Representing the North Country Martial Arts Academy and pictured are Loxlin Paige, Aubrey Slate (2 bronze), Gia Clary (2 gold), Kayden McGregor (silver), Nicholas Gurrea (silver & bronze), Gett Clary (bronze), Julian Gurrea (silver & bronze). Missing from the photo was Logan McGregor. Also pictured are coaches Travis Bond, Spencer Paige, and Dave Peets. Photo – North Country Jiu Jitsu team
NORFOLK — Several North Country Martial Arts Academy members traveled to Syracuse to compete in a Jiu-Jitsu tournament at the OnCenter in Syracuse.
From 5 to 54 years of age, the North Country natives were organized into divisions based on age, weight, sex, and skill to test their grappling abilities. Participants are set up in a bracket and have 4-6 matches per division.
“While securing a submission like an armbar or triangle is the ultimate goal, it’s difficult versus an evenly matched opponent,” said Coach Spencer Paige. “There is also a points-scoring system.”
Competitors score two points for a takedown, three points for passing the guard, and four points for mount control, Paige said.
Throughout the match, a referee issues points as they are earned while another referee keeps score. If no submission has happened by the end of the match, the competitor with the most points gets the win.
“There are also two separate divisions; gi and no gi. In the “gi” division, participants wear a traditional kimono and are allowed to grab the garment to manipulate their opponent while in the “no gi” division participants wear shorts and a rashguard,” Paige said. “While there are some similarities between gi and no gi, you are not allowed to grab the garments in no-gi. Because of this, the grips and techniques applied are different between the two.”
Some students participated in both divisions while others opted to only enter the gi division.
“This was a very special tournament because it was the first competition the academy’s youth team had entered, “…
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