Gracie Barra impress at maiden BJJ Nationals

Gracie Barra from Gulu District registered four winners at the first ever National Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) championship held at Fuji’s Dojo in Kampala on March 6.

A total of 26 participants, male and female, represented four clubs in the one-day event, which involved both ‘Gi’ and ‘No-Gi’. In BJJ, ‘Gi’ allows the grabbing of the opponent’s clothing, while ‘No-Gi’ is the grappling without the traditional uniform, but participants only wear shorts and a rash guard. Overall, Gracie Barra had seven Gi podium finishers, with four winners in Michael Olara
Winners -Gi (60kg)
George Itumo (One Tribe Nairobi)
Gi (70kg)
Michael Olara (Gracie Barra)
Gi (80kg)
John Bosco Onen (Gracie Barra)
No Gi (60kg)
George Itumo (One Tribe Nairobi)
No Gi (70kg)
Michael Olara (Gracie Barra)
No Gi (80kg)
Byron Karim (Kampala Grappling)
Ladies
Gloria Atim (Gracie Barra)

(70kg), John Bosco Onem (80kg), Gloria Atim (ladies). In the No-Gi category, Olara took the 70kg. “We are happy to promote the growth of this sport in Uganda and identify new talents who in the near future may compete internationally,” said the organiser and Master of Gomes BJJ dojo, Professor Gomes.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that emphasises the use of leverage to control and if necessary submit your opponent. Different from most martial arts that rely on speed and power, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu relies entirely on the leverage of the body, so one does not overpower their opponent, but outsmarts them.

It has been practiced in Uganda since 2015 and has 40 active participants. One Tribe Nairobi traveled from Kenya to attend. Kampala was represented by Gomes BJJ and Kampala Grappling.

[email protected]