Bhullar Wrestling made quite an impression at the B.C. Secondary Schools Championships in Port Alberni.
The popular family-run club, which is bursting at the seams in their own gym on Sidaway Road, had three members reach the podium — including gold medals for Calista Espinosa and Marques Calapiz. A courageous performance by Toni Medeiros earned her silver.
The impressive showing is further testament at what this club is doing for the sport, not only in Richmond but all of B.C.
Members only pay insurance fees and volunteer instruction is provided by a staff that includes Jag Bhullar and his cousin Arjan. Both became world class wrestlers learning their trade in the very same gym. Arjan has now taken his career to the UFC.
“For me it’s gratifying. All I want is success for these kids. I’m happy to see them perform and go out there and give their best,” said Jag.
The Bhullars have been working with the city to find a larger facility so the club can accommodate even more kids. In an era where so many amateur sports feature paid professional coaches, their dedication is remarkable. Jag works full time, will soon be a father and is running sessions on Thursday and Sunday year round.
“You will see we need more space badly and the city agrees too. It’s a matter of the logistics and putting it all together,” continued Jag. “Wrestling has given us a lot which I have always said but we have also created family here. This is our family and everyone in the club feels that way.
“We have wrestled plenty of tournaments over the years and nobody wants to train the day after. But all three (medalists) were here the next day. This is their home and it’s important for them to celebrate the win with their family.”
Espinosa capped her high school career in grand style by winning four straight matches, including a decision over Kianna Shew in the 47 kg. gold medal bout. The Grade 12 St. Pat’s student, who represented Canada and finished seventh at the Cadet World Championships two years ago, is now determining which university is the next chapter of her career. She is also preparing for the upcoming Nationals.
“It’s been quite the five-year (high school) journey and I really wanted this (gold medal) badly. Expectations were high and I wanted to finish off strong,” smiled Espinosa, who began training at Bhullar Wrestling four years ago. “They have helped me grow not only as a wrestler but as a person too. They have inspired me to be humble on and off the mats.”
Calapiz wasn’t the gold medal favourite when he headed to Port Alberni but he ended up dominating his 48 kg. division, pinning Dylan Battye just 34 seconds into his gold medal match. It was Grade 10 Notre Dame student’s fourth win of the weekend.
“I knew it was going to be a hard tournament but I believed I was going to take the gold medal home,” said Calapiz who is now focusing on the upcoming Cadet Nationals in Edmonton. “One of my jujitsu coaches recommended to try out this club and I have been doing it ever since. It’s very welcoming. Unlike some wrestling clubs they focus on every single child. There is no favouritism. Every person is built to the best of their abilities.”
If there was a courage award at the championships Medeiros would have been the ideal recipient. She somehow advanced to the final after cracking her rib in her second of four matches. The Grade 11 Notre Dame student and her two sisters are all members of Bhullar Wrestling which has the admiration of their father.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic. This place is like the ‘Rocky’ of gyms,” said Tony Medeiros, in reference to the popular 1976 movie. “Like Jag mentioned, it’s definitely a family here. They give up so much of their time and their dedication too. It’s a great club to be at.”
