On Saturday October 2nd, 2021, AVA hosted their latest Brazilian Jiu jitsu tournament in Coquitlam BC. Young aspiring contender of White Rock, BC, Joey Dhaliwal had his eyes set on the gold medal in the 155 pound division. This tournament was an opportunity for any jiu jitsu practitioners from ages 15 and up, it is a showcase of all the hard work these men and women put into the sport
The tournament is formatted into weight divisions. Every contestant in the tournament must make the desired weight cap limit to compete in the tournament. You can weigh in either the day before the competition begins or you can weigh in the morning of the competition before your matches take place. There are three medals awarded to the top three contestants which are based off of their record after the tournament, bronze, silver, and gold
White belt, Joey Dhaliwal wanted to put his skills to the test as when he heard of the opportunity to compete in the October event it was just something he could not pass up. As a competitive individual, when Joey enrolled in the competition he described his feelings as not being nervous at all, in fact he could not wait until the date
The day of the competition had arrived and it was time for his first match. During the lead up to his first competition Joey had described his emotions to be in check and that he was as calm as one could be, until he stepped onto the matt.
“ It was like everything froze up, as soon as I got onto the matt I couldn’t think straight. When I got taken down it was almost as if I had never done this before. My legs were shaking and I couldn’t control my breathing.’
After the first match Joey ultimately took the loss, but said that it had settled him in and he thought that it had helped him prepare for his next match. Joey would go on to win his next two fights, as he had made it to the bronze medal match. Joey fought hard but ultimately fell short in the final contest placing him into fourth in his first ever competition.
“ it was a great experience and I do not regret anything, I cant wait until the next opportunity arises for me to compete again and hopefully my teammates can compete along side me.’
Joey will compete again in 2022 as the next tournament takes place in February. Joey will train in the coming months, but he describes the experience of having an event under his belt to be the thing that will help him over the edge in the next competition.