BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Athletes from Kingston’s Midtown Jiu Jitsu completed another successful day of competition at the Grappling Industries Brooklyn tournament at the Major R. Owens Health and Wellness Community Center on Saturday, May 9.
Midtown Jiu Jitsu assistant coach and Kingston High wrestler Cruz Geuss delivered a flawless performance. He went 6-0 and earned double gold while submitting every opponent he faced.
Midtown’s coaching staff expressed how fortunate they feel to have such a standout athlete and role model such as Geuss helping to lead younger students in the room.
Shotaro Vissac, a teammate of Geuss in both jiu jitsu and wrestling, earned second place in the gi division.
Vissac showcased sharp scrambling abilities throughout the competition and secured one victory with a rear naked choke off an arm trap, a technique he has recently developed in training.
Midtown Jiu jitsu coaches are confident that with a few small adjustments, Vissac will return stronger and contend for a double gold the next time out.
Adult competitor Darius Edwards captured double gold through a series of highly technical matches along with several quick submissions by straight ankle locks. Edwards continues to establish himself as a dangerous and unpredictable competitor with his intense and unorthodox style.
Blue belt Kyle Lindenauer, who was recently promoted to purple belt following the event, earned third place in gi while competing across two divisions filled with tough opponents. Every match was competitive and closely contested. Lindenauer is described as a hardworking, kind and deeply invested student by Midtown coaches.
Youth standout Amelia Hodas also turned in another dominant performance, earning double gold while submitting all but one of her opponents. She has become the first youth student at Midtown Jiu Jitsu to actively pursue and find success with lapel strangles in competition, an area coaches are excited to continue developing with her.
Rounding out the team’s performances was Hana Vissac, one of Midtown’s top youth competitors. Competing for the first time in the grey belt division, Vissac went 5-5 in an extremely competitive bracket with every match decided by a single score. She secured a submission victory with an arm-in guillotine.
Coaches praised Vissac’s continued growth both in the training room and on the competition mats and are eager to help prepare her for her next event.
“We’re very pleased with our small team’s success competing against large, highly-skilled gyms from across the five boroughs,” Midtown Jiu Jitsu head coach Malachy Silva said. “Our students continue to show tremendous heart, discipline, and growth every time they step on the mats.”
Midtown Jiu Jitsu continues to field a growing competition team made up of dedicated athletes across all age groups, with students regularly balancing both jiu jitsu and wrestling competition at a high level.