Several times a week, a group of keen kids, men and women get together at the Kokiri stage on Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive to learn the skills of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ.)
Jiu Jitsu is a grappling-based Martial Art, suitable for all ages.Whaingaroa BJJ has regular gradings for its members and recently several members were awarded stripes on their belts to recognise their achievement.
Getting a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is not an easy journey; it requires 10 – 12 years of continual training.
However, this is exactly what one of the founding coaches has achieved. At 66 years of age, Andrew Higgins was awarded his black belt during a seminar in Cambridge in April held by John Will, head coach of Will / Machado BJJ, based in Geelong, Australia.
What makes this event even more special is that only last year Andrew underwent surgery for bowel cancer.
Andrew has now been back training for the past 3 months and there is no holding him back. It was wonderful that 10 of the club’s members were there to witness it along with Andrew’s wife Brenda.
Two of the club’s other coaches were promoted as well: head coach Travis Brown, who runs children’s and adult’s classes, and Phil Beale who assists where and when needed, were awarded their 2nd degree black belts.
New members are always welcome. Details are at www.raglanbjj.co.nz
