“Jiu jitsu is like a game of chess, you need to be a step ahead.”
On March 15, Madison Scheilding and the rest of SUNY Cortland’s club jiu jitsu team will put their game to the test.
The event is hosted by Grappling Industries, and is set to take place at The Oncenter, in Syracuse. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. with the event getting underway at 9:00 a.m.
Participants from various gyms, clubs and universities all across the region will merge to compete in a series of matches that will test their grappling prowess and endurance.
The Cortland club jiu jitsu team is eager to showcase their talents, with athletes such as Senior blue belt Lukas Kirwin, along with Junior Madison Scheilding both looking to secure a first place finish for Cortland.
“I make sure to eat well the night before and get plenty of protein in, as well as get my blood sugar up in the morning to help with the adrenaline” said Scheilding when commenting on her game day preparation. “Lots of music too, I feel it’s a very music driven event at least for me. Listening to more intense music like rap helps me get my mind more active and in the right space.”
The event will feature multiple weight classes and both divisions. First being the gi division, where competitors wear traditional kimono uniforms which allow for grips and holds on the fabric. Secondly, the no-gi division, where competitors sport regular athletic wear without kimono uniforms, focusing more on body grips and speed to ensure a diverse range of matchups and styles. Spectators can expect to see a variety of techniques, from powerful takedowns to intricate submissions, as competitors clash for top honors.
“Ideally, my goal is to go 4-0 on the day,” said Kirwin. “I’m just going to keep training hard, stick with my base and be myself out there. I’ve been doing some crossfit to help me prepare as well so I can really keep up the pace.”
The tournament is not only a competition, but also a gesture of the jiu jitsu community. It provides an opportunity for athletes to connect, learn from each other, and foster a spirit of competitiveness. Fans of all demographics are encouraged to come out and support their local team.