What an insane weekend. It all started on Friday with the much anticipated Para Bellum Quintet Event where our team was pitted against SBGNiagara in a 5 vs 5 Purple belt team competition and I was very confident that we would do very well. I know my team is very talented but figured we would have our hands full.
But before the Quintet matches, Mateo had the match of the night but came up short getting caught in a triangle with 4 seconds left. Many in attendance thought it was the most exciting match of the night.
First up for the Quintet was Luke Roberts. Luke is a fast starter and we knew he could get us off on a good foot and that is exactly what happened, he got the sub in the first match. Unfortunately the second opponent was very durable and managed not to get submitted by Luke therefore eliminating him from continuing.
In came our second athlete Ryan Almonte. Ryan was on a mission and it was quite evident. Ryan went on to submit the entire rest of the opposition’s team. He did have some adversity but managed to overcome and be the star of the night. Unfortunately the rest of our team didn’t get to showcase their skills but I don’t think they were complaining to much. Vasiliy, Aleks and Mike will have their opportunity at the next event for we have been invited back.
Professor Michael Aviado also put on a great performance and got the win with an arm lock.
Thank you so much to the show’s promoter Rory @snoopror for this amazing opportunity. It was another fantastic event and myself and my team were very happy to be a part of it.
Thank you also to my sponsor @maeda_canada for providing our team with the matching shorts. The team was super happy with that surprise.
On the Saturday I had a grading at my affiliate P4P Pickering with Sensei O’Neil and his great group of students. Congrats to all that levelled up. All well deserved. It was a great grading and I really appreciated being there.
Straight after that I drove across the GTA to go support one my students Michael Ahn as he was making his amateur MMA debut at my good friend Jesse’s show Rage FC. He did a tremendous job and came away with a second round tko victory. I was super grateful to be there and to be a part of it.
On to Sunday we here at Yorkdale Martial Arts had our very own gathering/grading and it didn’t disappoint with an amazing day with great friends and students.
It hasn’t all sunk in yet. All I know is how tremendously proud I am and super grateful of everyone one that is on this team. On to the next. Oss!! @jesserichardson72 @parabellumquintet