The referee raises Urijah Sablan’s hand for winning a match in the 2024 Patgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament at the UOG Calvo Field House in Mangilao, Guam on Saturday, April 27.
Tate and Trey pose for a photo with their medals alongside their parents Kianna and Paul Manglona after competing in the 2024 Patgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament at the UOG Calvo Field House in Mangilao, Guam on Saturday, April 27.
Reiden Travilla, right, poses with his bronze medals during the awards ceremony of the 2024 Patgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament at the UOG Calvo Field House in Mangilao, Guam on Saturday, April 27.
THE Trench Tech Purebred team, representing the NMI, returned home with several medals they won during the 2024 Patgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament at the UOG Calvo Field House in Mangilao, Guam on Saturday, April 27.
Among the NMI winners was a first timer, Urijah “Wolfie” Sablan, who claimed a silver medal in the PeeWee 2 division.
The 6-year-old white belt had an explosive debut as he swept most of the competition.
He earned nine points in his flawless performance against Jahziah Blas, and defeated Ethan Gogue, again with a 9-0 score. His third match against Brendan Brown was a bit tougher, but Sablan still won, 9-4.
In the finals, however, Sablan was bested by his opponent, 0-6, and had to settle for a silver medal.
Overall, Sablan had a great experience and is looking forward to the next tournament. According to his parents, Thorn and Joice Sablan, “It was very competitive in Guam. Lots of great talent. But he’s ready to get back to the gym and keep working hard on his skills.”
Four medals
Brothers Trey “King Koa” and Tate “Hotpocket” Camacho Manglona returned home with four medals.
Trey won silver medals in the Teens Gi Division and the Teens No Gi Division while his brother, Tate, brought home two bronze medals in the Junior 2 Gi and No Gi Divisions.
“There’s always room for improvement,” Trey said. “I know I can do better next time. I’m happy. Both me and my brother were able to stand on the podium this year. Definitely tougher competitors this year. It’s always a pleasure competing and representing my flag, family, and team.”
For Tate, “it was amazing! I got to stand on the podium for the first time and did it twice. I know I can do better, and I will. I’m happy for my brother and team. It was fun! I competed for both Gi and No Gi and got to push my body to limits it hasn’t been before.”
Sharing the spotlight
Reiden (not Jeiden as earlier reported) Palacios Travilla also shared the spotlight as a double bronze winner in the Junior 2 67lbs Gi and No Gi Divisions.
“I gave it my best and I am happy with my performance. Standing on the podium is a humbling experience and a big accomplishment for me. Most especially to represent Trench Tech Purebred and the NMI,” said Travilla. “This year’s competition was tough, but also exciting because I competed against experienced opponents from Guam. This tournament was also challenging because this was the first time I competed in No-Gi with little experience and training. Overall, I learned a lot and I am ready to train harder and prepare myself for the next tournament,” he added.
‘No Max’
Although this was Jacqueline “Iris” Quitugua’s third time competing in the tournament, it was her first time seeing action in the Junior 1 division “No Max,” placing fifth in her bracket. Her final match went on for two minutes and 45 seconds before she was caught in an armbar by her opponent. Although she did not make it to the podium, it was a great learning experience for her and now, she is more determined and motivated to train harder and return to the tournament in October 2024.
“The competition for me this April was more challenging than the other two tournaments I’ve competed in,” she said. “But it was a good learning experience for me. I plan to work on continuing my training with all the techniques I already know and mastering them, working on attacking at competition speed and becoming stronger at being the dominant fighter, and overall being focused and ready for the next one!”
The other members of the Trench Tech Purebred team, Deighton Muna and Aiyani Magofna Rios, did not advance in their respective divisions this year.
