This past weekend, the Jiu Jitsu World League hosted a competition at Stockton’s own Adventist Health Arena, by the waterfront. Supposedly, this competition comes to town once every couple of months. However, it looks like this organization hosts tournaments all over the country. I didn’t compete in this tournament, but I had several friends who did- all of which were representing a local gym in Lodi. This was my first time spectating any sort of combat sport competition and it was definitely a sight to see.
Doors opened at 8 AM but the first matches didn’t start until 9. Upon early arrival, there were already plenty of competitors lined up around the arena to check weight and start warming up. JJWL made great use of the space inside the area, with 26 mats covering the floor and a table at each mat. The kids' matches would be the first to kickoff (both Gi and Nogi) and would last the first couple hours of the day. It wouldn’t be until the afternoon (around 2 PM) that my buddies would compete.
Fast forward to the afternoon, the stands were looking pretty full (might’ve been at like 60% capacity at peak time), adult matches were underway, and the energy was hype. All of my friends that were competing were guaranteed 2 matches for the day, but most went on to fight in 3 or 4 of them. Each match has a 5 minute time limit and each competitor has a chance to win, either by points or submission. If I remember correctly, points were granted for takedowns, sweeps, or guard passes. Some of the matches went by fast, while others were stretched the full 5 minutes. Either way, it was chaos in the streets, with 26 simultaneous matches ensuing continuously (both Gi and Nogi), and hundreds of competitors still waiting anxiously for their turn.
With gold, silver, and bronze on the line, everyone was out for blood. I saw many competitors immediately try to pull guard and go for the submission. There wasn’t a lot of circling going on, which made each of these matches even more exciting.
At the end of the day, 3 of my friends ended up placing in their respective weight classes, one getting bronze, another getting silver, and one winning gold. I was very proud of them, it was a good day to be there. I look forward to checking out more of the competitions when they come to town.
God Bless,
Producer Reese
Social Media
Needed some more detail here Young Reesey... give the people some results! And some footage of Reese on the mat !