LIHU‘E — The Hawai‘i Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu comes to Kaua‘i this Saturday, following a three-year hiatus prompted by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Kaua‘i Spring Open will be the third stop in the federation’s 10-event Hawai‘i Triple Crown tour, which spans the four major Hawaiian Islands.
“We count points for the best three events the year. Then you can win the state championship belt at the end of the year,” the federation’s Romolo Barros, of O‘ahu, told The Garden Island.
Saturday’s Spring Open will feature gi and no-gi single-elimination categories for children, teens and adults at Kaua‘i High School in Lihu‘e.
First-, second- and third-place athletes in each division will receive medals. The top three academies will receive team trophies as well.
More than 125 local registrants were reported at press time.
These athletes hail from about five major schools on Kaua‘i, as well as home or garage dojos, according to Barros.
Local schools include Longman Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Esaki Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Kaua‘i Technical Institute Jiu-Jitsu, and Bragiao Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, according to registration information.
While some local jiu-jitsu schools folded amidst the pandemic, others were formed and have found success.
“Some of them, I’ve heard you’ve got to be on a waiting list to get into the school,” Barros explained.
Barros and the federation is ready to return to Kaua‘i.
“We love coming to Kaua‘i. You know, we love the island and the BJJ community there,” he said. “We’re very excited to come back over there and put the event on again. We have so many kids competing, and it’s such a great thing for the kids.”
Athletes still have time to join the event: Late registration remains open through midnight tonight.
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. Competition begins at 10 a.m.
Spectator tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 through 12. Children under 5 years old are free.
To purchase tickets, register and for more information, go to hfbjj.org or hawaiitriplecrown.com.
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Scott Yunker, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or syunker@thegardenisland.com.
