Some of the members of Team Trench Tech Purebred Saipan, who will be competing in the Påtgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament this Saturday, pose for a group photo at the Trench Tech gym.
Contributed photo
THIRTEEN young athletes from TrenchTech Purebred Saipan are flying out this week to compete in the prestigious Påtgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament, taking place this Saturday at the UOG Field House in Mangilao, Guam.
The tournament, now in its fourth year, is widely regarded as a premier jiu-jitsu competition in the region for athletes ages 5 to 17, drawing hundreds of youth competitors from across the Pacific and even the U.S. mainland.
TrenchTech Purebred Saipan Coach Cuki Alvarez said it’s important for the NMI to compete in regional and international events because they provide an invaluable platform for young martial artists to test their skills, build confidence, and gain real-world competition experience.
Preparation for the TrenchTech team has been intense and consistent.
“We’ve been training since the last Påtgon Jiu Jitsu Kids Tournament in Oct. 2024,” said Alvarez. “The kids are ready and focused. We have a good mix of veterans and first-timers — but all of them are super excited,” he added.
When asked how this particular group of 13 athletes was selected, Alvarez highlighted their dedication and commitment.
“These are the kids who showed the most interest and trained consistently leading up to the tournament,” he said.
The roster includes both new and returning young grapplers: Athena Barbara Quitugua Feger, Deighton Muna, Victor Igitol, Jacqueline Iris Quitugua, Jerome Jose Camacho Cruz, Jordan Kendrick Camacho, Joseph Kamantigue Camacho Cruz Jr., Uma Naputi, Ava Arriola Igitol, Noel Richard Quitugua, Trey Camacho Manglona, Gerard Naputi, and Justo Quitugua.
Accompanying them are Coach Cuki Alvarez and Assistant Coach Shane Alvarez.
Beyond medals and accolades, the TrenchTech program sees this trip as part of a larger mission: empowering young athletes through discipline, sportsmanship, and resilience.
“We always tell our children that we can’t control the outcome of their matches, but what we can control is our preparation, our attitude, and our actions going into the matches,” Cuki Alvarez said.
For young athletes from the NMI, the opportunity to participate in a regional tournament like this is rare and treasured.
“Events like this one in Guam are strictly catered to kids and give them the opportunity to compete against others from around the Pacific. It helps build their confidence and understanding of what it means to be a real competitor,” Cuki Alvarez added.
As Team TrenchTech departs for Guam, the NMI community stands behind them — including sponsors such as Hi’nemlo Familia, Sugarking Holdings, LLC, Chowtime & Xxxclusive Spot, Trench Tech, 4ever CNMI, AA Enterprises, Inc., Bravo Kitchen & Bar, Francine Cruz, Ina’s Kitchen, Kikass Snack Bar, Mar Castro, Mariana Nails, and Payless Superfresh.
Good luck, TrenchTech!
