able to secure gold in the Youth Men White Belt Middle Weight division, an improvement from last year's silver medal. “We have worked extensively on Ethan’s game plan these last few weeks. Ethan played the plan perfectly from take-down to submission, beating his opponent in 35 seconds in the finals to be crowned AJP Canada National Pro Champion.” A student at St Mary’s High School, Ethan will be looking to add more medals to his collection later this year.
Jonathan Newiger, the thirty-eight-year-old military veteran from Owen Sound competed in the Men’s white belt Master 2 Light Heavy Weight division and was able to secure his maiden gold medal in competitive jiu-jitsu. “After taking silver at the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Expo, I worked hard at my game to prepare for the Canada National Pro. Both my coach and I developed a game strategy that I am comfortable with and commensurate with my temperament and body type. I am looking forward to a few more tournaments before my blue belt demonstration in November”, added Newiger.
2022 AJP Canada National Pro Champion, Abrie Kilian, competed in the brown belt Master 2 Middle Weight division for the first time. The forty-three-year-old Kilian was unable to secure a medal at the Pro, however, was able to secure 4th place overall on the Canada National Pro rankings. “The Brown Belt division is a completely new animal to tame. At this present moment, I have some work to do to improve my ability to successfully navigate this division. I am still fortunate to be able to compete and enjoy the adventure that is competitive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu”, stated Kilian.
Despite fielding only four athletes at this year's championship, compared to last year's 11, Kilian Academy was able to maintain its gold medal tally. Kilian Academy was not able to improve on its 2022 ranking which saw it placed 5th overall at the Canada National Pro. The Academy secured 12th place amongst the 40 clubs that were able to win medals. In the past three years, the Academy has been fortunate to produce 10 Canada National Champions and several Ontario Champions.
“We wish to invite the whole of Grey Bruce County, young and old, to visit their facility in Shallow Lake and engage in a journey of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. For those that wish to form part of our competition squad, contact us so that we can get you prepared. We also have a wonderful group of weekend warriors that train with our competition team to ensure that they are ready to represent both the Academy and Grey Bruce County.”
The AJP Canada National Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship forms part of a series of international tournaments, which ranks competitive athletes on a national, continental and international level.
External links:
Kilian Academy athletes perform at national championship by The Mitchell Advocate
Kilian Academy athletes perform at national championship by The Sun Times
Kilian Academy athletes perform at national championship by The Hanover Post
3 More Canada National Pro Champions for Kilian Academy by Bayshore Broadcasting