Trench Tech youth shine in Guam tourney

Youth athletes of Trench Tech Purebred Saipan made an impressive showing, returning home with eight medals at the Fall 2024 Påtgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament held last Saturday at the Father Duenas Phoenix Center in Guam.

Seven of the nine competitors from Trench Tech placed on the podium, securing one gold, three silver, and four bronze medals across various divisions.

Trench Tech Purebred Saipan founder Justis “Cuki” Alvarez expressed pride in the team’s performance, noting the event’s significance in the growth of jiu jitsu within the CNMI.

“Our kids did well! We brought nine kids down, and we are coming home with eight medals! One gold, three silver, and four bronze,” said Alvarez. He acknowledged that as each tournament progresses, competition continues to intensify, pushing young athletes to elevate their skill level and technique to stay competitive.

Justo Quitugua won gold (Gi), while Trey Manglona bagged two silvers (gi and no gi). Iris Quitugua also went home with silver. Winning bronze were Alexander Diaz (gi), Ayani Rios (no gi), Uma Naputi (no gi), and Wolfie Sablan (no gi)

Alongside these medalists, Trench Tech was also represented by Gabriel Mitchell and Jordan Camacho. Both of them competed strongly in their divisions and demonstrated the skills and sportsmanship Trench Tech values.

“With each tournament, the competition gets stiffer and stronger. The game is always evolving and advancing,” he added.

The Påtgon Jiu Jitsu Tournament, held twice a year, has been a mainstay since its inception in 2022, and Trench Tech has competed in each of these events. Alvarez noted that the regular tournaments help sharpen the team’s competitive edge, especially given Guam’s numerous high-caliber BJJ academies. “Guam has numerous BJJ academies, and the competition is always challenging, but we are right there in the mix,” he stated, expressing optimism about the future of jiu-jitsu in the CNMI. “It is safe to say that the future of jiu-jitsu in the CNMI is bright with Trench Tech and Saipan Submissions providing quality training for our island youth. Team CNMI in that respect is growing as well.”

To cultivate young talent, Trench Tech has introduced three additional weekly classes dedicated to their competition team, with a special advanced session on Fridays. The training approach for young athletes emphasizes extensive mat time, focusing on drills, sparring, and competition-specific preparation. Alvarez highlighted that these extra sessions have become essential for preparing the team, especially as the level of competition continues to rise.

The impact of jiu-jitsu on the young athletes at Trench Tech extends beyond physical training. Alvarez passionately spoke about the broader benefits of the sport, including self-development, self-defense skills, and the cultivation of discipline, humility, respect, and sportsmanship.

“Jiu jitsu is a beautiful art; it’s fun and a healthy way to keep your mind and body strong and in shape,” he explained. Alvarez shared that the sport builds confidence and camaraderie, enhances teamwork skills, and fosters lifelong friendships.

In addition to his work with Trench Tech, Alvarez has a history of teaching private classes at Agape Christian School, where he introduced many young students to the fundamentals of martial arts and self-discipline, fostering a passion for jiu jitsu that continues in his training programs today.

Trench Tech’s influence reaches beyond the dojo, inspiring students to bring martial arts into their schools. Alvarez noted Trench Tech’s involvement in supporting the Marianas High School MMA Club, where students have organized seminars and in-school grappling and submission tournaments for the past two years. “We at Trench Tech are happy to continue assisting these students in developing their martial arts skills both on and off campus,” Alvarez said, emphasizing his hope for more schools to offer similar physical education programs.

The success of Trench Tech’s youth team would not have been possible without the unwavering support from family members, donors, and sponsors. Alvarez extended his gratitude to sponsors, including Monster Energy, Century Hotel, Hafa Adai Rent-a-Car, Marianas Variety, McDonald’s Saipan and Guam, Mike Atoigue, The Office of Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Pokka, House Vice Speaker Joel C. Camacho (Ind-Saipan), Roil Soil and Shayne Villanueva, the Saipan Mayor’s Office, Sammy Manglona, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Turn Key Solutions, 4ever CNMI, 670 Rocksteady Shop, AA Enterprises Inc., All-Star Sporting Goods, Boarderline, Cepeda Tent Rentals, DC Pro Rentals, Department of Fire & EMS, Garapan Restaurant, Ina’s Kitchen, Java Joe’s, and Jinhyeok Shin.

As Trench Tech’s youth team continues to excel and inspire, the CNMI’s jiu-jitsu community looks ahead with optimism, anticipating further growth and achievements in the sport.