Best Kids Academy and Best Overall Academy at the Grappling Series Cork Open

What a day out. We came home from the Grappling Series Cork Open here in Cork with two trophies, Best Kids Academy and Best Overall Academy, backed up by some brilliant individual performances from kids and adults alike.

The Results

This was also the first time the Grappling Series added no-gi for kids in Cork, and our kids made the most of it. Rayan, Siya, and Mihai all won double gold, taking first place in both gi and no-gi on the day. Brilliant performances from all three. And with us recently adding a dedicated no-gi class to the kids schedule, this is a side of the game we're taking more and more seriously.

Denas Valskis is stepping up to the adult divisions this year as he turns 18, and he showed exactly why at the Cork Open. He took gold in his weight division no-gi, then went on to win gold in the no-gi open weight as well. He also stepped into the gi division and finished third. Three medals, class.

Esdra Oliveira was equally sharp. Competing at adult purple belt, he won gold in his division and gold in the open weight, earning himself a €300 voucher from Ground Game along the way. Two golds in the open weight category on the same day is no small thing.

And then the trophies. Best Kids Academy and Best Overall Academy, both going back to Bandon.

Brilliant Performances All Round

Fair play to every single person who stepped up and competed on the day, including plenty of athletes who were competing for the very first time. Whether you came away with a medal or not, getting on the mat and testing yourself takes courage, and it's something to be proud of.

We don't push anyone to compete at Studio Galera - it's always your choice. But for those who do want to see where their jiu-jitsu stands under pressure, days like this are exactly what local competitions were made for.

Having events like the Grappling Series right here in Cork makes all the difference. More of our kids, teenagers, and adults can step up without the hassle of long travel, and the results show what's possible when the whole team shows up.

Competition Photos

Come Train With Us

Inspired to give it a go? We run BJJ classes for all ages and levels in Bandon, West Cork. Beginners are always welcome. Register for a free trial and come see what it's about.