(Story Contributed By Dennis Dolezal)
Clay Andersen, from Chadron recently competed in Gering in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament ran by Legion Combat Sports. Clay was in one of the bigger brackets with eight other competitors.
In his first win, Clay beat his opponent with a rear naked strangle. In his second match, he won with a straight ankle lock. In the championship, Clay battled back and forth with his opponent and came close to submissions but ended up getting his back taken and strangled from behind.
It was a great showing for his first tournament against experienced competitors.
Joel Thorsen of Gordon also competed in a tournament put on by the same company in North Platte and held his own against competitors with many more years of experience despite being just a white belt in his first year.
Joel just missed out on medaling but he was very happy with how he performed against such experienced competitors.
“Both competitors did well considering it was their first competition and their competition had such greater experience”, said their coach Dennis Dolezal.
Clay and Joel train in Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Pine Ridge Judo and Jiu Jitsu which has classes in Chadron and Rushville for both children and adults. Classes are taught by Dr. Dennis Dolezal. Check them out on Facebook for contact information.
Congratulations! from a martial artist of a different art.