NMI bags 3 silver, 4 bronze in Guam

Trench Tech Purebred Saipan brought home three silver and four bronze medals from the Spring 2024 Patgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament held last Saturday, April 27, at the University of Guam Calvo Field House.

In the go division, Trey Ke’Koa C. Manglona took silver in the teen 114-lb division, while Urijah “Wolfie” Sablan also got the same color medal in the PeeWee 2 55-lb category. Reiden Jiohn P. Travilla and Tate Kiyan C. Manglona also won bronze in the Junior 2, 67-lb and Junior 2, 80-lb categories, respectively.

In the no gi, Trey Manglona also settled for second in the teen 114-lb division. Travilla also came in third in the Junior 2, 67-lbs. Ditto for Tate Manglona in the Junior 2, 80-lb division.

“There’s always room for improvement. I know I can do better next time. I’m happy. Both me and my brother were able to stand on the podium this year. Tougher competitors this year. It’s always a pleasure competing and representing my flag, family, and team,” said Trey about the Guam tourney.

Sablan’s father Thorn, meanwhile, said his son had a great experience and he’s looking forward to the next tournament.

“He was nervous but excited to be in the gold medal match. With this being his first tournament, he felt really accomplished to have placed silver and he is motivated to take home gold the next time he competes at Patgon. He dedicates his podium finish to his parents, family, coaches, and everyone who supports and motivates him.”

Travilla, for his part, said he’s happy to have given his best and was happy with his performance.

“Being able to place and be recognized on the podium is a humbling and exciting experience for me. Most especially to represent Trench Tech Purebred and the CNMI in jiu-jitsu. This year’s competition was tough, but also exciting because I competed against very skilled opponents from Guam. This was also the first time I competed in the no-gi division with limited experience and training, and I was able to secure bronze with a submission. I am ready to go back to training hard and can’t wait to compete in the next tournament.”

Tate Manglona said the whole experience was just simply amazing.

“I got to stand on the podium for the first time and did it twice. I know I can do better, and I will. I’m happy for my brother and my team. It was a fun tournament. I competed for both gi and no gi and got to push my body to limits it hasn’t been before.”

Trench Tech Purebred Saipan sensei Cuki Alvarez couldn’t be prouder of his burgeoning jiu-jitsu jins.

“I am extremely proud of all our kids. They put in a lot of work at the gym and fought their hearts out with some of the best kid grapplers in the region. Three of them competed for the very first time! Trench Tech Purebred Saipan will continue to work with all our kids and we remain steadfast in our mission and goals to teach our kids the best jiu-jitsu we can and to help them improve their performances not only in the gym and at competition, but in life in general. Biba kids jiu-jitsu!” he said.