Local grapplers from Straight Blast Gym of Montana traveled to Las Vegas recently to compete at Grapplers Quest, one of the biggest Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and submission grappling events in the nation. Over 1,000 competitors from around the world attended the two-day event at Mandalay Bay, which included the UFC Fan Expo.
SBG team members brought home 14 gold medals, eight silver medals, and five bronze. The event promoter has not announced the team standings.
Local Straight Blast Gym competitors included Mkgraygor Cusick, Traic Fainter, Joe Davison, Stella Davison, Ricky Davison, Jalen Hawes, Gus deSouza, Bridger Wareham, Ted Davison, Tyrun Severson, Hunter Gomel, Jed McDonald, Morris Mueller, Steve Fainter, Jose deSouza, Kevin Moore. Also competing were coaches Dakota Tackett, Gus Nolte, Amanda Loewen, John Diggins, and head coach and SBG owner Travis Davison.
“The team exceeded my expectations and seems to be on a trajectory that will put us amongst the best teams in the country within the next twelve months,” said Davison. “This was truly one of the most rewarding tournaments both as a competitor and a coach.”
No-Gi Grappling Individual Results – by Weight Class:
Traic Fainter – 1st place in Youth Advanced
Joe Davison – 3rd place in Youth Advanced
Ricky Davison – 2nd place in Youth Advanced
Gustavo De Souza – 3rd place in Youth Advanced
Avery Stiles – 1st place in Youth Advanced
Tyrun Severson – 2nd place in Youth Advanced
Dakota Tackett – 1st place in Men’s Advanced
Gus Nolte – 1st place in Men’s Advanced
Jed McDonald – 1st place in Men’s Beginner
Kevin Moore – 3rd place in Men’s Masters
John Diggins – 1st place in Men’s Advanced
Amanda Loewen – 1st place in Women’s Advanced
Travis Davison – 1st place in Executive AdvancedNo-Gi Grappling Absolute Division – No Weight Class:
Gus Nolte – 1st place in Men’s Blue BeltBrazilian Jiu Jitsu Individual Results – by Weight Class:
Traic Fainter – 2nd place in Youth Advanced
Gustavo De Souza – 3rd place in Youth Advanced
Avery Stiles – 1st place in Youth Advanced
Jalen Hawes – 1st place in Youth Advanced
Tyrun Severson – 1st place in Youth Advanced
Dakota Tackett – 1st place in Men’s Blue Belt
Gus Nolte – 2nd place in Men’s Blue Belt
Amanda Loewen – 1st place in Women’s Blue Belt
John Diggins – 2nd place in Men’s Brown Belt
Travis Davison – 2nd place in Master’s Black BeltBrazilian Jiu Jitsu – AbsoluteDivison (No Weight Class)
Gus Nolte – 2nd place Men’s Blue Belt
Amanda Loewen – 1st place Women’s Blue Belt
John Diggins – 2nd place Men’s Brown Belt