MABJJ Fife is hosting a seminar with Ricardo De La Riva.  If you are interested in attending please contact Shawn Gaspaire at 253-232-2679.

Things come full circle as Sleeper Athletics affiliates with Marcelo Alonso Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Team.  Back in 2001, I walked into Marcelo’s Tacoma Academy completely out of my element and unsure of what to expect. Marcelo’s personality, passion for the sport and uncanny ability to make complex moves seem simple hooked me on the first day.   Time passed, gyms changed and I had the opportunity to train with lots of different great guys and girls.  Now over ten years and a ton of training, teaching and learning  later, I have decided to go back to where it all started and rejoin the Marceo Alonso BJJ Team.  I am very excited about this new opportunity for myself and for the whole Sleeper Athletics team.  I can’t wait for everyone to meet and train with Professor Marcelo Alonso and to fall in love with the sport all over again.

BJJHQ.com is offering a great deal on a Breakpoint kids Gi with 2 pairs of pants for $75.  Sale is only today so get on it if you need a new gi.

If you miss the deal and still need a gi talk with Cindy as soon as possible.  We will be making a Fuji gi order in the the next few days.

Sleeper Athletics will be hosting a Judo Seminar on Saturday April 28th.  The seminar will be taught by Ippon Dojo’s, Jason Harai.  The seminar will be open to youth 7 years and up and also adults.  The Youth seminar will be held from 11:00am-1:00pm, in place of regular Youth BJJ class.  The Adult seminar will be held from 1:00pm-3:00pm.  The cost of the seminar is $10/youth and $20/adult.  These seminars will be a great way for you to round out your BJJ and wrestling games and will introduce you to basic judo techniques and theories.

Ippon Dojo is one of the northwest’s most successful judo clubs and is home to 2008 and 2012 Olympic judo player, Travis Stevens.  You can learn more about Jason and Ippon Dojo on their facebook page or at ipponjudodojo.com.

Pee Wee class will be on regular schedule this day, with class from 10:00-10:45am.

If you have any questions or would like to pre-register for the seminar please contact Cindy at cindy@sleeperathletics.com or 206-605-1078.

Pee Wee Class – 10:00-11:00am

Youth BJJ Class – 11:00-noon

Belt promotions and all ages open mat – noon-2

Family and friends are welcome.  Come support the team and get some training in.

Revolution 3.17.12 picture gallery is up.  There are tons of great photos from lots of differnt photographers.  Check them out there are some great shots of the Sleeper Team in action.

Sleeper Athletics getting ready to work

Revolution 3.17.12 was a great event for the Sleeper Athletics Competition Team and the northwest grappling community.  We brought 6 Youth competitors (Syd, Jalen, Sey, Casey, Tenocht and Brandon) and 4 Adult competitors (Erin, Mike, Mac and Zach) and brought home a some serious hardware.

Coach Syd, representing Edmonds BJJ and SA, had a great showing in the Juniors Blue Belt division.  Syd used great technique and a keen understanding of the rule set to capture 1st place.  In the Juniors Intermediate/Advanced No gi division, Syd had some stiff competition and was able to bring home a 2nd place medal.  Syd made a huge impact not only in his divisions, but also in the work he has done with the team as head wrestling coach.  All of the youth competitors displayed tons of techniques straight from Syd’s wrestling classes.  The team toolbox is growing immensely with Syd on board as a coach.  Thanks s much for all of your hard work and dedication to your training and to the team’s development.  We couldn’t have done it without your help!!!!

Coach Syd and the kids!!!!

After almost a year out of competition, Jalen came back with a strong performance.  In his gi division, Jalen had some close battles and was able to secure a 3rd place medal.  His no gi matches (best 2 out of 3) turned in to a battle of the inverted triangle.  Fortunately, Jalen was able to learn on the fly and was able to come out on top in the finals match to secure 1st place.

Sey, training out of RSU and SA, competed in the beginner no gi division and had several tough matches.  He won his first match with good technique and tons of heart.  He had a tough second match that unfortunately didn’t go his way.  despite a loss, Sey  displayed great poise and sportsmanship and tookhome 2nd place.

Casey “Scrappy Cheetah” had the best performance of his career and was one of the standouts of the event.  Casey positionally dominated his opponents in the gi division and was able to win his first tournament medal ever, and it was Gold!  Scrappy Cheetah then went to take 2nd in the Beginner No Gi divisions.  Way to go Scrappy Cheetah, you proved that hard work and perseverance pay off!!!!!

Brandon continues to turn it up to 11 at tournaments and brought home Gold in both his Gi and No Gi divisions.  He demonstrated awesome takedowns and positional domination in all of his matches.  The wrestling is really paying off and Brandon is proof.  Great job Brandon, way to show off your takedowns!!!!

Tenocht, just off a huge 8th birthday bash,  moved up in the age divisions this tournament.  This didn’t phase Tenocht and he was able to bring home 2nd place in both the Gi and No Gi divisions.  His cool, calm, all business demeanor and his unmatched mat time (175 classes attended in 3 months) showed during all of his matches as he embodied good sportsmanship and exceptional technique.  Tenocht will continue to be a force to be reckoned in the 8-9yrs divisions.  Keep an eye on this kid he is hungry and dedicated and will be back looking for gold at the next event.

In the adult divisions we had  a strong showing.   Erin, was the adult standout, winning two hard fought matches to bring home 1st place in the Women’s white belt divisions.  Great way to start your competition career!!!!  Can’t wait to see what you can do with even more mat time and techniques in your toolbox.  Keep an eye out for Erin, she is guaranteed to be one of the northwest’s toughest new female competitors.

Mike made his tournament debut and looked great.  He had a very tough first match that didn’t end his way.  But Mike persevered and pulled out a win in his consolation match.  Way to keep your head in the game and keep on going!!!!

Zach, SA’s newest addition to the wrrestling coaching staff, had some great matches.   He has only been training BJJ/Submission Grappling for a few weeks but was able to work his game plan in both the gi and no gi divisions.  He won a few and lost a few but proved that he will be a medal contender  in future events.  Great job, Zach!  Happy to have you on the team and can’t wait to see you grow your BJJ and No Gi games.

Mac, representing Summit BJJ and SA, started off strong winning his first 2 matches in the White belt division.  He fell a bit short in his 3rd match and wasn’t able to pull of the win.  Despite the 3rd round loss, Mac demonstrated great technique and heart.  He will be another one to watch for in this division, his toolbox is growing and good things are to come for Mac.

Overall the team had a tremndous showing.  Here is the medal breakdown in short.

10 competitors (6 youth. 4 adult)

16 divisions.

5  Youth Gold

5 Youth Silver

1 Youth Bronze

1 Adult Gold

On top of having a great showing on the mats, Sleeper Athletics Booster Club had the most well stocked snack station at the event and a huge showing of support from teammates, family and friends.  Thanks to everyone who helped the team get to where it is.  We have tons of events and other fun activities planned in the future so stay up to date with what the Sleeper crew is up to next.  Thanks again for the love and support!!!!!!

Here is the tournament schedule for the Revolution 3.17.12.  Make sure you arrive in plenty of time and are on weight.  We have a strong crew of adults and kids competing.  Good luck to Jalen, Tenocht, Brandon, Casey, Sey, Syd, Mac, Mike, Erin, and Zach!!!!!!!  We have been training hard and you guys are going to do great.  Already super proud of you all!!!!

Come out and cheer on the Sleeper team!!!!!  Hope to see everyone there.

If you need a ride or have room in your car please let Cindy know so that we can make sure everyone who wants to go is able.

Classes will be back on regular scheudle on Monday, March 19th.