The Ramona Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (RBJJ) competition team made an impressive showing at the Grappling X Gi Tournament in Long Beach, with 13 members competing and 10 medals earned.

The kids division started the day. First to medal was Matthew Mendoza in the kids 7- to 8-year-old 70-pound division. Mendoza had a dominating performance in his first match, winning 16-0. In a tough bracket, Mendoza finished second place overall. Representing RBJJ in the 9- to 10-year-old 90-pound division was Theron Puyot, who also faced skilled opponents. Puyot, who finished strong with an armbar that impressed the crowd, came in second place to the delight of his coach and teammates.

In another impressive performance, RBJJ competitor Brandon Setterberg took third place in the 10- to 12-year-old 100-pound division. Coach Kevin Hosseini encouraged Setterberg to compete in a higher division. Facing bigger opponents, Setterberg placed third in the 120-pound division bringing home two medals for the day.

Also competing in the 10-12 120-pound division was Killian Brandon. With an easy win in his first match, Brandon fought for first place with an outstanding competitor. In a long fought match that went back and forth several times, Brandon outlasted and outscored his opponent taking home the team’s only first place finish of the day.

James Proctor competed in the teens 13- to 14-year-old 115-pound division, which was tough and stacked with fierce opponents, Proctor pulled a second place finish. Coach Hosseini said he was pleased, but not shocked by the strong performance Proctor displayed.

In the teen’s 15- to 17-year-old 165-pound division, Tyler Crouch faced skilled and seasoned opponents. He scored a 3rd place victory in the division, his performance showing his ability and determination that motivated his teammates.

Placing third in the adult 175-pound division was RBJJ’s Harryson Franz. Also facing skilled and experienced opponents, Franz had only one loss out of five matches. The RBJJ family cheered as he had submission finishes for all but one of his opponents. Franz scored an impressive third place finish for the day.

Rounding out the day, Lawrence Arroyo competed in the teens 15- 17-year-old 145-pound division. Arroyo had several hard fought matches, but one stood out to the crowd and to his coach. Down by several points and with only seconds left in the match, Arroyo pulled off a submission that his coach and his opponent were not expecting. While his opponent was in a dominant position Arroyo slipped in an Ezekiel choke that shocked everyone.

Coach Hosseini said he was impressed by such heart and determination and the RBJJ family cheered Arroyo as he, too, placed second in his division.

As in the team’s previous tournament, Hosseini said he was very happy with the team’s performance, stating that the hard training and practice put in by the team allowed them do so well in their second tournament.

They are looking forward to the next opportunity to compete.

The competition team is composed of a select few from the Ramona Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Academy who choose to compete