A significant milestone was reached on May 20, 2023, for Bigfoot Jiu-Jitsu, as we stepped onto the mats for the first time as a team at the Grappling Industries tournament in Denver. It was a momentous event, marking a new chapter in our journey as a Jiu-Jitsu community.

We arrived at the tournament as one of the more compact teams, with only five competitors representing us. However, we left an indelible mark on the competition, securing an impressive 15th place out of 48 teams, despite our smaller size. This accomplishment is a testament to our team's tenacity, skill, and spirit.

The tournament was a hotbed of talent, with numerous teams from all over Colorado in attendance. Despite this, our five representatives stood their ground, demonstrating exceptional ability and determination.

Our team of five comprised of Blane Sibille III, Dean Sibille, Andrew Wilcox, Bruce Sibille, and Caden Kittay, each of whom brought unique strengths to the competition:

• Blane Sibille III secured a commendable 3rd place in the Gi category, demonstrating his technical prowess and strategic acumen.
• Dean Sibille mirrored his performance, also achieving 3rd place in the Gi category, showcasing his firm grasp of Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals.
• Andrew Wilcox was a standout competitor, taking home first place in both Gi and No-Gi categories. His victory is especially remarkable considering he's been training for just a month. Andrew's achievement is not only a testament to his natural talent but also to his dedication and rapid progression in the sport.
• Bruce Sibille also brought home a gold medal, taking first place in the Gi category. His performance was an exhibition of technical proficiency, strategic thinking, and sheer determination.
• Caden Kittay rounded out our team's impressive performance with a solid 3rd place in the Gi category, reflecting his hard work and commitment to the sport.

While each individual's performance was noteworthy, the true victory lies in our collective accomplishment. Our ranking of 15th out of 48 teams is an achievement that belongs to every member of Bigfoot Jiu-Jitsu, from our competitors to our coaches, and our supportive community.

This tournament was about more than just medals and rankings. It was about growth, camaraderie, and the spirit of Jiu-Jitsu. We may have been small in numbers, but our performance demonstrated our mighty spirit and potential.

As we reflect on this accomplishment, we are filled with pride and gratitude for our team and the broader Bigfoot Jiu-Jitsu community. We know that this is just the beginning of our journey, and we look forward to growing, learning, and achieving even more in the future.

Bigfoot Jiu-Jitsu, here's to standing tall and fighting hard, no matter the odds. After all, it's not the size of the team in the fight but the size of the fight in the team.