Richmond's Apex Martial Arts recently took 15 of their athletes to California to compete at the prestigous fourth annual IBJJF Pan Kids 2012 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championships where they returned home with 13 medals.
The event is the largest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament of its kind in North America for kids and attracted entries from Brazil, Japan, England and the United States. The Canadian contingent more than held its own as Apex athletes won three gold, four silver and six bronze medals.
"Not too bad for a small Richmond/Vancouver based school," said Apex instructor Marcy Hilario. "We have definitely made our mark internationally in the kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu scene."
Leading the way were gold medal performances by Camille Bedard, Aidan Huynh and Brannon Jaurigue.
Bedard, a 12-year-old grey belt, reached the top of the podium in the Teen One Ultra Heavy Division. Jaurigue, eight, tasted victory in the Pee Wee Three Heavy category, while Huynh, who is also eight, captured gold in the Pee Wee Three Medium Heavy competition. Both are grey belts.
Silver medalists included: Brandon Wong ,13, (Teen Two Heavy Division); Jason Bhoparai, 12, (Teen Two Ultra Heavy Division); Alex Huynh, 11, (Junior Three Ultra Heavy Division).
Bronze medal winners were: TJ Jaurigue, 12, (Teen One Division Meadium Heavy Division); Zach Lester, 12, (Teen One Feather Division); Calista Espinosa, 11, (Junior Three Light Feather Division); William Hooton, nine, (Junior One Feather Division); Rohan Balaggan, nine, (Junior One Super Heavy Division); Bijan Lester, eight, (Pee Wee Three Light Division); Esha Balaggan, seven, (Pee Wee Two Feather Division).
Apex was also well-represented by Renaud Bedard (Junior One Feather Division) and Jacob Bhoparai (Junior One Feather Division).
