Eight-year-old Yarrow Doyle had the right stuff at the Pride Gym Invitational Jiu-Jitsu tournament in Trail on Nov. 5.
Doyle, who trains at Valley Jiu-Jitsu in Castlegar, earned a trophy for the best submission in the kids’ division along with a silver medal for his performance.
“Yarrow is very enthusiastic about his jiu-jitsu, and leaves it all on the mat,”
said Chris Thring, head instructor at Valley Jiu-Jitsu.
Doyle wasn’t the only stand out on the Valley Jiu-Jitsu team. Grant Smith, 15, won a gold medal in the teen division as well as a trophy for winning the absolute, where competitors face off regardless of belt level or weight class.
“Grant trains hard on a regular basis, and it was great to see his hard work pay off,” Thring said.
Kayah Folster, 8, also brought home a gold medal and teammates Carson Ogloff, 8, Jacob Perepolkin, 10, and Nate Turner, 7, earned silver medals in the kids’ division. Liam Herbert, 9, won a bronze medal. In the adult division, Jake Turner earned a bronze medal and Corey McCreight brought home a silver medal.
Participants from Trail, Castlegar and Nelson competed at the tournament.
“I’m proud of all my students whether they compete or not,” said Thring. “It takes dedication to stay consistent with your practice.”