8 ‘younglings’ off to Guam BJJ tourney

Front row from left, Brian Anthony Reyes, Reiden Palacios Travilla, Kaiya Isabel Pangelinan, coach Cuki Alvarez, Leihani’Lyn Faith Reyes, Jacqueline Iris Quitugua, and Justo Jeremiah Quitugua. Back row from left, Gabriel Mitchell, assistant coach Alverick Alvarez, and Chris Hardt. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Trench Tech Purebred Saipan will be sending eight of their youngest Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners to Guam to compete in the Påtgon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament this weekend at the UOG Calvo Field House. 

BJJ instructor Cuki Alvarez said a total of four white belts and four gray belts will represent the CNMI in the first kind only BJJ tournament in Guam.

The four white belts headed to Guam are Gabriel Mitchel, 12; Chris Hardt, 16; Brian Anthony Reyes, 7; and Leihani’Lyn Faith Kukku Reyes, 5.

Justo Jeremiah Quitugua, 11; Jacqueline Iris Quitugua, 7; Reiden Palacios Travilla 9; and Kaiya Isabel Pangelinan, 8; make up the gray belters flying south.

Alvarez said all eight Trench Tech BJJ practitioners are “super excited” to go off-island and compete in the sport they train on.

“This is the very first time we are sending a kids-only team and the very first time Guam is hosting a kids-only BJJ competition, hence the name Påtgon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Tournament,” he said.

The veteran mixed martial arts fighter said he’s actually more nervous than his students heading to the one-day tournament. 

“But we have been diligently working on their skill set the past three months and the group of kids who are participating, although for all of them it is their very first competition, they are all ready to compete and more importantly, have fun and make new
friends.”

Alvarez also took the opportunity to thank the Marianas Visitors Authority for helping them defray the cost of their trip and accommodations in the U.S. territory. 

“MVA was very generous in donating sponsorship support and all of us were able to purchase our airline tickets and have a little extra for accommodations! Huge thank you to [MVA managing director] Mrs. Priscilla Iakopo for assisting us tremendously in this matter. Biba Marianas!”

In related news, Trench Tech Gym will also host a family friendly self-defense event starting at 10am this Saturday, Oct. 22.

This event, which will have former Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter Frank “The Crank” Camacho as special instructor, is open and free to all who sign up.

This event is in partnership with the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Planning Committee with the intent to raise public education and awareness on domestic violence, including the promotion of health, wellness, and fitness in the CNMI.

Dubbed “The Fit to Lead-Self Defense Fitness Class with Frank “The Crank” Camacho, the event is a free community and family friendly event.

Participants are encouraged to dress lightly and bring water for hydration. 

Spots are limited and those interested are encouraged to register, as soon as possible. 

An Accident Waiver & Release of Liability Form will be available on-site and must be signed by each agreeing participant. Minors will need parent/guardian consent and waiver.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact info@EndViolenceNMI.org or call (670) 234-3878.

Those interested can also copy and paste on your browsers the link: DVAMsignup.com to sign up.