SXM BJJ winter graduation and demonstration 

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — On Thursday December 1^st,2015 Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu St. Maarten students were recognized for their advancement in the study of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Students in three age group classes demonstrated self defense techniques and sparring in front of family and friends. Every student (ages 5 – 16) received an official Renzo Gracie Jiu Jitsu medal for their participation and many students were promoted to a new belt rank.

The belt ranking system for children differs from that for adults- there are more belts awarded to children than adults.

New white/grey belts include Julia Hinkfoot, Ocean Nowek, Landon Scripps-Ewing, Mathew Stickells, Jaiden Somersall, Isaiah Peterson-Arrindell and Eriak Bendehan. Grey belts were awarded to Rio Stomp and Jet Fleming. Grey/yellow belts were awarded to Mila Grandtner, Semmeke Haasdijk and Sierra Meyers. White/yellow belts include Brunillio Bandin, James Dammers, Reva Hiranandani and Nathaneal Van Dam.

Yellow belts were awarded to Aiden Wilkie, Miles Cheasley, Connor Scripps-Ewing, Sabih Haasdijk, Leonardo Cruz, Tiffany Ramnauth, Omarion Thomas, Kevin Bernard, Derek ‘DJ’ Matser and Aarda Yimlaz. New Yellow/orange belts include Keziah Hoeve, Caiyden Marlin, Max Cruz, Adam Comlekcioglu, Zara Budhrani, Noah Gummels, Nikki Grandtner, Lukas Hassell, Natalya Muñoz, Sharky Nowek, Nubia Stomp, Dejon Daly and Chantal Williams. Orange/Green belts were awarded to Alyna Comlekcioglu and Kleyian Carter.

Finally, a green belt- the highest rank in the belt system for juveniles was awarded to Harmony Biddle-Chadwick. 16  year old Harmony helps as an assistant coach and also trains with the adults classes.

Brazilian jiu jitsu is a martial art based on the submission grappling, with a large emphasis on self defense. Master Renzo Gracie, a pioneer and world renown expert in the field explains: “We are not in the business of martial arts; we are in the business of building confidence. When someone comes in here, our goal is to make you confident. Not only to defend yourself, but with that comes the confidence in facing life.”

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai kickboxing classes are offered at 15 Wellington Road in Cole Bay. Adults Jiu Jitsu classes are offered on Monday and Wednesday evenings.