Six Broome Mixed Martial Arts ninjas crowned State Champions at Perth-based tournament

Broome’s very own ninjas put their skills to the ultimate test over the weekend at the Submission Grappling Tournaments 2021, with some competitors returning home as State Champions. Broome Mixed Martial Arts sent nine competitors on the 2200km trip to Perth, to compete against the best young athletes from across WA. The BMMA team were extremely successful, brining home 11 medals, six State Champions and a heap of new knowledge, skills and memorable moments. One high performer, nine-year-old Mackie Brown, brought home two gold and one bronze medal despite fighting up an entire belt class and weight class, which he did in order to get as many matches as possible. With his family cheering him on, the competitive youngster also claimed the prestigious title of State Champion in Gi for grey belt. Another young athlete, ‘JB’ Jaxon Blake Pickering, competed two weekends in a row in Perth, fighting off intense nerves to claim a double State Champion title for both Gi and No Gi in grey belt. Seasoned competitor in multiple sports Annabella Thompson also competed both weekends, fighting in both No Gi and Gi matches to bring home a State Championship title in her No Gi white belt division. The oldest teen in the mix, TJ Anderson fought up two belt classes to find a competitor in his category and had both Gi and No Gi matches in his teen division. The human weapon fought his heart out to bring home a State Championship title in No Gi and had spectacular draws in his Gi division. Paul Kelly had his debut experience at State level, entering and competing in 12 matches in which he held his own and did his team proud. Norman Fronda Jr entered the competition for the first time as a newly graded blue belt and fought in 12 matches, which equated to more than one hour of rolling time. Entering the competitive Brazilian Jiu Jitsu scene for the first time, Dan Joyce ‘Big Dan’ proved to be a natural, fighting to bring home bronze in the Gi and gold in the No Gi divisions, as well as being awarded State Champion in the No Gi blue belt division. Blake Glossop and Carolyn Armstrong also had a busy day, together brining home silver in No Gi and gold in Gi, with their family by their side. Ms Armstrong said she was appreciative of her family for making the trip to Perth to support the team. “Thank you to all our affiliate gyms for helping coach, support and help settle the nerves for the BMMA family members,” she said. “The day ran like clock work thanks to SGT, referees and volunteers, thank you for making us all feel welcome, we look forward to 2022 SGT.”