On July 7 and 8, four students from Ostovic’s Gym travelled to the University of British Columbia in Vancouver as the only martial arts school representing the Sunshine Coast at the 33rd annual Can-Am Championships and Carlson Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Cup.

Maria Lamarche, only a blue belt in rank, fought in the black belt division and won the bronze medal for women’s point fighting

Qasim Khan, Ryan Wagner and Nolan Flay, all junior novice competitors, also decided to test their skills against a higher calibre of Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the men’s division.

Both Qasim and Ryan were defeated after long matches against the older and more experienced grapplers, but they showed they had the skill and heart to fight at an advanced level.

However, 16-year-old Nolan utilized the spectacular judo throws of seoi-nage and tai-otoshi, and the BJJ scarf-control and rear-naked chokes, threw and submitted all of his opponents to win the men’s gold medal in No-Gi Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

A big congratulations to all the competitors and their training partners at Ostovic’s Gym — you walk the walk.

Anyone interested in serious training to reach their full potential in MMA, freestyle submission grappling or Muay Thai kickboxing can call or text 604-928-2372 for more details.

— Submitted